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The Edinburgh Suite (Vinyl)
Latest from the Norwegian guitarist is a conceptual work consisting of two 20+ minute tracks. Everytime I hear something from Mr. Buaas I'm reminded of Mike Oldfield. Not overtly, as if he was copying his style, but more thematically. Perhaps its because despite of his nationality it has a very English feel. The music runs the gamut from acoustic folk to full on electric and I have to say he's an accomplished guitarist. He's also backed by Marco Minnemann (drums) and Tony Franklin (bass) as well as others. It has a big sound and it will suck you right in. Highly recommended.
“Crack open your favourite bottle of single malt and join me on a sonic journey through the history and the streets of Edinburgh.”
So says Norwegian guitarist and composer about his latest release, inspired by the great Scottish city. I wouldn’t be as presumptuous as to comment in depth, but having visited Edinburgh a couple of times, I’d have to agree that it’s a place which could certainly inspire.
The Edinburgh Suite is a two-part piece that features Marco Minnermann on drums, Tony Franklin on bass, Christian M Berg on mallets and percussion and Richard Garcia on keyboards. And quite frankly, it’s a bit of an opus.
“Part 1: Old Town” is a 20-minute exploration which switches from folk to cinematic soundscapes, electronica to heavy rock via progressive passages and movements. In short, it’s a piece to do exactly as Buass recommends. Close your eyes as the music envelopes you and guides you through the city. Buass is a fine guitarist and his expressive lead breaks are mesmerising, combining with the all-star quality assembled to support him on this album. At times uplifting, sometimes dark, the progressive style sees many influences dip in and out although for the guitarist who did time with Paul Di’Anno and ‘Ripper’ Owens amongst others in his career. Choral segments that segue into country and bluegrass may be a bit at odds with each other but overall, “Part I” is an enjoyable and expansive 20-minute instrumental.
“Part 2” focuses on Edinburgh new town and starts with swirling space synths before a chunky riff and pounding drums kick in, and we are off on a Hawkwind style space rock journey, albeit with a cleaner less intricate sound. By now the Mike Oldfield influence should be clear, although this dips in and out in “Part 2” just as it did in “Part 1.” I’m less enthused about certain parts, such as the xylophone and the exaggerated Country feel but it all adds to the flavours and dynamic delivery, which is certainly done in style and with a real flourish. As with “Part 1”, “Part 2” ebbs and flows, with a variety of styles that drift across your consciousness. Flowing water and soothing keyboards, gentle guitar passages and percussion wrap around you. It’s an album for relaxation, to transport you to Edinburgh in both a celebration and a curious exploration. There are even some vocoded vocals that appear halfway through, adding an air of mystery.
This is a 40-minute piece of work that works well. It’s superbly played, fits together and is both fluidly and organically delivered. Certainly, one of the curved balls amongst my reviews in 2022, it’s a release that will get plenty of airtime over the next few months and may even inspire me to return to Edinburgh in the not so distant future." - Moshville