TIM BOWNESS – Lost In The Ghost Light (2017)
Steven Wilson’s partner in No-Man, TIM BOWNESS, releases his fourth solo album, “Lost In The Ghost Light” today Feb. 17 through InsideOutMusic. It’s a fascinating concept record which follows an aging rock musician both on and backstage by the name of Moonshot, and the songs from his inner musings, thoughts and fears… and believe me, it’s a story worth following.
The CD begins with “Worlds of Yesterday” which as the title suggests tells of the main character’s past, and it begins in a rather subdued manner. This isn’t very surprising, as Bowness is probably best known for his band No-Man with Steven Wilson, which is generally quiet and subdued as well, which matches his vocal style which is very laid back, almost breathy in nature.
But soon the music picks up, and the sounds of classic prog come into the forefront. I hasten to say now though, that although the album in some ways is a love letter to the classic prog of the ’70s it is not a rehash, nor derivative, and Tim has his own take on the sound. And the music works very well and will likely please fans of early Genesis or Camel, while still sounding new.
The album picks up a bit with “Kill the Pain That’s Killing You” which has a more raucous beginning and middle section, with some ripping guitar work courtesy of guitarist Bruce Soord (of The Pineapple Thief). It is unlike much else that Bowness has done over the years and is a refreshing shot of energy in the arm of the album.
The rest of the record goes back to a more laid back sound, with the exception of the instrumental section of “You Wanted to be Seen,” which goes full synthesizer prog, and certainly the highlight of the album. And the playing is outstanding throughout that section as well as the album as a whole.
Exceptional playing is neither surprising nor an accident when you realize the team of people that Bowness has brought on board to make his vision a reality.
It’s a powerhouse of prog legends, both from the classic days, and also the modern. From the classic era Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) plays one of his signature fiery flute solos on the closing track “Distant Summers,” and Bowness brings in Kit Watkins of Camel fame to provide some of the wonderful keyboard work.
From the modern age, along with the aforementioned Bruce Soord, bassist extraordinaire Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree provides both subtle and thunderous work throughout. And to round it off, Tim’s no-man partner Steven Wilson provides us with another crystal clear, and perfectly balanced mix, and mastering job.
“Lost In The Ghost Light” is a love letter to the music and inspirations of Tim Bowness’s youth, while remaining an original and well written concept album.
It is also a tightly performed piece of work that will appeal to fans of classic prog rock, and his fans as well, or someone looking for a more laid back, old school sounding prog record.
An album of immense ambition, the scope of which is matched only by the virtuosity of its songwriting and musical performances.
Highly Recommended
1 – Worlds of Yesterday
2 – Moonshot Manchild
3 – Kill the Pain That’s Killing You
4 – Nowhere Good to Go
5 – You’ll Be the Silence
6 – Lost in the Ghost Light
7 – You Wanted to Be Seen
8 – Distant Summers
Mixed & mastered by Steven Wilson
Tim Bowness – vocals, keyboards, guitar, programming
Stephen Bennett (Henry Fool) – keyboards, programming
Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) – fretless bass, double bass
Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief) – guitar
Hux Nettermalm (Paatos) – drums
Andrew Booker (Sanguine Hum) – drums
Andrew Keeling – string quartet and flute arrangements
guests:
Kit Watkins (Happy The Man / Camel)
Steve Bingham (No-Man)
Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)
BUY IT !
www.amazon.de/Lost-Ghost-Light-Tim-Bowness/dp/B01N45W150
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