Title - 'Myths Legends & Tales'
Artist - Darryl Way
If you have never heard the name Darryl Way before, allow me to bring you up to date. Born in Taunton, Somerset (where they make the Cider!), Way is a British rock and classical musician who was a founding member of Curved Air. He actually co-wrote their only hit single, 'Back Street Luv' and is best known as a violinist - although he also plays keyboards.
He began his musical training at Dartington College of Arts, and later studied at the Royal College of Music. When he met Francis Monkman, they formed the band Sisyphus, which evolved into Curved Air.
Here in 2016 and Way has just released his brand new album, Myths, Legends and Tales which is Way's latest Prog album. Each of the ten tracks take their respective inspiration from some of the mythologies (both ancient and present day) which have inspired Way.
Indeed, the album features full length prog tracks which will appeal to Curved Air fans and new listeners alike who have been enjoying Way's return to the music industry in a burst of fresh creativity.
We begin with the upbeat 'Apollo (Racing Against the Sun)', easily one of my favorite tracks from the off, and that is backed by both the stern, calculated violin work on 'Orpheus and the Underworld' and the upbeat, Irish-tainted jig-esque 'Whatever Happened'. The lighthearted, playfulness of 'Dove of Peace' is another stand out track, and that's followed by the ballad 'Strange Goings'. A beautiful work that showcases Way's vocals just perfectly.
Next up is the quite stunning, ethereal 'Aphrodite', which is backed by the pining coldness of 'The Ice Man, before the storytelling of love, 'Crusader.' The track 'Helter Skelter' is next, and no, it is far from being a cover of the Beatles big hit, and the album is rounded out perfectly by the orchestral beauty of 'Prometheus Chained'. In closing, here on Myths, Legends and Tales, there are still hints of Curved Air, sure, but after a few listens it becomes clear that this is Darryl Way - all the Way through.
www.darrylway.com