Insiders of prog music of course know that Jakko Jakszyk has been the lead singer and second guitarist of King Crimson since 2013. Now this excellent vocalist, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist releases his debut solo album, and it is called Son Of Glen. On this interesting album Jakszyk is assisted by drummers Ian Mosley (Marillion) and Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree/King Crimson), cello player Caroline Lavelle, singer Louise Patricia Crane and his son Django Jakszyk on bass guitar. Son Of Glen opens with a short instrumental track called Ode To Ballina and it is almost classical music that you hear; very tranquil, featuring piano, flute, and cello. Follow up Somewhere Between Then And Now is filled with acoustic guitars, strings, and it is a folk-like/ballad-like song featuring a truly short intricate guitar solo. This Kiss Never Lies is the first highlight and it is again a ballad-like song with dramatic and emotional vocals, but also with some extraordinary guitar playing by Jakszyk, especially the second guitar solo here is really melodic and heartfelt indeed. Ode To Ballina Reprise is another excellent instrumental filled with soaring, beautiful, melancholic guitar solos and this is probably my favourite track of the album indeed. The title track is the longest song of the album and it kind of slowly comes to life, as the first part of this track is filled with soundscapes, piano, and vocals. However, as from the four and a half minutes mark, Jakszyk electric guitar plays some amazing solos, especially the solo at the seven minutes mark is a beautiful high=pitched guitar orgasm for sure. (Get A) Proper Job, being the shortest song of the album, is another instrumental one and it features a rather romantic guitar melody/solo, proving again what a wonderful and skilled guitar picker Jakszyk actually is! Conclusion: Son Of Glen is a marvellous prog rock album with lots of amazing guitar solos and well-composed tracks; indeed, not only for lovers of King Crimson for sure!! Listening tip: Ode To Ballina Reprise !! **** Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
