ANDERSON ⁄ STOLT – Invention Of Knowledge (2016)
Former Yes legendary vocalist Jon Anderson and The Flower Kings / Transatlantic guitarist Roine Stolt have teamed up for a collaborative project baptized ANDERSON ⁄ STOLT, with their debut CD “Invention Of Knowledge” to be released on June 24 via InsideOut Music.
Label boss Thomas Waber inspired the project after Anderson and Stolt met during the Progressive Nation At Sea cruising festival in 2014.
There was a funny time when it seemed like there was this whole barrage of prog supergroups, some with a multitude of guests creating this super project that for a moment in time. They all were garnered as the best thing since sliced bread; sometimes often owing to the fact that there are all these names involved (most obscure, only known strictly to the progressive rock community).
We don’t see to many of those often, but every once in a while, there is something that rolls around worthy of a listen beyond the art-rock scene.
Enter English-man Jon Anderson and Swede Roine Stolt; both veterans, one that has been waltzing around arenas since the beginning of Yes, and the other who reined in the new era of sophisticated and intricate rock music with his band The Flower Kings, TransAtlantic, et all, respectively.
But this is not a pastiche of either’s well known endeavors, as “Invention Of Knowledge” marks a new chapter in the books for both.
While everyone’s vibe foreshadows what beholds, there is a little bit of reflection upon other projects including Anderson’s work with Ponty, Vangelis and some of his solo outings, while Stolt’s presence as a guitarist and producer in context drives a lot of the emotion as well both the musical spirit & authority of the record alongside Anderson’s commanding voice; which still holds up in superb manner.
The album is elegant without stiff flamboyance, the appropriate mix of pomp pop (“Invention”& “Knowing”), eased back melodic tunes (“Better by Far”), multi-faceted musical expression (“We Are Truth”) and balladry (“Chase and Harmony”) creates the myriad of musical ideology that works perfectly.
Devoid of all out metal extravaganzas or fusion filled madness, “Invention Of Knowledge” will do more than rock the boat. Indeed, “Invention Of Knowledge” is ‘easy listening’, plenty of melody.
It’s like getting a visit from two long time friends whom have an intriguing story to tell amongst the long awaited hello.
And certainly lives up to the pedigree of the namesakes.
Highly Recommended
01 – Invention
02 – We Are Truth
03 – Knowledge
04 – Knowing
05 – Chase and Harmony
06 – Everybody Heals
07 – Better By Far
08 – Golden Light
09 – Know…
Jon Anderson – vocals
Roine Stolt – guitars, production
Tom Brislin, Lalle Larsson – keyboards
Jonas Reingold, Michael Stolt – bass
Felix Lehrmann – drums
Daniel Gildenlöw, Nad Sylvan, Anja Obermayer, Maria Rerych – Kristina Westas – backing vocals
PRE ORDER:
www.amazon.co.uk/Invention-Knowledge-Anderson-Stolt/dp/B01EC1RJXI
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