Steve Jolliffe Invitation

This is a collection of Steve's past works plus four new tracks. I've never been a fan of Steve's earlier career, instead I've been much more interested in his albums 'Zanzi' onwards. BUT this CD has forced me to have a rethink. The older tracks have been picked with great care and by someone who obviously has similar tastes to my own (apart from the section chosen from 'Zanzi' that is). I suppose what I didn't like about some of his music was the sax playing but it never takes a major role here (except on the last track 'Goodbye'). I also thought that melodically his work was a bit too twee but again on this compilation that is simply not the case. The melodies are nearly all strong covering a wide spectrum of emotions but never sounding too sweet. What I did like about his work was his haunting flute playing as demonstrated very well on most of the tracks here particularly 'Japanese Butterfly' and also the way the flute melded with the delicate synth textures on such tracks as 'Wardance'. The rhythmic quality of this track is also very appealing.

Steve's ability to create emotionally tinged and relaxing soundscapes is amply demonstrated on 'Exordiri' and 'Middle Dream State'. Both use a similar technique of a sequence coming and going as if the mist swirls in the wind allowing the sun to burst through for a short time before it closes in again. There are only a few vocal tracks spread over Steve's albums and the one chosen for inclusion here. 'Captains of Fate' follows a relatively traditional song structure, you'll love it or hate it. The first of the otherwise unavailable numbers is 'Rejuvenation', a delicate piano piece. The second 'Astral Travel' is very melodic with a flute lead over a most delicate collage of sounds. The third 'Quartus' is almost classical where as the fourth 'Sextus' is a peaceful number consisting of a solo harp. (DL)

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