Darryl Way – “Myths, Legends and Tales” (Right Honourable Records, 2016)
Darryl Way, one of the great progressive rock violinists, has a new solo concept album titled “Myths, Legends and Tales”. Way was the founder of two excellent progressive bands from the 1970s, Curved Air and his own group, Darryl Way’s Wolf.
“Myths, Legends and Tales” is inspired by ancient and present day mythologies. The album features a mix of progressive symphonic rock and rock songs. Darryl Way plays all the instruments and also provides all the vocals. Way does an outstanding job with the arrangements, but where he really shines is with his fabulous violin solos and symphonic orchestrations.
Highlights on “Myths, Legends and Tales” include the instrumental “Orpheus and the Underworld,” where we find a series of fiddle styles and overdubs, ranging from scorching solos to romantic passages; and the captivating progressive rock song “Strange Goings On” that features Way’s best vocal work (including a mesmerizing spoken word section) and a superb violin solo.
Other high points include the dreamy, slow tempo instrumental, “Aphrodite”; the upbeat “Helter Skelter” composition, where Darryl Way gets closer to jazz-rock, delivering an infectious beat; and the final piece, a symphonic marvel full of magic and mystery titled “Prometheus Chained” where Way showcases his talent as an orchestrator and fiddler.
“As a rock violinist I have always been searching for that elusive sound, turn of phrase and means of expression that would give the electric violin a legitimate voice in the idiom of rock music,” says Darryl Way. “With this album, I feel that I have come closer than ever before to achieving this goal. ‘Myths, Legends and Tales’ is another attempt by me to fly the flag for ‘prog rock’. I’ve raised the flag up the mast as far as I am able and can only now hope, that it will be seen and appreciated by the devoted fans of this neglected genre.”
It’s great to see this extraordinary violinist back in the progressive rock scene.