Description
Veil of Gossamer is a solo album by the British producer, composer, keyboard player and guitarist Dave Bainbridge of Iona fame, released on Open Sky Records in July 2004, marketed and distributed by Voiceprint. The album was recorded by Dave Bainbridge November 2003 to February 2004 at Open Sky Studio in Lincolnshire, England; with Bainbridge producing and arranging as well. (Also recorded at Studio Frank van Essen in Dalfsen, Holland (for Frank’s contributions – drums, percussion, and violins); at Nick Beggs’ studio in UK (for Nick’s basses); Peter Whitfield’s studio in UK (for Peter’s strings); at The Buddy Project in New York City, US (for Chris Hale’s vocals); as well as at various other places around Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England during 2003 and 2004.)
You should know a number of things about me before we begin. Firstly, instrumental albums tend not to fill me with a sense of joy. Secondly, I have never really liked the kind of solo guitar and keyboard work that made prog rock what is was in the ’70s. I repent. This is an awesome recording by the Iona keyboard and guitarist Dave Bainbridge. The title track has hints of the Michael W Smith ‘Freedom‘ album but that whole album is a mix of folk, Celtic and the more rock-based music that we also get from the whole Iona line up. Of particular note is the fine guitar work on «The Seen And The Unseen», Mae McKenna’s spine-chilling vocals of «Chanting Waves» and the epic «The Everlasting Hills» (a whole 20 minutes long). And just when you’re getting relaxed, Dutch percussionist Frank van Essen lays down some awesome grooves on «The Homeward Race» to accompany a fantastic piece by Dave. What else is left to say? This album left me breathless and totally changed my opinion of the genre. More power to you Dave!! [Peter Ould, Cross Rhythms, December 2004]
The other day I was out walking just before a large thunder storm passed through the area, the thing that struck me the most was the awesome beauty of the skies. The sun was shining brightly in the sky but was counterpointed by the various clouds that were coming into the area, some light and fluffy, others ominously dark and in the distance the low rumbling of thunder. I thought of the brilliance of the master artist who was painting this real life masterpiece in the skies. My thoughts then turned to a sonic masterpiece that I had just finished listening to, Veil of Gossamer the solo project by Dave Bainbridge the master artist behind the band Iona.
From the artwork on the cover and its accompanying story to the idea behind the album and finally to the music itself this album is a thing of wonder and beauty, a sonic joy to behold. The album idea by the way is based on an event in the life of Saint Cuthbert. Joined by fellow members of Iona, past and present, as well as some special guests, young Mr. Bainbridge has given us what is in my humble opinion one of the best albums ever to be recorded. I do not say that idly either, this is a very special collection of music that grows with each and every listen. I find myself going back to it multiple times during the course of a day. Some of the lyrics contained within this project are nothing short of brilliant. From «The Everlasting Hills» we hear: “As Thou wast before at my life’s beginning, Be Thou so again at my journey’s end, As Thou wast besides at my souls shaping Father Be thou too at my journey’s close”. Or from «Star Filled Skies» where we hear this plea, “Be with me at each time. Lying down and arising, be with me in sleep companioned by dear ones. And allure me home to the land of the saints”.
If some of the so called worship and praise crap coming out of Nashville these days were this good I wouldn’t be so critical of it.
On top of this all is some of the best music that Bainbridge has ever written. I am a huge fan of the band Iona, they are one of my all time favorite groups, but this blows anything that they have done in the past right out of the water. If this is the caliber of the material that we can expect on their next recording then I say bring it on!!! By the way the majority of the vocals on this album are sung in Gaelic, which in my mind only adds to the sheer beauty of the whole project. If you are a lover of good music then you must add this album to your collection. If you are somehow unfamiliar with the music of Dave Bainbridge or Iona then this is a perfect way to start your introduction. You can check out this and other related albums by going to www.iona.uk.com. [Chris MacIntosh aka Grandfather Rock, The Phantom Tollbooth, 8/22/2004]
> iTunes
CD tracklist:
01. Chanting Waves – 2:17
02. Over The Waters – 7:29
03. Veil Of Gossamer – 4:56
04. The Seen And The Unseen – 2:17
05. The Everlasting Hills Part 1 – 5:37
06. The Everlasting Hills Part 2 – 2:34
07. The Everlasting Hills Part 3 – 3:55
08. The Everlasting Hills Part 4 – 2:54
09. The Everlasting Hills Part 5 – 4:47
10. Seahouses – 3:06
11. Until The Tides Turn – 4:30
12. The Homeward Race – 5:26
13. Star-Filled Skies Part 1 – 3:40
14. Star-Filled Skies Part 2 – 2:40
15. Star-Filled Skies Part 3 – 3:47
16. Star-Filled Skies Part 4 – 4:42
Note: The album was re-issued by ICC the following year.
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