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Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
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Reviews

Ric Sanders Group — In Lincoln Cathedral
(Heliopause HPVP101CD, 2002, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2003-08-01

In Lincoln Cathedral Cover art

Ric Sanders has been a member of Fairport Convention for over fifteen years so it’s no surprise he might venture to expand his horizons with his own trio. His vast resume encompasses playing with Jethro Tull as well as the Albion Band and the short-lived Second Vision (with both John Etheridge and Fred T. Baker). These 2001 live recordings (from hallowed ground so to speak) focus on moody covers arranged outside of their original instrumentation. Classic jazz tracks such as Chick Corea and Gary Burton’ s “Crystal Silence” and Miles Davis’ “In a Silent Way / It’s About That Time” are given a special minimal treatment supported by kit drums from Michael Gregory and Vo Fletcher’s acoustic guitar. The album is very pastoral in approach with much room for soloing and telepathic ensemble performance. Hendrix’ classic “Little Wing” almost melts like butter given Sander’s gentle hand on the emotive melody line plus guest Rick Wakeman’s plaintive piano. Plus two Beatles solo tracks are given the stripped down treatment: Harrison’s “Life Itself” and McCartney’s “Calico Skies.” Both carry a tremendous emotion burden since Harrison is no longer with us while McCartney is touring his song live around the world. However in this small intimate church setting, an inner peace is generated for the listener. Disc two of this set is a binaural mix that offers a slightly different audio experience. Plus the MPEG video of the group performing live shows you how the gig went down live. In summary, this is the type of passionate work Voiceprint should be championing going forward.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 27, 2002 releases

Related artist(s): Rick Wakeman, Ric Sanders

 

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