Sometimes I have the feeling it's not only the evil emperor Palpatine (anyone not familiar with the STAR WARS trilogy??!!) who leans back in his chair from time to time and mumbles to himself "Everything is proceeding as I have forseen". Looking at the tracklist of Jon Lords new solo-album "Pictured Within", the track "Wait A While" could have been a song describing the release procedure of this album, as the release has been delayed several times - but finally, on October 30, the album is supposed to face the light of public.
Same as Svante I had the opportunity to listen to this album for some time now, but I still dig out new facets with every additional listen. "Pictured Within" is for sure nothing to be played in the background while washing your car or doing the housework - it's for these silent, private moments of life when you light a candle, turn off the lights and relax with a good glass of wine (or something similar for those not drinking alcohol).
I have most Jon Lord works in my rack and I'm not sure what I expected when I first put the tape into my recorder, but I'm sure "Pictured Within" was totally different from all my expectations. "This one has nothing to do with rock'n'roll" Jon Lord said in an interview - a good description.
When fist listening to "Pictured Within" and seeking for something similar, only one album popped up in my mind: Jim Matheos' "First Impressions". Jim Matheos - guitarist of FATES WARNING - recorded this album back in 1993 with a few other people, just using acoustic guitar, cello and violin.
Most tracks on "Pictured Within" are instrumental; just three songs include
vocals. The titletrack "Pictured Within" is sung by Miller Anderson - and I
still wonder why I never heard of this guy before, as his voice is
brilliant - and the tracks "Evening Song" and "Wait A While" sung by Sam
Brown.
Especially "Wait A While" found a way to my heart during the very first
listen - I really can't say how much time I spent just listening to this
track. "Evening Song" is the newest track on the album (it was recorded
in July) and replaces "Miles Away", which will be left out of the final release
- a fact that leaves me with some mixed feelings, as "Miles Away" was one
of my personal favorites. But there's still the chance to see it as a track
on the hopefully-to-be-released "Wait A While" single.
Of course I can't guarantee, but I'm convinced everyone who gives "Pictured Within" a fair chance will find a bright shining jewel.
PS: Special thanks to Andrea Bennett for the great support!