Longdon, David: Door One

This is a tough one. David Longdon is well known in these pages, especially as the lead vocalist/multi-instrumentalist of prog giants Big Big Train from 2009 to 2021. Longdon’s tragic passing in November 2021 came as a shock to the prog rock community. Unfortunately, these past few years have taken their toll on ‘60s and ‘70s icons and to think Longdon was only fifty-six at the time.

Before Big Big Train Longdon was in a series of bands, O’Strange Passion, The Gifthorse, and The Louis Phillipe Band. His work with Big Big Train, appearing on eight albums speaks for itself. His last release is the solo album Door One, released posthumously. He began working on the album in 2020, and in its infancy, Longdon became intrigued with the idea of doors, more specifically the idea that having different doors (the album title implies there is more than one door) in life’s journey means the ability to make different choices. Something we can all relate to.

The disc begins with the moody and atmospheric instrumental “Into The Icehouse�. Bird song and footsteps introduce the listener to a slowly evolving soundscape, with artfully crafted orchestrations and spacey textures. Longdon rocks out on “Watch It Burn�, the subject matter touching on failed relationships. Low end piano notes and cutting electric guitar demonstrate just how great a tunesmith Longdon was and you can feel the emotion when he sings,

“The cost of what we lost
Was such a hard lesson to learn
In spite of all we had
We’d sit and watch it burn�

On “There’s No Ghost Like An Old Ghost� Longdon’s talent as a singer/songwriter cannot be overstated. His warm mid range vocals and exceptional arrangement coincide with great lyrics when he sings,

“What you don’t confront
Will just keep on returning
Time and time again
You can’t run �" you can’t hide
Because you’re running from yourself
- My friend�

There is no pretention here, it’s all from the soul. Oh, and Theo Travis’ saxophone is a welcome addition.

“The Singer And The Song� is a moody mid-tempo track with lovely keyboard strings and a grand chorus and having some nice instrumental moments including lead guitar. Longdon’s attention to detail and overall finesse is impressive.

“The Letting Go� is the longest track nearing eleven minutes, a journey through light and heavy textures, the guitar exceptionally played throughout and Longdon’s prog roots coming to the forefront.

Door One is an exceptionally crafted album from an artist that will be greatly missed. He has certainly left us with an abundance of words and music, and for that we should give our thanks.

Highly, highly recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Into The Icehouse
2. Watch It Burn
3. There’s No Ghost Like An Old Ghost
4. The Singer And The Song
5. Forgive (But Not Forget)
6. Sangfroid
7. The Letting Go
8. Love Is All

Added: September 11th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist on Bandcamp
Hits: 927
Language: english

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