Eric Woolfson was involved in the Alan Parson’s Project ‘Tales of Mystery and Imagination’ album released in 1976 and here Woolfson carries on his passion and interest in the writer Edgar Allan Poe.

Woolfson composed all the music and lyrics, which are either based on Poe’s works or parts of Poe’s life. Steve Balsamo adds his vocal talents to much of the work, none more so than ‘Wings of Eagles’, a grand production number with lush strings and choral backing and reminding me of Kansas!

Fred Johanson adds a deep baritone to ‘Train to Freedom’, a song with a distinctive traditional southern sound. ‘The Bells’ is pure musical, from the female fronted choir and the epic feel of the track. Same goes for ‘The Murders in the Rue Morgue’, which is great fun with its multitude of voices (I personally love big musical numbers like this!).

A very ambitious (recorded with full orchestra and an Abbey Road setting) and personal project, that manages to pull of the feat of being both accessible musically and one to enjoy on a deeper level for Poe readers. Steve Balsamo suits the dramatic soundscapes well and how about a stage show based on this work next?

****

Review by Jason Ritchie