It’s never really Summer until we’ve played Jadis in our house. A mantra my lovely wife Konnie and I hold to, since we first saw this surfer dude stroll on to the stage at the Classic Rock Society with his band to mesmerise us with his ‘guitarstrionics’, (yes, I made that up).
To this day we have the live album As Daylight Fades as part of our soundtrack to the summer and it’s one of the most played albums in my rather large CD collection. With live performances from the band and new albums like rare gems found on the seabed, a fresh release has always been a cause for musical celebration in our household.
So, it seems quite apt that when I sat down to start reviewing new album More Questions Than Answers, that the miserable weather we had suffered, was flushed away by the golden sunshine and warmth returns, with light peeping through every gap and opening, covering us like a comforting blanket, a suitable analogy for the band’s music.
After all’s Said And Done, Jadis can always warm your heart. A Zen like entrance bursts forth in a cornucopia of keyboard flurries from the ‘octopusly’ (made that up as well) dextrous Martin Orford. Gary Chandler’s guitar stands high on the cliff firing notes across the sea, as the rhythm from Steve Christey’s drums and Andy Marlow’s bass, pound like waves against the cliff face.
What better way to spend a sunny day than take a wander in the Wood Between The Worlds, as dappled sunlight plays patterns across the breeze brushed leaves, guitar floating through the branches and trunks, in reverential procession with the keyboards, bass and drums dancing on the moss softened floor to a ceremonious conclusion in a light filled clearing.
Everything We See in life gradually fades with memories clouding over. A yearning for what we have lost as the past slips away and the music builds as if the passage of time is urging it onward to the end of this track.
Rotating acoustic chords twirl as Gary bemoans the failings of humanity and the human trait of following like sheep, but if we do, nothing changes. He asks Do You Know? who will stand up, push against the flow and try to sort the problems, on the longest track from the album. To rail against the lies, deception and destruction caused, as a heavier instrumental passage allows Martin’s keys to flourish, driven by the drums and bass. This is tempered by a short flutter on the flute, which leads to the guitar emphasising the point, and the keyboards show their frustration. As Gary implores, the guitar turns more optimistic, the track fading away on hopeful notes.
Questions Without Answers are raised as to why we appear to be giving up. Where is the passion and desire to achieve what is required for us to sort our problems? What happened to our ambitions, why do we not trust each other and work together? Throughout, Gary’s guitar runs sparkle and burst with elation in his recognisable style as he again presents us with the opportunity to look at ourselves and resolve matters.
Passion runs through every instrument on this album and the palpable sense of camaraderie and understanding between the band members flourishes, blossoms and takes flower.
Mr Orford’s chance to shine on this song as his black and whites come to the fore, penultimately leading From All Sides. His fingers race across the ivories (or maybe composite, plastic keys) like enthusiastic greyhounds out of the traps, running free with the wind in their airs. Gary’s voice and guitar rise into the air with aspirations that even as the world appears to be collapsing there are still those who want to save it. The keys hove into view again and flourish past, coming to an abrupt end with the faint sound of Steve’s drumbeat in the distance.
The same percussion leads into the final track that ponders the Fading Truth, searching for answers and the prospect of a better future. There has to be a brighter time ahead as the sun always returns after darkness. Can we learn from our mistakes? Continue to question and work together for a better future, refusing to accept the current state of our lives. Gary’s guitar solo rises like a golden ray of hope, majestically carrying us on a euphoric ride toward what lies ahead, washing us with a refreshing tide of expectation as it fades gloriously into the distance and gentle lapping keys guide you to a land of promise.
Jadis don’t attempt a re-creation of the musical wheel on More Questions Than Answers, just as they haven’t particularly done so on what has come before. Bands are criticised for standing still and regurgitating the same material, after all this is supposed to be progressive rock. The question is, do Jadis need to change at all? For me, no. There is enough variation in the music whilst retaining their wonderfully familiar sound. The sheer quality of the songs and musicianship shines through, leaving me feeling warm and just that little bit better, whatever the mood or situation.
I find there are some guitarists that have the ability to raise the hairs on the back of my neck, with the passion in which they play and caress every note to maximise exultant emotion. Gary Chandler is one such guitarist, playing with such fervour and transporting me to a heightened level of joyousness.
The rain and clouds may return, but whenever Jadis play it’s a little piece of summer, something I think we all need.
TRACK LISTING
01. Said And Done (7:30)
02. Wood Between The Worlds (7:00)
03. Everything We See (5:30)
04. Do You Know? (10:45)
05. Questions Without Answers (4:50)
06. From All Sides (8:20)
07. Fading Truth (6:10)
Total Time – 50:05
MUSICIANS
Gary Chandler – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Steve Christey – Drums, Percussion
Andy Marlow – Bass
Martin Orford – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: U.K.
Date of Release: 6th June 2024
LINKS
Jadis – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X | Instagram
(A sincere apology from The Progressive Aspect Editorial team to the band and reviewer for the delay in publishing this review, which was submitted in good time for the album release, but uncharacteristically ‘slipped between the cracks’ – sorry Kevin and Jadis.)