Not a lot of bass players release solo records on which they handle vocal duties. But Joe Macre, best known for his work in Crack the Sky, not only plays bass and sings on his second solo album, The Dream Is Free. He also plays drums, guitars and keys. He’s backed on some of these tracks by a trio of other musicians, but it’s clear this is Macre’s record.
While his voice can sound weathered, much of the music on The Dream Is Free is immediately accessible, and there is a Trevor Rabin-era Yes vibe to some of the songs. The opening of “Tell Me” could have been left over from the 90125 sessions, and “Drop Me Off At The Rainbow” would have fit in nicely on Big Generator. “Tomorrow Is Today,” the off-kilter “Life in the Theater” and closing cut “The Dark Sky Sea” reveal Macre’s proggier moments, but he never gives in to self-indulgence. Lyrically, Macre delivers some cool and perceptive lines, too -- like this one from the title track: “The dream is free, but the pain’s sold separately.”
If you’re in the mood for unpretentious rock with progressive leanings and worthwhile lyrics, The Dream Is Free is well worth seeking out.
Track Listing:
1. The Dream Is Free
2. Tell Me
3. Ride or Die
4. Drop Me Off at the Rainbow
5. Life in the Theater
6. These Cool Years (Graduation)
7. Not Looking Back Tonight
8. Tomorrow Is Today
9. Get Up, Crack Down
10. The Dark Sky Sea
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