Dave Bainbridge - On the Edge (of what could be)
Dave Bainbridge - On the Edge (of what could be)
If you’re a fan of Dave Bainbridge, this is everything you expect and want to hear from him.
On the Edge (of what could be)
Dave Bainbridge
Open Sky Records
Disc I: 7 tracks / 39:59
Disc II: 5 tracks / 42:49
On the Edge (of what could be) is the new double CD by Dave Bainbridge, a name that should be very familiar to fans of progressive rock music in general and fans of Celtic rock legends Iona in particular. Dave’s stunning guitar and keyboard work gave a special flavor to the music of the aforementioned Celtic progsters and has in more recent years aided and abetted the likes of Strawbs, Downes-Braide Association, Circuline, and Lifesigns, while producing several solo projects. Yes, he’s been a busy musician – and luckily for us, he’s managed (with a little help from his friends in various sometimes remote locations) to put together his latest project – On the Edge (of what could be). The self-produced album, while having a diversity of styles running through it, is a more spiritual showcase than Dave’s last solo project, To the Far Away, which was also thoughtful and introspective but influenced more by the romantic than spiritual. Nothing wrong with that of course - because really, spirituality and romantic love are intertwined in the best possible scenario. Let’s just say that this album is less earthbound – but by all means, prepare to be knocked out of your socks! There’s some stunning playing here!
Oh, those friends I alluded to – the names should be very familiar to long-time followers of Bainbridge: Frank van Essen (violin, viola, and string ensemble), Troy Donockley (Uilleann Pipes, Whistles), and Sally Minnear (vocals) are joined by David Fitzgerald (sax, flute), Jon Poole (bass), Simon Phillips (drums), and several ‘guest’ vocalists, such as Rachel Walker, Suzie Minnear, Ebony Buckle, Iain Hornal and Randy McStine. The list is incomplete, but you get the idea – this is an impressive group of friends – and all in wonderful form. Of course, Dave wrote or co-wrote all of the songs and pours everything he has into his piano/synth/organ work and soaring guitar passages. The resulting music is sometimes as ethereal as a scented breeze and at other times as swirling and furious as a whirlwind.
Layered airy vocals (in Scottish Gaelic) waft through “For Evermore” and introduce the album, giving way to the Iona-like second track, “On the Slopes of Sliabh Mis,” once again featuring Gaelic words. There are fast runs and sudden stops, vocal (monk-like?) phrases sailing over the music and a fantastic guitar run at the very end. This seven minute musical homage to the legendary first home of St. Patrick is a mini-primer for the music of Dave Bainbridge.
“Colour of Time” brings a total change of musical mood with a more traditional prog rock attack, recalling Yes, or Kerry Livgren’s more ambitious Kansas work. There’s a shift in tone half way through and a very gutsy guitar solo from Dave, while Jon Poole turns in particularly wonderful bass playing. Randy McStine’s vocals are powerful and very accessible, helping to make this a track that would, I think, appeal to just about anyone, combining the best of prog and classic rock. The song is dedicated to Dave’s sister Maureen, who died at 47, inspiring this musical observation of the nature of time and our transitory existence. If this was the Book of Psalms, it would be a good place for a “Selah” …and that comes next, with “That They May Be One,” a tranquil piece, full of longing and sweetly poured-out electric guitar notes, all over a spacey keyboard wash. Three minutes of instrumental reflection on the words of Jesus.
The title song follows with a more traditional rock band (well, more traditional for Celtic prog, anyway). “On the Edge (of what could be)” is a plea for peace and understanding, rhythmically driving, complete with Uilleann Pipes, powerful drums, a male lead vocal and some impressive guitar work – right up to the very abrupt ending. “The Whispering of the Landscape” is next, with Dave playing a gentle piece on acoustic guitar – the liner notes even shares his tuning and where to put your capo, guitar nerds!
The interlude of the last song was the acoustic calm before the Celtic prog storm of “Hill of the Angels,” twelve and a-half minutes of shifting dynamics, waterfalls of keys, explosive drumming and synth soloing, Gregorian chant-like vocals, pastoral sections, furious drumming, tempo changes, a violin solo and even a pop vocal here and there. The repeated riff that emerges throughout the song will haunt you. This is one to dive deep into.
“Farther Up and Farther In” is a phrase immediately familiar to fans of C.S. Lewis, and in fact the song is inspired by Lewis’ words as a jumping-off point for Simon Phillips’ furiously-paced drumming, Dave’s dizzying synth and stunning guitar work. The grand guitar lines against the fury of the bass and drums are a thing of beauty. The exhilarating pace sets us up for “Relig Odhrain,” a twelve and a-half minute epic musical journey (with Scottish Gaelic vocals mixed in for good measure) to the isle of Iona and the traditional burial place of kings. Once again, we’re treated to an inviting mix of gothic and modern sounds taking us to another place and a contemplation of the Biblical promise of resurrection and change. The mysterious gives way to the tranquil with “Beyond the Plains of Earth and Time,” a cinematic instrumental piece featuring strings performed by Frank van Essen and Jonas Pap, and Dave on guitars and keyboards.
Clocking in at a hefty sixteen minutes-plus “Fall Away” has about everything you’d expect, starting with a barrage of drums, guitar, keys and bass (kudos to Jon Poole, whose bass is mesmerizing here). The pace shifts into low gear but doesn’t stay there. Pipes and keys usher in a vocal duet by Sally and Iain Hornal giving life to the poetic lyric. The song builds to a crescendo, subsides, and goes through rhythmic changes before things ‘get electric’ again. After thirteen minutes or so, the big theme is re-introduced, as if to lead into a big, epic ending (think of a Neal Morse Big Finish) but Dave fools us and goes into a furious fast-paced section that ends as suddenly as it began in a somewhat spacy way.
The album ends with “When All Will Be Bright,” a layered, textural song featuring mainly vocals, once again a selah – this time to the whole album. Sailing over a bed of orchestral keys, they sing, “Those who have walked, through the thin veil before us, Long have we mourned them, and felt their loss / Now are transforming / to bodies of light, Soon we shall see them…”
So, not exactly a party album, right? But if you’re a fan of Dave Bainbridge, this is everything you expect and want from him. The packaging, by the way, is colorful, with excellent photography – and the liner notes are packed with great information and deep observations from Dave. On the Edge (of what could be) is haunting, beautiful, sometimes genre-defying music that probably fits best in the category of Celtic prog, but often transcends even that tenuous description. This is thoughtful music – and sometimes it rocks.
4 ½ tocks
Bert Saraco
You can see Bert Saraco’s concert photography at: www.facebook.com/express.image
