Alan Reed – Grey Sky Thinking | Progressive Rock Central.com

Alan Reed’s third solo album, “Grey Sky Thinking,” is scheduled for release on Monday, November 30, 2026, (St. Andrew’s Day), via White Knight Records.

Alan Reed has been the lead singer for Pallas from 1986–1988, 1993–2010, and he rejoined in 2022. In between his time with Pallas, he released two solo albums. The first was titled, “First in a Field of One,” which was released in October of 2012. The second solo album was titled, “Honey on the Razor’s Edge,” and it was released in March of 2017.”

Alan also was the lead singer for progressive rock band, Abel Ganz, for some time, during his time away from Pallas. He has returned for Pallas’ 2026 release, “A Song for Tomorrow,” but has curtailed his live performance career, after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s this year.

The album opens with the title song, “Grey Sky Thinking.” It is “a twist on the corporate phrase “blue sky thinking”. It follows his previous work and features contributions from backing vocalist Sunny and guitarist Neil Winton.

Alan recently completed “The Last Dance Tour,” His final tour, which concluded in September 2026, with final shows including London (229) and Glasgow (G2).

Charity and community raffles and sales from his final tour run raised funds for organizations like Parkinson’s UK.

For “Grey Sky Thinking,” and the accompanying live shows (“The Last Dance Tour”), Alan Reed collaborated with and performed alongside several notable artists, band members, and special guests:

The Daughters of Expediency: Alan Reed’s backing and touring band for his solo material and live performances.

Neil Winton: The guitarist who took over guitar parts for Alan’s live sets following his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Sunny: Provided distinct backing vocals featured across the “Grey Sky Thinking,” album.

Tudor Davies: The keyboardist who worked with Alan on studio and live arrangements.

Henry and Tudor: Are studio/drum production collaborators who helped track drums and instrumentation for “Grey Sky Thinking.”

Anne McLean: is a collaborator and co-participant in album art work and support for Alan’s projects.

Special Guests and Live Performers include:

Mark Spencer: Guitarist who joined Alan Reed on stage during live dates (such as the London 229 show) for Pallas classics like “Big Gay Tractor,” and “Crown of Thorns.”

Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate’s Malcolm Galloway and others; who served as special guests/support acts on the tour, with Malcolm also collaborating on guitar/live acoustic pieces.

Mirko Sangrigoli: Guitarist and keyboardist who performed with Alan during select acoustic sets.

Pallas Band Members: Alan’s long-time bandmates from Pallas, who joined him for retrospective/mini-sets on his farewell tour runs.

“Grey Sky Thinking.” kicks off with Alan giving credit to others for their hard work and bravery. The opening song is “First Responder.” It is a tearful remembrance of all the front-line emergency responders who are always there when we need them. What does it take to be one of these leaders and heroes? Alan captures their valiancy with soft piano and his wonderful voice and lyrics. This is truly a gifted person’s way to say thank you for all those people who have put others’ lives before their own. In a willingness to save lives. There are many heroes in the world who never get credit or thanks. Alan Reed makes sure here, that they are remembered with valor.

“Blue Side of the Black,” is a short electric guitar and drums instrumental full of power and melody. Only 1:52 minutes long, but absolutely full of great music.

“Shut up and Pay Yer Guitar,” is another play on words and phrases. Maybe it was meant to be, “shut up, and play your guitar.” But the playing is actually so good, it deserves payment!

“Voice of an Angel,” is a warm song, full of emotion, emotional and sincere lyrics, and soft keyboards. Wonderful, tribute and thoughtful song for a hero.

“A Matter of Trust,” is an excellent instrumental electric guitar and drums song.

“Sons of the Caliphate,” is a very cool synthesizer, drum and guitar instrumental, with Jenny Gray as Alan’s vocal support. Only, just over a minute, but they make the most out of it. A caliphate is: “A political-religious state or institution.”

“Into the Void,” is a short keyboard and guitar instrumental that is full of emotion and magic, despite its short length.

“Camberwick Grey,” is a wonderful song, with acoustic guitar and Alan singing. It is about a nice small town that was well run and cozy, before it is ruined by a loss of industry, as so many have been throughout the UK. After over 200 years of industry, the town loses a major employer, and the town is forever changed. Alan sings, “I can remember how I thought it was just a passing phase.” A sad song set to a warm melody. Alan sings of how the city residents will all stand together, and keep the town and its memory alive.

“Turning Away,” opens with the soft pitter-patter beat of percussion and acoustic guitar. Alan Reed sings, along with Kim McLean. They sing the Dougie MacLean classic, with great lyrics, “In darkness we do what we can. In daylight we’re oblivious. Our hearts so raw and clear. Are turning away, turning away from here.” The electric guitar solo is also amazing on this over four-minute-long song.

Alan Reed’s “Grey Sky Thinking,” is a masterful addition to his wide discography of music, including his creations with Pallas. This is a must listening album, for any fans of Pallas and those that have watched and listened to Alan’s musical career from the start. I think his voice is still just fine, and his ability to write deep, appreciative and emotive music is still formidable. I hope Alan surprises all of us by continuing to write and create great music for Pallas and to expand his growing solo catalog of music. I am also happy to have had the opportunity to interview him twice; once as a solo artist for this album and also as a member of Pallas, yesterday. He is a noble man, with a great heart, mind and personality. I wish him the best, always.

Album Track List: