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Reviews

Dogstar Poets — Off-Planet
(Aftermath AFT1011, 2002, CD)

Off-Planet Cover art

This may be one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, particularly to Jade Warrior fans. This set sees the reunion of Glyn Havard (bass and vocals) and Dave Duhig (guitar and keys), veterans of Jade Warrior’s pre-Vertigo early period. As a bonus original JW drummer Alan Price makes a guest contribution to the album, though Dave Lewis is the drummer on all tracks. With the advancement of the years and Tony Duhig’s passing, Dave and Glyn were motivated to get some more music made while they could, and the results are well worth the effort. Off-Planet bears an unmistakable Jade Warrior stamp, especially on the more minimalist, ambient-oriented songs like “Avalon Mists” and “Passion Play,” the latter of which develops like a laid-back jam. Considering the personnel, the album naturally also reaches even further into JW’s past recalling the blues and rock sound of the first three albums as evidenced on the songs “Burning Bridges” and “Dear John.” The chemistry seems natural and the material unforced, again a JW hallmark. Duhig plies several modes of guitar playing, itching to let rip an incendiary Hendrix-inspired solo whenever possible it seems. Havard’s main contributions are as vocalist and lyricist, tasks that he handles with subtle yet impressive skill. It’s a varied collection, from dulcimer-driven cosmic musings to art-rock a la Peter Gabriel though it all hangs together and definitely feels like a Jade Warrior album. Hopefully this won’t be a one-off.

by Paul Hightower, Published 2003-08-01

After three excellent albums on Vertigo, and sessions completed for a fourth, the original Jade Warrior (which had grown from a trio to a five-piece) was dumped by their label, and split in 1973. Following this, Island Records offered founding members Jon Field and Tony Duhig a contract to continue as Jade Warrior for four more albums, but their former bandmates were not part of the deal; thus, without bassist / vocalist Glyn Havard, drummer Allan Price ,and lead guitarist David Duhig, Jade Warrior became an instrumental duo. With the details of how the remainder of the band came to be Dogstar Poets almost three decades later outlined in the copious liner notes to this disc, it’s suffice to say that — with the notable absence of Jon Field’s flutes and the late Tony Duhig’s uniquely styled jazz-influenced guitar — the chemistry that made the original band what it was is back in full force. David Duhig (Tony’s younger sibling) now handles all the guitar duties, and Havard’s voice is as magical as ever, like the passage of 30 years since Last Autumn’s Dream never happened. Price appears here on only two tracks, with most of the drum and percussion duties capably handled by Dave Lewis. There are so many highlights on this disc that highlighting them all would require a thousand words, but one personal favorite is the warm and shimmering closer, “Fare Thee Well,” featuring tasty guitar work and guest hammer dulcimer from Brian Imig. Off-Planet is certainly among the best releases of 2002.

by Peter Thelen, Published 2003-08-01

From the ashes of Jade Warrior come the Dogstar Poets, featuring guitarist Dave Duhig (Tony’s younger brother) and bassist, vocalist Glyn Havard. The touring incarnation of their old band split after recording unreleased sessions in 1973; and unfortunately these members have been conspicuously absent from higher profile work ever since. As a direct result of rekindling an old musical friendship, the impetus for this new album of eight pieces was forged between the composers. The songwriting on the eight tracks is much in the same vein as the best of their previous work together, as evidenced by high-tension guitar leads, soothing vocals, and exotic percussion. Alan Price (JW’s touring drummer) is also back on-board playing tablas for a few of the best pieces, including “Karmakaze” and “Magic Mile.” Vocally, Havard has matured but lost none of that smooth delivery that helped differentiate the first three Jade Warrior albums from their peers. Overall the album is grounded between bass and guitars without drums; for example phased dulcimer effects are incorporated effectively on the closing piece, “Fare Thee Well.” Duhig’s lead guitar playing (despite extreme arthritis) is all one could hope for. On “Avalon Bridges” and “Passion Play” he shows commendable restraint, and in contrast demonstrates a controlled abandon on “Magic Mile” that set apart much of his playing on Last Autumn’s Dream. Overall the CD is a sweet re-visitation of a much-cherished entity with none of the trappings of classic band reformations.

by Jeff Melton, Published 2003-08-01

Filed under: New releases, Issue 27, 2002 releases

Related artist(s): Jade Warrior, Dogstar Poets

 

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