Original released on LP Vertigo 6360 003
(UK, August 1970)
Well, this
is just the kind of music I like: sparse, rich instrumentation with a seriously
gorgeous melodic folk/rock mix of major and minor chords. “Seasons” is a real
conceptual piece, with a seamless succession of themes that come and go, a
Prologue and an Epitaph that lyrically concludes and musically reprises the
opening theme; No efforts were spared to make Simpson’s dream materialize and
both Gus Dudgeon and Tony Visconti contributed in the production, arrangements
and playing. This is the finest acoustic progressive folk you can hear... maybe
the high pitch voice of Glen Stuart or the delicate acoustics riffs of Chris
Simpson and Lyell Tranter (australian guitar player who left the band after
this release). This british trio is supported by Rick Wakeman who add the
classical arrangements. In this album is always present
inspiration and melodic voice harmonies from the 22:00 minutes suite
"Seasons" to the commercial but lovely "Airport Song". This
is a British example of folk music expressed in a progressive ambient. No
north-american motifs here despite that there are some reminiscences of Simon
and Garfunkel what is just a lovely coincidence.
