Top Picks of 2017

Another year comes to an end and what a year it has been for progressive rock music brimming with magic, creativity, insight, virtuosity and empathy. To all those who wrestle to make these wondrous creations happen – thank you. The world would be empty and impoverished without you.

This is not definitive in any sense at all. As always, my selections are based on the albums which never stray far from my player and to which I have repeatedly listened since their release. Special mention must go to Damanek for an album which surely holds the title of ‘lyrics of the year’ speaking loudly and clearly from the heart of compassion about the plight of the world and direction we are taking at the start of the 21st century. Special mention also to Steve Hackett for what was without doubt for me concert year in May at the New Theatre in Oxford. Honourable mention also to Magenta and Alan Reed for a special evening in April in London and to Beatrix Players in May for a moving evening of powerful and beautiful music.

Thank you all for a wonderful 2017. Let’s raise a glass in gratitude for the feast we have enjoyed and in anticipation of the wonders to come in 2018.