ASIA feat. JOHN PAYNE – Recollections; A Tribute To British Prog (2014)
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ASIA featuring JOHN PAYNE presents their new studio album entitled “Recollections: A Tribute to British Prog”, featuring ten renditions of songs originally performed by such artists as Camel, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and The Alan Parsons Project, amongst others.
As you may know, this other version of Asia born when Payne – who served as original frontman John Wetton’s replacement in Asia from 1991 through 2006 – decided to continue using the ‘Asia’ moniker after the original members reunited again. A legal agreement soon followed stating that Payne could continue with his own version of the renowned group.
Payne said this regarding the new effort “Recollections: A Tribute to British Prog”: “I’d love for people to realize what a deep heritage there is in classic rock and progressive rock coming from the UK.“
Many fans are asking themselves why John Payne still perseveres recording under the Asia name. His version of the band have not recorded any albums of original material since they formed in 2006.
But to be honest, I don’t care, because the line-up of this Asia version is simply outstanding.
Erik Norlander (Ayreon) really shines, faithful to the originals, but adds his own style and set-up sound, elevating the songs to higher levels. And we have the super talented Jay Schellen (Unruly Child, Hurricane) delivering exquisite drum patterns, while the band has in their ranks since 2012 the skills of superb guitarist Jeff Kollman.
There is a lot of energy in these versions, and I’m blown away by John’s vocal talents once again. He still sings incredibly. His work on “Eye in the Sky” is especially noteworthy; it truly shows off his range on this edgy version of this classic.
Every song on this CD is beyond amazing and is truly a very special tribute to the original bands, produced with a bright classic sound but updated to today’s standards, and on many places very close to Proggy AOR / Melodic Rock. Just check “I Know You’re Out There”.
“Court of the Crimson King” is a really interesting version that sounds excellent, weirdly bright and dare one say upbeat in parts. UK’s “Nothing To Lose” receiving an Asia treatment never sounded so AOR!
Also their take on “Locomotive Breath” (Jethro Tull) has an ’80s feel to it with pumping bass lines and rolling drumming.
If you don’t like much the ‘tribute albums’, do yourself a favor and grab “Recollections: A Tribute to British Prog”. Especially if you’re fan of ’80s – ’90s AOR / Melodic Rock with a Prog touch.
Yes, these songs are Progressive numbers, but in the hands of Payne and the guys acquire a new sonic dimension. Arrangements, playing and production are top notch, bright and crystal clear.
Strongly Recommended.
01. Sirius (The Alan Parsons Project)
02. Eye In The Sky (The Alan Parsons Project)
03. It Can Happen (Yes)
04. Court of the Crimson King (King Crimson)
05. Highways of the Sun (Camel)
06. I Know You’re Out There Somewhere (The Moody Blues)
07. Rock And Roll Star (Barclay James Harvest)
08. Nothing to Lose (UK)
09. Locomotive Breath (Jethro Tull)
10. Lucky Man (Emerson, Lake and Palmer)
John Payne – lead vocals, bass, keyboards
Jay Schellen – drums, percussion
Erik Norlander – keyboards, backing vocals
Jeffrey Kollman – guitar, backing vocals
Moni Scaria – guitar, backing vocals
BUY IT !
cdon.eu/music/asia_featuring_john_payne/recollections%3A_a_tribute_to_british_prog-26653212
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