Greenslade, Dave: Time To Make Hay – A Collection Of Original Recordings

Keyboard veteran Dave Greenslade, leader of his own band of the same name and a founding member of the jazz rock band Colosseum is back with a new album titled Time To Make Hay – A Collection Of Original Recordings.

On the album Dave sings and plays everything himself. Some of these tunes were intended for Colosseum and Greenslade but for whatever reason never made it.

Those searching for a progressive rock album will have to look elsewhere because you will not find it here. What you will discover are some pretty catchy pop, jazz and blues tunes with Greenslade handling all the instrumentation. Lots of drum programming and simulated horn sounds and I do think the recording would have benefitted from a more organic approach but there is no denying the catchiness of tunes like the jazzy "All That Glitters" and the pop rock confection that is "Hallelujah Anyway" and its breezy island feel. "Val Suite 11 (Working Title)", originally intended for Colosseum, is a little more adventurous with its combination of jazz and pop and some fantastic flourishes on the piano.

My favourite track is the more progressive sounding instrumental "Koblenz" which benefits from Dick Heckstall-Smith's saxophone and an enjoyable symphonic arrangement that at times has a Parson's feel. The moody blues of "Blues In The Night" is also enjoyable highlighted by Greenslade's stellar keyboard work. The title track is another winner with its uplifting orchestrations and feel good sound.

As far as Dave's vocals are concerned he doesn't have a powerful voice and has an understated approach, quintessentially English, but I quite like his style. That said, his vocals will certainly be an acquired taste.

Overall a nice disc, just don't expect too much in the way of progressive rock. Released on Angel Air Records.

Track Listing:
1. No Room - But A View
2. Val Suite 11 (Working Title)
3. All That Glitters
4. Hallelujah Anyway
5. Koblenz (instrumental)
6. Blues In The Night
7. Time To Make Hay
8. Eco-Blue
9. Talking Point (instrumental)

Added: September 21st 2015
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 1640
Language: english

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