In the Skies

Description

In the Skies is a solo album by the British blues guitarist and songwriter Peter Green (October 29, 1946 – July 25, 2020) of Fleetwood Mac fame, released on PVK Records in 1979. (Peter Green was the founder of Fleetwood Mac and a member from 1967–70.) This was his second solo album, and the first after eight years of obscurity. A real gem, filled with flawless electric blues guitar and biblical if sometimes obscure lyrics, “In the Skies” and “Seven Stars” are both essentially paraphrases of the Book of Revelation. Also released on the Sail label in the US.

After almost a decade of personal, drug-addled hell since his 1970 debut The End of the Game, Peter Green begins his comeback with In the Skies, and a title tune that sounds downright hopeful compared to where he left off. Although Green shares lead guitar work with Snowy White, it’s clear from his fluid technique and haunting tone that he can still play. «A Fool No More» is the kind of slow blues Green excels at. Robin Trower drummer Reg Isidore gives way on one track to Godfrey McLean, who played on The End of the Game. Green dips even farther back into his past, courtesy of keyboards by Pete Bardens, who gave him his first professional music job in 1966 in a band with Mick Fleetwood. Green’s singing, never a particular strength, is not a weakness here. Five of the nine songs are instrumentals, continuing a longtime Green tradition. It’s an unambitious but solid and welcome return by a guitarist who in his prime rivaled Eric Clapton. If that seems far-fetched, listen to A Hard Road by John Mayall’s Bluebreakers or Then Play On by Fleetwood Mac. [Mark Allan, AMG]

Peter Green is an ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist with a penchant for the sounds of the sixties. In The Skies is a fine showcase for his gritty guitar work and includes several instrumentals. The vocals speak of Green’s Christian faith. Production is a little rough, but the album is a must for those who remember the Mac’s early days. [What’s New, CCM, February 1980]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-the-skies/1440527415)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “In the Skies” – 3:52
A2. “Slabo Day” – 5:12
A3. “A Fool No More” – 7:46
A4. “Tribal Dance” – 4:29

Side Two
B1. “Seven Stars” – 3:10
B2. “Funky Chunk” – 4:16
B3. “Just for You” – 4:39
B4. “Proud Pinto” – 3:42
B5. “Apostle” – 3:12

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP. Later re-issued on CD.

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