Spring arrives early this year thanks to Peter Jones and his wonderful Tiger Moth Tales. Following in the vein of 2017's "The Depths of Winter", this new seasonal recording focuses on different aspects of the Spring throughout the world. Don't expect endless tales of rebirth and the return of the dawn, however; there's plenty of darkness thrown in for balancing measure. Jones knows how to tell a story and perhaps more importantly: how to sing and play the story's song. A remarkable musician on more instruments than you have fingers, Jones' lush arrangements, performances and production are remarkable in the context that they all come from one man. It's a sad wonder that more people haven't discovered him yet, as Peter Jones is a treasure known by relatively few thus far and that has simply got to change. For more on Jones' background, please check out our brand new interview with him at the end of this review.
"Spring Fever" rightly ushers in the album with an upbeat feel-good cadence. There's often a bit of Genesis influence lurking around (just give a listen to the "Peter Jones Plays Genesis" series to see how that material fits like a glove with Jones' voice) as this opening sequence will immediately call to mind the sounds of the late-70s-era. Sporting a chiming chorus, a gorgeous bridge and a percussive sax jam on the 7-minute studio version, this is an ideal way to kick off the proceedings. "Forester" is up next and it's one of the album's gems, a lengthy pastoral tale of longing, love and battle. Jones can play a mean Steve Hackett-style electric guitar and we get a taste of that here but it is his vocals which move the soul the most. His multi-layered harmonies open up the simple word "Joy" like a sunrise blessing its rays across the most verdant valley imaginable.
We quickly descend into shadowy terrain with the sacrificial "Dance Till Death" which opens first with a skillful classical guitar intro. The hypnotic pulse that follows draws the listener into the chilling story which may be an ancient spring rite but feels more at home in the darkening autumn. Perhaps the only thing this piece needs is a little more bottom edge, like a bass or Stick guest appearance from Nick Beggs or Tony Levin to truly terrify. Still, it gets its point across until we transition to the next tale, having flown halfway around the world to India's celebration of Holi. Much of this colorful interlude comes from guest John Holden who laid down the blueprint, and it's hard to sit still during the ensuing beats. Both John and ElizabethHolden also contributed lyrics to several of the songs herein and on "The Goddess and The Green Man"Elizabeth's rich choice of words make for sumptuously romantic storytelling.
A Song of Spring (Album Artwork)
The "Mad March Hare" serves up a punch-drunk change of pace with Jones' sax leading the way. Although he confesses in our interview that this will likely be a divisive track ("there's one on every album"), this seems too much fun to get your cotton tail bent out of shape. Next up we Come Sail Away to "Rapa Nui", an epic track whose opening time signature matches the rolling waves of heroic journeys across the seas. The only sign of spring in this tumultuous song may be the name Easter Isle but it makes for a good tale with even better music. Which leads us to closing piece "Light", a sad story of loss but ultimately building to an almost-anthemic release. Starting off with a lilting acoustic guitar line a la "Entangled", the piece will find revered guest Andy Latimer offering a glorious closing guitar solo, a tip of gratitude to Jones who has joined the band Camel during the past decade's tours.
Talent pours out of the veins of Jones, making it difficult to not be overly impressed by this one-man tour-de-force. "A Song of Spring" serves up countless styles of music and we haven't even mentioned the hidden bonus track which dances on the edge of jazz-fusion. If there is any justice in the world then Peter Jones will continue making his mark over the coming decade to a wider and wider audience. This latest album is an excellent starting point to his world but be sure to work your way back to the Tiger Moth's many other delights.
Released by: White Knight Records Released on: March 4th, 2022 Genre: Prog Rock
Musicians: - Peter Jones / Vocals, keyboards, drum programming, guitars, clarinet, recorder, ukulele, percussion - Andrew Latimer / Guitars
"A Song of Spring" Track-Listing: 1. Spring Fever 2. Forester 3. Dance Til' Death 4. Holi 5. The Goddess and the Green Man 6. Mad March Hare 7. Rapa Nui 8. Light
Rating: 8.8
Summary: Tiger Moth Tales heralds the Spring faster than the groundhog searching for his shadow on this rewarding collection of budding songs. Peter Jones knows his way around the keyboard, the guitar, the saxophone and just about any other instrument you can imagine (okay, maybe not a didgeridoo) not to mention his pristine vocals. "A Song of Spring" showcases all of these talents as evidenced by his engaging songwriting and a diverse track listing. With material such as this, it's going to be a joyous Spring this year
