Ian Rushton: Black Sands
By Peter Dent
This is an album of great musical diversity, of extreme national pride, light and shade, highs and lows. An entirely instrumental work, with many local and overseas guests. Rushton makes his presence felt on angelic-sounding acoustic piano, but there is also some outstanding guitar work (including dobro, slide etc.), as well as a tight rhythm section. Adrift sounds like a collaboration between Coldplay and Joe Satriani or Steve Vai. The musicianship is such that even extremes of musical change sound completely natural and harmonious. But in the end, this is Rushton's baby, he composed, produced and mixed 'Black Sands' himself. The CD liner notes don't list individual performances unfortunately, just names. The photography and design of the cover are stunning, although the actual disc is far from professional. That aside, Rushton has a masterpiece on his hands. 'Black Sands' evokes such powerful images, it is impossible not to be enchanted by it.
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