After receiving my copy a few days ago, I also have to chime in and say what an excellant piece this is... The term "classic" is a strong term, but after the 3rd listen it has achieved that level to my ears... Way to go Wooly and you're welcome to the States anytime.....
Frank <lsf5275@...> 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