1976 was never going to be a good year to release an album of contemplative, introspective songs and instrumentals, especially if you were an ex-member of Canterbury scene stalwarts Caravan.
Having spent 18 months as bassist during their For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night renaissance, Perry had the misfortune to release his first solo album just as punk rock was firing its first salvos. Produced by Rupert Hine (Perry’s partner in ace electro-rock hybrid Quantum Leap), it boasts an impressive cast of players that includes King Crimson co-founder, drummer Michael Giles, Penguin Café supremo Simon Jeffes and even a brief cameo appearance by Purple’s Roger Glover, heard fleetingly on synthesiser. With an overall pace equivalent to a sedate stroll, guitarist Carrado Rusticicci, from Italian band Nova, adds some welcome John McLaughlin-inspired fireworks on the more up-tempo fusion-based jam Ah Well You Can Only Get Wet, as well as Morning Song and Etude. Adding a lively counterpoint to the prettily pastoral but somewhat snoozy air pervading the record, it’s a shame such energetic interludes aren’t more substantial. Nevertheless, thoughtful arrangements, Perry’s agreeably melodic bass work and reliable performances throughout offer a pleasant stopping-off point.
