Gordon Haskell — It Is And It Isn’t 1971 (UK, Progressive Folk)

Gordon Haskell — It Is And It Isn’t 1971 (UK, Progressive Folk)


Gordon Haskell issued this solo album to absolutely no critical notice or public response of any kind in 1971, which is sort of a shame -- not that it's exactly an earth-shattering record, but it does represent a relatively light, lyric-oriented brand of progressive rock (almost resembling the Moody Blues more than it does Haskell's former group, King Crimson), and a good entry in the field. Latter-day Crimson member John Wetton is present here, playing bass and organ and providing backing vocals on this rather sweet-textured, languid, and highly melodic assembly of songs, which mostly show off Haskell's unusual vocal range but leave ample room for classical stylings on the electric and acoustic guitars and jazz-inspired fills on the drums. When Haskell does rock out, as on "Sitting by the Fire," the effect is startling, the crunchy electric rhythm guitar (courtesy of Dave Spinoza) and bold lead parts (by Alan Barry) wrapping around decent, memorable hooks and choruses -- "No Need" is a similarly accessible piece of romantic balladry that might have passed for an England Dan/John Ford Coley demo. And then there's "Worm," a pounding, too-serious-for-words meditation on (apparently) life, death, and being devoured, which repeats a cool opening electric guitar flourish in various guises and allows Barry the chance to stretch out on a related series of riffs. "Spider" is some kind of personal commentary on the music business, possibly referring to managers and their potentially devouring ways -- Haskell would know that best -- but it is funny and cheerfully upbeat in mood, with some pleasing choruses. "Benny the Beaver," with its fascinating but confusing references to various elements of the music business, also seems to be about a subject that mattered to Haskell. It's a pity he couldn't have shared it more clearly, but the principal acoustic guitar riff is pretty, and some of the transitions recall King Crimson's "Cadence and Cascade" (which Haskell sang). 1. No Meaning — 0:00

02. Could Be — 3:29

03. Upside Down — 6:48

04. Just A Lovely Place — 11:19

05. Sitting By The Fire — 15:19

06. When I Lose — 19:04

07. No Need — 19:31

08. Worms — 22:22

09. Spider — 27:10

10. Learning Not To Feel — 31:28

11. Benny — 34:08

12. When I Laugh — 39:00


Personnel:

Gordon Haskell — lead vocals, acoustic guitar
John Wetton — bass, organ, harmony vocals
Alan Barry — lead electric & acoustic guitar
Dave Kaffinetti — piano, electric piano
Bill Atkinson — drums
David Spinoza — rhythm guitar (02, 05)
Neal Rosengarden — piano (02, 05)
David Brigati, Eddie Brigati — backing vocals (02, 05)
Arif Mardin — electric piano (07, 08), horn & string arrangeents, producer




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