Because of your detailed review I thought this would be a CD I would
like. I picked it up recently and was right. This is a fantastic
disc! I'm only on my second listen but this sounds like one of those
CDs that only comes along once every year or two where I practically
wear out the 1's and 0's by listening to it over and over.
thanks
-jim/m400#680
On Jun 20, 2004, at 8:31 AM, Frank wrote:
> One Drop in a Dry World - Maestoso
>
>
> I recently received my much anticipated copy of "One Drop in a Dry
> World," the new release from Woolly Wolsenholm and his
> band, "Maestoso" For those of you not familiar with Woolly, he
> formerly was the keys player in Barclay James Harvest and is one of
> the world's best Mellotronists. For all of you Mellotron fans, I will
> state right off that this is one of the best "Mellotron" albums I
> have heard in years. However, beyond that this recording is just
> truly great. Not only is the musicianship first rate, but the songs
> are well written and will touch the listener on many levels.
>
> This is the first full studio recording from Woolly in probably
> twenty years, and whatever was bottled up inside him is presented
> here for all to hear. As you listen to the recording it is worth
> reading the lyrics as you go. What first becomes apparent is that
> these songs reflect the emotions of a man who has gone through some
> dark periods in his life. They are filled with sadness, melancholy
> and sardonic humor. Ultimately they leave the listener with a sense
> of hope, as though the artist has laid his demons out before us and
> is now prepared to leave them behind. All he needs is a little
> encouragement
>
> It all begins with Wooly saying, "Here we go." And we do.
>
> 1. The Bells THE BELLS!
>
> This is a short instrumental into filled with big Mellotron strings
> over a sustained synth base and leads us into...
>
> 2. Blood and Bones
>
> The may be the one of the greatest "Mellotron" tunes I've heard in
> years and it may be the biggest song Wooly has yet written. It begins
> with a beautiful acoustic guitar intro and moves into a pounding base
> line and soaring Mark II or perhaps M300 Strings. Soon comes a
> beautiful, pastoral interlude (Requiem) that soon launches us back
> into a full blooded Mellotron assault. From here we get a brief taste
> of Ian MacDonald Flutes then a repeat of the theme from the "requiem"
> and finally we are hit with the chorus backed by Mellotron "Russian
> Choir." Very dark and foreboding! As the song fades we hear
> Mellotron "Boys Choir" as if after our dark journey, Woolly leaves us
> with the sound of angelic innocence. The is a Huge Tron tune that
> will blow you away!
>
> 3. A Waiting Game
>
> Woolly delivers the first great Christmas song of the year! This one
> is sure to be in my holiday song rotation from about Labor Day (end
> of August) through to the New Year. (Woolly gives the
> commercialization of the holidays a swift kick) And a pretty melody
> to boot.
>
> 4. It's U
>
> When you're down and feeling out of control of your life, casting
> around for someone to blame... look in the mirror. This track was
> apparently written years back. It opens with jangley guitars and is a
> straight out rocker that is ultimately uplifting. Perhaps the author
> wrote a song to himself that we can all identify with.
>
> 5. Souk
>
> Woolly takes us all shopping in an open air Arab Market. Tremendous
> Mellotron here with a Mid-Eastern atmosphere. Perhaps Woolly
> vacationed in Oman and brought us all back a gift.
>
> 6. One Drop in a Dry World
>
> How to know when your an alcoholic. You get to pay the bill more than
> once and to learn that enough no longer is. Strong guitar work from
> Steve Broomhead that reminds me of Robin Trower. Lots of Mellotron
> Choir toward the end.
>
> 7. Anss (Another Nothing Summer Song)
>
> In this one Woolly channels his inner Rasta Man and goes on vacation
> only to bump into Brian Wilson. Fun and hijinks ensue.
>
> 8. End of the Road
>
> Mid-life Crisis anyone? A man coming to grips with accomplishments
> unattained as he faces an unsure future. Could Woolly be reflecting
> on where he perceived his career was before he wrote and released
> this masterpiece? Once again, excellent guitar work from Steve.
> Listening to this song I am convinced that Woolly has either spent
> some time with Brian Wilson recently, or at least has listened to his
> work. It certainly sounds like a song Wilson could have written at
> his peak (if his peak was now.) Even the vocals a little.
>
> 9. Explorers
>
> My take on this: Woolly's thoughts on where he and the band are
> heading now. This recording is very important to him and the band.
> Let us wish them good fortune in their journey. Buy the CD... See the
> show. Help make the trip a successful one.
>
> 10. 2 a.m.
>
> This song again reminds me of Brian Wilson. Not for the sound or
> style, but because this is the song that the boy who wrote, "In My
> Room," at 20 could have written as a man at 55. Woolly tells us what
> it was like to be alone with his thoughts, living inside himself in
> the middle of the night. A haunting song of depression. I am sure
> most of us have had a night like this more than once. Perhaps this is
> where Woolly reveals the most about himself? This is the most
> beautiful melody of any song on the CD. Lots of haunting Mellotron
> strings. Beautiful frettless bass playing by Craig Fletcher sets the
> atmosphere of the song. This is my favorite!
>
> 11. The Starving People of the World all Thank You For Your Time.
>
> Repeated over and over until the message sinks in.
>
> 12. Carpet (a four gong conclusion)
>
> Was this written to BJH? Woolly reflects on what could have been.
> Someone goofed up. Who's to blame? You decide. Who killed the
> brotherhood? No one left to share the memories with? The end of the
> song will remind you of BJH.
>
> So this is my take on the record. No use delving into the "bonus"
> tunes here although they are worth listening to. I will review this
> CD in the near future.
>
> I think One Drop in a Dry World is an outstanding recording from a
> man who has been away far to long. I encourage everyone to purchase
> it and listen to it several times back to back. It just gets better
> and better. It is obvious that unlike many other artists who have
> been around for as long as Woolly has, he is not mired in the styles
> of the 70's, 80's or 90s. This is fresh material and the production
> is terrific.
>
> If you are into Mellotrons, you will fall out when you hear this CD.
> In the CD booklet Woolly lists Mellotron first amongst the many
> instruments he plays on this CD and it's upfront and all over it but
> very tastefully utilized. You will see why he may well be the real
> true, "Master of the Mellotron."
>
> I would like to ask Woolly for his forgiveness of my review if he
> doesn't like it, and for my interpretation of his lyrics. Woolly,
> I've shared some of these journeys in my life, and I am touched by
> your work. As for the comparisons to Brian Wilson... Please take them
> as a compliment.
>
> Frank Stickle 6/16/04
>
>
>
>
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