Fletcher, Nick: The Mask of Sanity

Steve Hackett calls Nick Fletcher “The best Jazz/Rock guitarist in the UK.� With such high praise, I couldn’t wait to hear Fletcher’s latest The Mask of Sanity. Fletcher has been the guitarist in John Hackett’s band for the last ten years, but I don’t remember hearing of him or his playing. Fletcher surrounds himself with fine musicians; Claire Lindley (Big Big Train) on violin and Roberto Porta (Paul Gilbert) on drums, among others.

The Mask of Sanity is a conceptual suite of seven tracks inspired by the writings of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. That sweet call of the violin kicks off the opening “As Above, So Below� over a bed of atmospheric keyboards. Good interplay between the guitar, keys, and violin as they solo throughout the track . The strength of the band and compositions is having all three instruments taking part, this is what draws me in. “Simulacrum� puts the lead instruments to the side with a vocalized the melody. The bass steps up for a short solo, which gives way to the payoff around the 2:30 mark; and an amazing guitar solo gives the listener reprieve from the light/airy vocal. Talk about a change of pace, that guitar solo lights up the track. “Shadow Walker� is a good example where I’d like more punch, but then a clean-toned guitar solo accompanied by violin in spots is so good. My favorite track is the intense “The Shadow Musician�; a fiery main riff has the band cranking when suddenly they morph into an atmospheric section. It’s the perfect setup to have your ass kicked, as they come-out blazing for the final six minutes. “A Curious Case of Synchronicity� opens with a beautiful acoustic guitar prelude, and then the violin of Clair Lindley leads us to another wonderful Fletcher solo. This track blew me away, a good sense of dynamics and enough variation to keep the listener on their toes. I detect a Holdworth influence in the title track and I love the jazzy bassline that jumps in completely changing the feel completely, and that trumpet guitar synth solo works.

Fletcher's chops are on full display, and he is a fine guitarist. I initially I felt the music could use more punch, but after a few listens, you’ll hear plenty of fireworks and killer playing. In addition, his playing is wonderful whether he’s shredding or playing a melodic part, he’s got the goods. I will be exploring Fletcher’s catalog further.

Favorite Tracks: “The Shadow Musician� / “A Curious Case of Synchronicity� / “The Mask of Sanity�

Track Listing
1. As Above, So Below
2. Simulacrum
3. Shadow Walker
4. The Shadow Musician
5. A Curious Case of Synchronicity
6. The Mask of Sanity
7. Song of Innocence

Added: November 13th 2025
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 134
Language: english

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