Duncan Parsons – “On Earth, As It Is”

On Earth, As It Is, is the sixth album from multi-instrumentalist Duncan Parsons. Duncan Parsons is the drummer of the John Hackett Band. On Earth, As It Is will be released on December 2, 2022. Duncan, besides being the drummer for the John Hackett Band, is also a bassist with Joanne Harris’ #Storytime Band. Duncan’s other work has included Marc Catley and Paley’s Watch, Judith Silver, Marianne Velvärt, Philip Clemo, and music for theatre and video.

On Earth, As It Is, uses The Lord’s Prayer, from the Bible, as a reference and framework. According to Duncan, “The album explores themes of trust, anger, forgiveness, responsibility, temptation, and other elements of basic humanity via rock, folk, minimalism, jazz, and whatever else was lying about the studio”.

Duncan continues: “Taking cues from across the progressive canon, from the existential themes of The Dark Side of The Moon, through diverse instrumentation, to the rock/acoustic, long/short track album structure from the band Yes, on the album, Fragile, and Jethro Tull’s famous, Aqualung. On Earth, As It Is places itself in the heart of the progressive tradition”.

This album is a clever assortment of sounds and rhythms. “Heaven”, starts things off at the top, with mystical wonder, as you might have imagined. The track opens with a curious, “hello!”, then softly played keys are immediately elevated to Keith Emerson level seriousness. Keyboards and sythns sounds, that might bring back memories of ELP’s glory days. Then, the pace slows into a jazzy rhythm, highlighted by Parson’s intricate drum playing. John Helliwell, of Supertramp fame, steals the show from there on, with his sax playing; after Duncan’s, “Three, two, one” verbal countdown. Parsons keeps pace, as a wandering caravan of excellent musicians joins this epic, over 23-minute, concerto. Imagine seeing your favorite musicians play in front of you in Heaven. This could be the concept for Duncan’s dream. The strings brought by Lizz Lipscombe, on violin and viola are a wonderful breath of fresh air, as is John Hackett’s flute work. Dave Bainbridge, plays steel strung guitar, and Nick Fletcher, adds fusion guitar, completing the dream, with some progressive guitar legends. Kim Eames’ sings angelic host, to Duncan’s pleas, “Where are you? You say you’re in Heaven. But what good is that to me? When I need you here with me, now.” Everything, musically, you might want in your own heavenly or otherworldly experience. Very nice indeed.

“This Day”, opens with soft Yes’ like acoustic guitar. I think Steve Howe would appreciate this section. The deep bass chords, that follow, would have made Chris Squire smile. Duncan’s power drums take over. John Helliwell is back! Thankfully to add sax. Duncan adds some Ian Anderson slyness to the lyrics and his commentary. “I know bravado is something I just can’t hide. You see the weakness that’s hidden deep inside”. He sings, “There’s a place I know I just can’t fill. But I’m hoping that someone will”. If you listen you can hear that sly and cunning laugh with vocal, that Ian Anderson often uses so well on Jethro Tull albums. The percussion and drumming that follows is stunning. Then, back to Helliwell, this time on clarinet. Just perfect.

“Fissures of Men”, opens with piano, combined with running violin and strings; accompanied by bass. An almost folkie rhythm and sound, mixed well with punctuated piano. A well-played and original instrumental.

“I didn’t start at the finish line. I had to work through the dirt to get where I am. And if the punishment fits the crime. Guess I’ve paid my dues. Cause I’ve carried the can. For all of the things I’ve said to you”. Yes, some regret and powerful anguish flows out on “Finish Line”. Kind of Duncan’s version of “Death on Two Legs”. You may remember that from the classic Queen album, Night at the Opera. Venom directed, at an individual, as Freddie’s was. I am sure whoever this is directed at, should feel the emotional welts. Sympathy strings take us out, to end the song.

“Unnecessary Kindness”, is a beautiful acoustic guitar solo instrumental.

“Three Sixteen”, opens with train whistles and slow guitar. The three sixteen is a train and Duncan has fun riding this one. The lyrics and the way they are delivered is both cunning and direct. Deep bass, guitar and slow vocal delivery helps pace this interesting journey. John Hackett’s flute adds sincerity and kindness. The keyboards and overall feel of the music is early Supertramp. I definitely can hear the influence. More of a Supertramp with Fish of Marillion singing; along with Frank Zappa’s orchestra contributing rhythm. Try piecing all of that together. Difficult, but who said fun could not be a little difficult, every now and again.

“Lead Us Not”, is a short song, opening with excellent acoustic guitar, along with some frustrated lyrics and vocals. John’s flute bounces around playfully along with the keyboards. Very Jethro Tull meets Supertramp.

“Fissures of Men (Reprise)”, is full of strings and deep sitting bass. It is a short, 1:12, instrumental song that is perfectly placed to delight your ears.

“Valediction (Power and Glory)”, opens with an almost Police – like reggae beat. At over 13 minutes, it is one of the album’s longest songs. John’s flute work is wonderful here, and so are the stringed instruments.

You can hear the influence of Jethro Tull and Supertramp all over this album. But there is also some Frank Zappa inspiration, and of course Duncan’s own influence with original concepts and innovations. The keyboards are warm and inviting. This album is wonderful as an interruption to your daily routine. It will pick up your ears and provide a new flavor and sound. Full of jazzy sounds and ELP – like inspirations as well.

Duncan includes all of his friends and a plethora of stars from the galaxies of progressive rock’s musical stratosphere. Included on the album are: John Hackett, Nick Fletcher, Kim Eames, Ben Eckersley, John Helliwell, (Supertramp), Dave Bainbridge, (Iona, Strawbs, Lifesigns), John Steel, (The Daintees), Leland Sklar and Lizz Lipscombe. All of the guest musicians bring their own stellar talents to this progressive soundscape. Duncan states, “This may be the first time that John Helliwell and Leland Sklar have appeared together on the same tune, and is almost certainly the first occurrence of spoons and washboard trading fours on a progressive recording!”

All songs and sounds by Duncan Parsons. Duncan Parsons, of course plays, drums and percussion; electric, nylon, variax, steel, and bass guitars; as well as some peculiar assortment of keyboards; vocals; engineering, production.

The musical guests performing, include, in order of appearance:

John Helliwell – sax and clarinet (1, 2, 9)
Lizz Lipscombe – violin and viola (1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9)
John Hackett – flute (1, 6, 7, 9)
Kim Eames – angelic host (1)
Dave Bainbridge – steel strung guitar (1)
Nick Fletcher – fusion guitar (1)
Leland Sklar – bass (2, 7)
Ben Eckersley – cello (3, 4, 6)
John Steel – palm muted, waft, 12-string, and lead guitars (9)
On Earth, As It Is, also features: The G-force Isolation Choir, and Jeremy Richardson as the voice of God.

Track List

1. Heaven – 23:01
2. This Day – 6:38
3. Fissures of Men – 2:53
4. Finish Line – 2:40
5. Unnecessary Kindness – 4:48
6. Three Sixteen – 7:04
7. Lead Us Not – 4:23
8. Fissures of Men (Reprise) – 1:12
9. Valediction (Power and Glory) – 13:22

Social Media:

https://duncanparsons.bandcamp.com/album/on-earth-as-it-is

https://duncanparsons.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/musicdsp/