MICHAEL GILL - review added 19th February 2010
Album Review: Blues For Lazarus (2010)
For fans of: Prog Rock... and cartoon-ish album art
Yes, Michael Gill really does look like the cartoon interpretation on the album cover. The sedate nature of the artwork left me expecting little from this release. The reality is that, whilst Blues for Lazarus isn't non-stop genius, it does have occasional moments of utter brilliance.
The songs (all originals apart from 'Here Comes The Flood' by Peter Gabriel) are inspired by the writings of Robert Heinlein, William Gibson, Frank Herbert, Mary Stewart and more. It doesn't come across 100% concept-album, but there's a definite theme-of-style throughout.
The players on Blues For Lazarus are many. Michael Gill is a solo artist supported by numerous talents rather than a musician with a steady backing group. Featured are: Michael Gill on piano, organ and synthesizers, Amy Brodo on cello, Dave Cowden, Rick Ellis, Sylvia Herold, and Callie Lou Thomas on vocals, Rob Fordyce, Mike Jacobs and Scott Urquhart on bass, Glenn Harris, Damian Petruzzella and Tom Valdez on guitar, Dave Koz on alto sax, Brad McKeague, Michael Oliver, and Dave Weckl on drums, and Gary Meek on tenor & soprano sax.
The sound is softly progressive, chilled, almost jazz-like in places. There is rock in the mix, but it's mainly in the complexity of the drums and bounding nature of the bass. This isn't progressive rock of the same form pedaled by early Dream Theater. This is much quieter and more self-assured than that. This is progressive rock sat on a sandy beach watching the sun set over a gently rippling ocean.
The best track is without doubt the title track. It really is the work of laid-back genius and one of the finest songs I've heard in an age. Rick Ellis' vocals are emotive and more soothing than a wee dram of the good stuff. The Peter Gabriel cover 'Here Comes The Flood', with an eerie female vocal performance from Callie Lou Thomas, really reminds me of early Judie Tzuke. 'Colorado' is soaked in mellow Kansas-isms and works well.
Blues For Lazarus features excellent musicianship - especially main man Michael Gill - and some superb vocal performances. Not all the songs are great, but the majority have a personality and something memorable - be it a sax solo or sublime vocal. Ultimately, this isn't really my thing. However, the title track is so good it's hard not to be seduced by it.
Check out... The title track.
Track List:
01. Merlin's Journey
02. Blues For Lazarus
03. Arrakis
04. Tomorrow's World
05. Here Comes The Flood
06. Memory Of A Dream
07. Colorado
08. Stay The Night
09. Rain
Label: Prog Rock Records
Artist's website(s): Michael Gill
