Jadis
As Daylight Fades

First live album for Jadis, one of the leading groups of the most classic English new prog. The group, led by the skilled guitarist and singer Gary Chandler, presents itself with the lineup formed after the departure of the great Martin Orford and John Jowitt, including Mike Torr on keyboards and Steve Hunt on bass, along with drummer Steve Christey.

The live album, following the band's third studio CD, "Somersault", curiously includes only two tracks from the latter and mainly focuses on the band's early (and decidedly better) works, thus constituting a sort of "best of" in live version. It is definitely a pleasure, therefore, to be able to listen to energetic and convincing live versions of splendid tracks like "Sleepwalk", "Wonderful World", "In Isolation", or the poignant "More Than Meets The Eye" featuring the guest appearance of former Martin Orford on flute.

The album thus represents a good starting point for those who want to embark on the discovery of this band, whose main strength is the guitar of its versatile leader, capable of skillfully transitioning from energetic riffs to sweet arpeggios, ending with solos in full Rothery-style. If we add to all this exquisite arrangements and a voice that doesn't cause a miracle shout but has a pleasant clean and powerful timbre, we obtain the ingredients that make Jadis one of the leading groups in the crowded new progressive landscape. Recommended.