Beauty… as Far as the Eye Can See

Description

Beauty… As Far As the Eye Can See is the sophomore solo album by the British songwriter, drummer and percussionist Terl Bryant of Iona and Eden’s Bridge fame, released in the UK on ICC ‎in 1997. The album was produced by Terl Bryant.

Taking a lot of his Iona pals with him but going in some diverse directions, Terl’s second solo outing this time features his wife Juliet taking most of the vocal duties and the album therefore has a more coherent feel than its predecessor. My favourite is the worshipful «Beauty» which is an interpretation of Isaiah 33 which is the central song to this album which mixes so effectively instrumental pieces that are full of beauty with songs of simple worship. It’s worth mentioning that Charlie Groves also sings three leads, the best of which is the mesmeric «River Of Tears». The most commercial cut is the sax drenched opener «Blow Sprit Blow» where Mike Haughton does the blowing and Dave Bainbridge supplies an atmospheric groove. Actually the album is big on atmosphere. «Dangerous Sea» begins with gentle sea effects before exploding into a huge majestic instrumental passage featuring Troy Donockley’s pipes juxtaposed against Bainbridge’s guitar. At one point Terl and Troy combine for a simple bodhran/pipe work out and elsewhere a Sally Army bass drum and Bainbridge’s guitar and synth join effectively for the swirling «Vision Of Hope». If you thought that drummers’ solo albums are all about drum solos you’ll love «Ten Drummers Drumming» which as the title suggests is exactly that, an incredible fest with Terl joined by nine drummers who are part of the Psalm Drummers organisation. An epic way to close a magnificent album. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, October 1997]

CD tracklist:

01. Blow Spirit Blow – 6:45
02. Keep Me Safe (Psalm 16) – 6:05
03. In The Shadow Of Great Wings (Psalm 63:7) – 5:29
04. Though I Walk (Psalm 23) – 5:31
05. Barefoot In The Grass / The Old Pipe On The Hob – 2:25
06. Beauty (Isaiah 33:17) – 6:47
07. A Dangerous Sea (Psalm 93) – 4:55
08. Angel (For Jacob) – 5:55
09. River Of Tears – 4:13
10. Where Do You Go? – 3:49
11. Vision Of Hope – 4:30
12. Ten Drummers Drumming (A Drum Prayer) – 13:01

Note: Independently re-issued on CD in 2007 as Terl and Jules Bryant – Beauty.