DBA (Downes Braide Association) - Pictures Of You (2013)

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I was quite disoriented when I read some months ago about a collaboration between Geoff Downes (Asia, Yes, the Buggles) and Chris Braide (The Producers).
Geoff Downes needs no introduction, but Braide, apart for the very good project The Producers last year, could be unknown for the fellows readers of this site. Chris Braide is an internationally known singer, songwriter and producer who has worked with Lana Del Rey, David Guetta and Christina Aguilera to name some.
So what is DBA (Downes Braide Association) and their debut "Pictures Of You"? A compulsively listenable, enjoyable recording.

In "Pictures of You" expect Downes' immense keyboard layers creating a lush atmosphere and ambience with Braide's smooth, nearly wistful, vocal style complimenting the former. The music is rather gentle stuff, basically poppy AOR, arty melodic rock and with a bit of Neo Prog throwing in.
Despite Downes' background, "Pictures Of You" probably shouldn't be cast as progressive rock. However, the four part "Sunday News Suite" might come close, and not so far from his recent work with Yes on 'Fly From Here'.
There are so many highlights on this album, you just need to start at the beginning and lose yourself in this sumptuous feast. You will feel elevated, and in a much better mood.
To name some "The Radiant Children" and "Pictures Of You" (the lyrics will instantly appeal to any ageing music lover) should be savoured, whilst "Road To Ruin" and "Live For The Moment" - with echoes of a more impassioned Deacon Blue - sum up the album's overall lite AOR values (as in adult-oriented rock).

"Pictures Of You" draws a line straight back to Geoff Downes seminal pre-Asia work based on cadences similar to early MTV-era hits, while Braide stirs in elements of modernity (check out that crunchy rhythm on the title track) and some stylized stuff like The Producers.
With Downes you are always in very safe, experienced and, moreover, tasteful hands. Chris Braile’s vocal is blatantly auto-tuned for additional effect so in that sense it sounds very commercial and contemporary yet not synthetic or lifeless.
This is light, poppy AORish music with elegant arrangements and touches of subtle lite Prog, '80s inspired yet modern at the same time.
Production and mix is awesome, making "Pictures Of You" a really palatable listening.
A stunning piece of work.



Geoff Downes: Keyboards, Vocals, Programming
Chris Braide: Vocals, Guitar


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NEKTAR - A Spoonful Of Time (2012)

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NEKTAR is probably the most German-like of the seventies British bands, a fame that owes a lot to the town in which this act was founded (Hamburg) and to their stylistic approach.
Their earliest works were hard rock that drew heavily from the space-rock and later the band definitely turned melodic Prog releasing some mindblowing epic albums.
Nektar is celebrating their 43rd Anniversary releasing an album covering classic songs of all time aptly entitled “A Spoonful Of Time”, featuring an all-star guest line up.

Amongst the contributors we have Rick Wakeman, Geoff Downes, Derek Sherinian, Billy Sheehan, Ian Paice, Steve Howe and many more luminaries.
Doing a covers album can be tricky business; you need the right songs, but more importantly the inspiration and enthusiasm to bring them to life by your own interpretation. In the case of “A Spoonful Of Time” the results are satisfactory for most of these classic tunes.
Nektar chose 14 popular, mostly rock, songs from the last 40 years or so. Most are well known like Rush's "Spirit of the Radio", Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here", The Doors's "Riders on the Storm" or Toto's "Africa".
Others, like Roxy Music's "Out of the Blue" and The Rolling Stone's "2000 Light Years from Home" may be a little more obscure for some.

On all covers, Nektar's interpretation basically stay faithful to the original melodies and arrangements of every song with, of course, some Prog variation.
I liked the majority, being Rush's "Spirit of the Radio", Toto's "Africa" (featuring Bobby Kimball on vocals), 10CC's "I'm Not In Love", the mellotron festival of "Blinded By The Light" and Door's "Riders On The Storm" with a long keyboard solo, the best of the bunch.
Steve Miller's "Fly Like an Eagle" and Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home" are the only weak covers for me, a bit flat in their development.
On the other hand, in the obscure O' Jays song, "For the Love of Money" (that drops more into the Motown category) Nektar version is truly well done with Ian Paice hitting the skins effectively.

Nektar's “A Spoonful Of Time” was produced by the band and mixed by Prog icon Billy Sherwood, who also played bass on some of the tracks.
The CD is a good Classic Rock collection of tunes covered with a Prog touch performed by these seasoned musicians with ease. It's a pleasure listening Bobby Kimball singing again or Billy Sheehan and Ian Paice playing something different from what they do in their bands.
Nice.


1. Sirius
featuring Michael Pinnella (Symphony X)

2. Spirit Of The Radio
featuring Mark Kelly (Marillion)

3. Fly Like An Eagle
feat. Geoff Downes (Asia) • Joel Vandroogenbroeck (Brainticket)

4. Wish You Were Here
featuring Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)

5. For The Love Of Money
feat. Ian Paice (Deep Purple) • Nik Turner (Hawkwind)

6. Can't Find My Way Home
feat. Steve Howe (Yes) • Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) • Mel Collins (King Crimson)

7. 2000 Light Years From Home
featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)

8. Riders On The Storm
feat. Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) • Rod Argent (Argent)

9. Blinded By The Light
feat. Joakim Svalberg (Opeth) • Ginger Baker (Cream)

10. Out Of The Blue
featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)

11. Old Man featuring
David Cross (King Crimson)

12. Dream Weaver
featuring Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra)

13. I'm Not In Love
featuring Rick Wakeman (Yes)

14. Africa
featuring Bobby Kimball (Toto) • Patrick Moraz (The Moody Blues)


Roye Albrighton: Vocals, Guitar
Ron Howden: Drums, Vocals
Klaus Henatsch: Keyboards, Hammond, Mellotron, Vocals
Billy Sherwood, Peter Pichl: Bass




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