This is a very out-of-time musical opus, but delightfully so! Think back to the days of chivalry and beautifully tragic romance - Donovan's "Atlantis" or Genesis's "Musical Box" - and you will get the idea.
The phrasing of the highly poetic lyrics, particularly on the first couple of tracks ("Brave Anna" and "Window") is reminiscent of the Baroque period - somewhat stilted in its grand gentility but progressing to a much warmer emotional level. This odd phrasing can get a bit wonky, though, as evidenced in "Drawing Water", which is otherwise palatable. "In Between a Home" (with its slightly overly-repetitive chorus/title line) is nevertheless an admirable attempt to challenge the Who's classic "Love, Reign O'er Me", and I found the lyrics on this track personally insightful.
The vocals are eminently pleasing throughout, with Ken Baird's wide-ranging leads and the angelic ones of his long-time harmony accompanist, Susan Fraser, most notably on "Window" and "Victoria Day", the latter song which is truly fit for a queen!
I hear quite a bit of British art-rock influence here (in addition to Genesis), including very early Elton John, Pink Floyd, Yes and even King Crimson. Whether your preference is the ethereal wistfulness of "Outside" and the gothic "This Old Boat" (two of my favourite tracks), the catchy, uncontrived pop-rock of "She Takes One Step" or "Paved Over Summertime", there is a very magical, calming effect at work here.
Ken, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, apart from his work as a solo artist, is also known as the founder of Perpetual Angelus and the former keyboardist with the straight-ahead rock'n'roll party band, Eden Hill. This is his fourth solo outing (the first three having already received global air play). On Martin Road, he also displays his dexterity on guitars (6 and 12-string), as well as penny whistle and recorder, superbly backed by Chris Lamont (Damnait Doyle, Wild Strawberries) on drums, Steve Cochrane (also an apparent keyboard wizard and solo artist heavily influenced by Genesis) and John Mamone (not the American gangster!) on guitars, and Dino Verginella (Rob Lamothe, Steve Sinnicks, Jacob Moon, etc.) on bass.
I am very honoured to have this musical treasure in my collection! Although the CD has not yet been officially released, you can get your advance copy at Records on Wheels in Dundas, Ontario (just outside Hamilton). To get info on when and where the CD release party will take place, go to Ken Baird's website at www.kenbaird.net.
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