Anders Buaas - 2022 - The Edinburgh Suite

(42:00; Apollon Records)

Track list:
1. The Edinburgh Suite Pt. 1 Old Town 20:30
2. The Edinburgh Suite Pt. 2 New Town 21:30

Line-up:
Anders Buaas - various instruments
with:
Marco Minnemann - drums
Tony Franklin - bass
Christian M. Berg - mallets, percussion
Richard Garcia - keyboards, piano, accordion


Prolusion.
Norwegian composer and musician Anders Buaas has been releasing solo material at a steady pace for the past five years, with a new album appearing just about every year. "The Edinburgh Suite" is his most recent solo production, and is set to be released through Norwegian label Apollon Records in early September 2022.

Analysis.
Buaas' take on the progressive rock genre is one that is a bit hard to pin down, as he does explore a rather appealing variety of the style on one hand, but may explore these tendencies in a manner that is a bit more niche-oriented. Perhaps first and foremost in that the music is instrumental. While there are aspects that doesn't really make the music directly comparable, at least on this latest album of his I'd say that the type of progressive rock explored here is one that comes with some similarities to what an artist like Mike Oldfield have been exploring over the years, and also the work of an artist like Robert Reed in later years.

"The Edinburgh Suite" is a two part composition where each part clocks in at around the 20 minute mark. Each part consists of multiple sequences that alternate quite a bit in style, sound and intensity, and Buaas and his fellow musicians switch it up in a neat, logical manner that maintains flow and momentum very well indeed. Several parts will have Buaas smooth and flowing guitar soloing at the center stage, sometimes in a more atmospheric laden manner not too far removed from the likes of Camel or Pink Floyd, on other occasions with a bit more bite and intensity with bass and drums sitting nicely in the pocket to sustain drive, energy and momentum. We also get sections where the keyboards have the dominating spot, ranging from majestic organ surges and classic era symphonic progressive rock excursions and on to gentle, careful as well as delicate passages with a bit more of an ambient touch. Sections with a more distinct folk music flavoring and orientation is a key part of the total experience too, explored in more atmospheric as well as in more energetic and uplifting manners. In addition some details that appear to have a bit more of a jazz tinged flavor to them will occasionally be present, and that there are moments here and there that possibly point towards classical music as a likely source of inspiration can be taken note of too.

Both parts of the composition comes across as well developed and well executed, and the end result is given a nice final shine and polish with the contributions of some well known, quality instrumentalists that add some fine details to the proceedings throughout. An enjoyable and accessible progressive rock album, despite consisting of two songs that are all instrumental and where both clock in at the 20 minute mark.

Conclusion.
Atmospheric laden progressive rock ranging from the careful and delicate to the energetic is what Buaas and his fellow musicians provide on "The Edinburgh Suite", an accomplished production that is solid and well made on all levels and an album experience that should bring plenty of joy to those who are fond of long form instrumental progressive rock. While strictly not directly comparable, I do think quite a few fans of artists such as Mike Oldfield and Robert Reed should find this album to be quite the intriguing experience.  

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, August 2022

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/andersbuaasartist
https://www.apollonrecords.no/