Guitar Orchestra
Angel Air SJPCD 002

Record Collector November 2001

Recorded in 1972, the release of this session man's delight was delayed due to one track, Pomp And Circumstance, which, at over nine minutes, was considered an essential part of the overall opus. And what was the fuss about? The Elgar Society had complained about its use. At long last, the dispute has been resolved, and the project, put together by guitarists Ray Fenwick and Mick Grabham, finally [sic] sees the light of day.

Despite the presence of only two guitarists, over-dubbing and the duo's technical expertise makes them sound like an orchestra. And as for the classical track? It's a genuinely innovative interpretation that, like rest of the album, is at the easy listening end of rock, with both hard and jazz influences, and all very enjoyable. You need to be in the mood for it, but it's far from coffee table music, so lay back, chill out and let's rock.