Earth
in Turquoise - Review
Stephen
Caudel is a brilliant multi instrumentalist that first came to my
notice in the early 80's. It was just about the time that the CD format
started to really break in the UK. I remember hearing his 'Wine Dark
Sea' playing in a shop and purchasing it as one of my first ever CDs.
'Wine' was easily the best of all the CODA label releases in the 80's
and the music from it was regularly featured on television's 'Art of
Landscape' programmes. Caudel's music can only be described as "one-man
rock symphonies" - it starts in the realms of rock and crosses right
over the musical spectrum to touch on classical music, with its rich,
at times grandiose displays of intricate guitar work and superb keyboard
craftsmanship. I have often said that had M. Oldfield not emerged from
the depth of Virgin's Manor studios with his 'Tubular Bells' epic under
his arm, then Stephen Caudel my have made it big with his own brand
of multi-instrumental sound painting, but I dare say Richard Branson
may not have been too happy about it!!! Fans of Austria's multi-instrumental
genius: Gandalf will also derive much pleasure from listening to the
music of this wonderful composer, as will lovers of Steve Hackett's
magical merging of electric/acoustic guitars, keyboards and percussion.
Mike Oldfield is also a good reference point, but Caudel's music is
much more majestic, considerably less quirky and more solidly structured
than earlier Oldfield material. Alan Freeman has been giving the CD
his full support on his new Virgin Radio "Rock Show" - knowing Fluff's
musical tastes as we do, it is hardly surprising he is championing Caudel's
music.
Overall,
'Earth in Turquoise' is a superb example of "real" instrumental symphonic
rock music and it falls mainly into two categories as far as a CD services
audience is concerned. 1) The Gandalf style of melodic, electronic sound-painting
- & 2) The more symphonic areas of progressive rock where the likes
of Steve Hackett & Camel reign as rulers of that kingdom - but in this
CD, the two have found a worthy adversary and strong challenger for
the symphonic rock crown - An album full of glorious guitar/keyboard
based themes that will thrill and move any fan of either of the two
genres - A winner for sure!
by
Dave Shoesmith of CD Services, Scotland
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