Nick Magnus is certainly no stranger to the progressive rock scene. After a five-year break since his last studio album Catharsis there is newcomer A Strange Inheritance, a concept album with an adventurous story, set in the late 18th, early 19th century.
Composer, keyboardist and producer Nick Magnus is best known for his work with ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett from 1978 to 1989, during which he has provided his keyboard talents to at least twelve albums by Steve Hackett, to date. He was also part of Hackett’s regular backing band during that time. A funny fact is that he wore an American police motorcycle helmet during gigs and was always called CHiPS by Hackett, after the popular TV series of the same name at the time.
Nick Magnus started in 1976 with cult band The Enid and moved to the progressive rock band Autumn after a year, where he stayed for two years until Hackett’s call reached him. Later he became a professional session musician for artists as diverse as China Crisis, Renaissance, George Martin, Jose Carreras, Brian May, Pete Bardens (Camel), Duncan Browne, Chris Rea and Colin Blunstone… and the list goes on. Magnus has also released six solo albums to date.
On A Strange Inheritance Nick Magnus plays keyboards, synthesizers, sings lead and backing vocals, plays percussion, tongue drum (..) and takes care of the entire production. He is also assisted by a host of friends/guest musicians including Steve Hackett on harmonica, John Greenwood (Unitopia) on guitars and Tony Patterson on vocals.
The story for this album begins in a special way. A narrator takes us on a cinematic journey; a reckless tale of love, loss and revenge. A Strange Inheritance reveals the story of a young woman whose misplaced love condemns her to the grim streets of 18th-century London. She is deported and travels across the sea to the New World, where imperialism and injustice reign, and a paradise island that is not what it seems.
The ten-minute long opener of his seventh album, An Almost Silent Witness, immediately sets the tone: after the spoken introduction by Dick Foster, an epic song develops, told from the point of view of… a parrot! Nick Magnus himself provides lead vocals on this dreamy song with violin and acoustic guitar. The folk influences and shape of the song are strongly reminiscent of the Netherlands’ own prog band Kayak. Former ’employer’ Steve Hackett provides a surprising bluesy harmonica solo. ‘Ship Ahoy my pretty boy‘ is all the blue parrot can say, it is more than enough. Wonderful melodic music for daydreaming and relaxing.
On Blood Money vocals are provided by Tony Patterson and he does an excellent job with his warm voice, slightly reminiscent of Colin Blunstone but also Gary Brooker. The pirate blood flows freely in this song with references to Procol Harum, the beautiful Spanish guitar is by Unitopia’s John Greenwood.
My personal favourite is the melancholic Philadelphia in which the sad story of upstairs/downstairs is told. Very melodic with a catchy chorus that nestles in your head in no time. The beautiful animation video is an absolute must.
You imagine yourself on a sailing ship during the captivating At Sea at Night. The Steve Hackett-like guitar tones of Greenwood add extra power to this. This also applies to the classical sounds of a string quartet including cello, all from Magnus’ magic bag of tricks. At first you think of a full-fledged classical orchestra including a full choir when you hear the first notes of Four Winds, a classical mini-suite in four parts. At over eight minutes, this beautiful instrumental track is one of the longest on the album.
After this, it is time to switch to Welcome to the Island with guest vocals by mezzo-soprano Ginger Bennett. Her background in soul, funk and jazz comes in handy in this somewhat funky number dominated by (electronic) wind instruments and Hammond organ. Shamanistic chants and calypso rhythms give this song an ominous atmosphere. Black and Scarlet could have come from an Alan Parsons Project album. Is it because of Tony Patterson’s vocals, the clean guitar solo or the catchy chorus and instrumentation? The theme from opener An Almost Silent Witness returns.
Closing To Whom It May Concern is sung to a quiet climax by Louise Young. The clear voice of the musical star interprets a hopeful lyric and, supported by a John Hackett-style flute, brings the ship into calm waters and closes the album. Steve Hackett’s older work could easily have served as a model for this. That is reinforced by John Greenwood’s solo in the style of the legendary guitarist and includes a soprano saxophone as well. Without a doubt one of the best songs on the new album.
Eight songs, fifty minutes of pure symphonic progrock music, also in the form of a concept album, you don’t come across that much these days. Musically in line with the previously mentioned Alan Parsons, Kayak and Steve Hackett’s earlier work. Recommended for the true fan of good old-fashioned symphonic rock music.
TRACK LISTING
01. An Almost Silent Witness (10:07)
02. Blood Money (4:45)
03. Philadelphia (5:16)
04. At Sea At Night (5:54)
05. Four Winds (8:14)
06. Welcome To The Island (5:19)
07. Black And Scarlet (5:22)
08. To Whom It May Concern (5:36)
Total Time – 50:33
MUSICIANS
Nick Magnus – Keyboards, Synthesizers, Lead & Backing Vocals, Percussion, Tongue Drum, Production
~ With:
Steve Hackett – Harmonica (1)
Dick Foster – Prologue (1)
John Greenwood – Nylon, 12-String & Electric Guitars (2)
Tony Patterson – Lead Vocals (2 & 7)
Ginger Bennett – Lead Vocals (6)
Louise Young – Lead Vocals (8), Backing Vocals (7 & 8)
Andy Neve – Backing Vocals (1 & 7)
Clara Sorace – Shamanistic Chants (6)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Magick Nuns Records
Country of Origin: U.K.
Date of Release: 16th September 2024
DISCOGRAPHY
– A Strange Inheritance (2024)
– Catharsis (2019)
– N’Monix (2014)
– Children Of Another God (2010)
– Hexameron (2004)
– Inhaling Green (1999)
– Straight Till Morning (1993)
LINKS
Nick Magnus – Website | Facebook | YouTube