Wolstenholme, Woolly: Mæstoso

First Mæstoso was an album, and now it's a band.

Stuart J (Woolly) Wolstenholme was one of the founding members of Barclay James Harvest, but left them in 1979 because he had a different musical direction in mind - and that was quickly cemented with his solo LP called Mæstoso, in 1980, on the Polydor label. Wolstenholme then went farming, which isn't an uncommon second career for musicians and much later - and pushing age 60 - Wolstenholme returned with a band, now called Mæstoso, which released two excellent CDs Grim and One Drop In A Dry World. Both were reviewed here on SoT.

Now, as part of Eclectic's ongoing stream of masterful remasters, Mæstoso is has been made available again - featuring the original LP's artwork, an excellent eight-page booklet, and two bonus tracks recorded live in Vienna in 1982.

While Mæstoso - the record - is clearly not a Barclay James Harvest clone, neither is it too far removed from BJH, and it will appeal to a similar audience. Most of the songs are close to BJH's or early Moody Blues's pastoral, almost folksy nature, and there are some wonderfully dramatic moments. The mostly instrumental title track, for instance, features a strong classical flavor with huge orchestral sounds and Woolly's classically oriented piano-work as a backdrop to a slow, reflective vocal line. It recalls those early- and mid-70s performances in which Barclay James Harvest was accompanied by orchestras. "Mæstoso" is certainly the standout track and you could justify the purchase of the record on the strength of that song alone.

Remember - Woolly was one of the Mellotron's early adopters, and that instrument is very effectively applied in Mæstoso, providing much of the rich layering that helped Barclay James Harvest and other 1970s luminaries define progressive rock.

"Patriots" is a slow strong ballad - less dramatic than the title track, but again with those orchestral sounds, and again, it has long instrumental sections. Most of the other tracks are vocals-driven, and the best of these may be "Quiet Islands" with its soft mood, catchy melody, and a chorus that sounds like a quietly whispered threat. The pop/regae rhythm in the chorus might not find universal appeal, but it has a purpose - which Woolly describes this way: "The overbearing reggae clamour is there to imply a polluting force drowning out the real with the ersatz". There are some pleasing guitar moments, and parts of the guitar solo about 2/3rds of the way in are very reminiscent of BJH's Early Morning Onward era.

The bonus tracks were recorded live and will quickly place you in the atmosphere of a great performance in a small, smoky club - but obviously, the recording quality isn't close to the standard of the rest of the album.

Woolly recently reunited with old school friend and BJH co-founder John Lees, and by all accounts their "John Lees's Barclay James Harvest" tour found a hugely appreciative audience. So for most of us who didn't catch that tour the remastered Mæstoso will provide an excellent link between classic BJH and the modern-day Mæstoso band. It's a great listen.

 

Track Listing:

Original Album:
1). Sail Away
2). Quiet Islands
3). A Prospect Of Whitby
4). Lives On The Line
5). Patriots
6). Gates Of Heaven (14/18)
7). American Excess
8). Mæstoso - A Hymn In The Roof Of The World
9). Waveform

Bonus tracks on Eclectic CD remaster:
10).Even The Night
11).Has To Be A Reason

Added: January 13th 2007
Reviewer: Duncan Glenday
Score:
Related Link: Wooly's Web Site
Hits: 2495
Language: english

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