Released in the UK by Hannibal/Rykodisc, July 2004. Catalogue number: HNCD1471
An album representing a reunion
of the classic line-up of Roxy Music (albeit missing Bryan Ferry) is
pretty big news, and for Pink Floyd fans, the added bonus of David
Gilmour appearing on the album is an added incentive to check it out.
6PM is Phil Manzanera's 6th solo
album (hence the title - which has nothing to do with the time!), and
features Brian Eno, the saxophonist Andy Mackay who provides his
trademark poise and restraint throughout the album, and Paul Thompson
on drums. Phil also gets some of his other friends along for the ride -
Robert Wyatt and Chrissie Hynde.
It is fairly restrained in
places, which is no bad thing, and Manzanera's vocals are crisp and
well-mannered. The subject matter ranges from love songs, and an almost
prog-rock excursion, through to a heartfelt tribute (Wish You Well) to
music writer and author Ian MacDonald, who committed suicide in August
2003.
The album is full of great
tracks, from the opening notes of Broken Dreams, which sets the scene
for what is to follow well. Love is a big factor in the album -
demonstrated in the wonderful Love Devotion (one of my favourites) and
Always You.
 The
instrumental track Manzra has the performer in fairly noodly mood,
keeping things ticking over until the Cissbury Ring cycle of songs
kicks in. Cissbury Ring is a hillfort in Sussex, England, created by
early settlers in the area, and has a bit of a reputation of an area
where "unusual things" have been said to happen, and is sited in a
great defensive position. The set of five songs, lasting around fifteen
minutes, is a great romp, touching on classic prog-rock, and also
features David Gilmour providing some sublime guitar moments, vying
with Manzanera.
The first of David's two
appearances comes on the aforementioned Always You. Starting with a
swell of background music, and the same note that starts Sorrow, you'd
be forgiven the fleeting recollection of that earlier track. However,
this is a lighter and more joyful song, and features David's whistful
notes throughout, mostly skipping along in the background. This is
followed by the final track on the album, Sacred Days, which concludes
things in a more upbeat and energetic way, and includes a great,
trademark Gilmour guitar solo.
Both the tracks with Gilmour (and
indeed the other Cissbury Ring tracks) also feature Robert Wyatt,
long-time friend of Pink Floyd, here providing trumpets and drums.
The sincerity and poise of the
collection, coupled with faultless musicianship, brings you back time
and again to the album. The inclusion of Gilmour on it, I found, didn't
bring a mediocre album a bit more gravitas, instead, it made a great CD
even better. David Gilmour fans will find their man on good form, and
won't be disappointed with the rest of it.
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