Mellotronists

One Drop in a Dry World - Maestoso


I recently received my much anticipated copy of "One Drop in a Dry 
World," the new release from Woolly Wolsenholm and his 
band, "Maestoso" For those of you not familiar with Woolly, he 
formerly was the keys player in Barclay James Harvest and is one of 
the world's best Mellotronists. For all of you Mellotron fans, I will 
state right off that this is one of the best "Mellotron" albums I 
have heard in years. However, beyond that this recording is just 
truly great. Not only is the musicianship first rate, but the songs 
are well written and will touch the listener on many levels.

This is the first full studio recording from Woolly in probably 
twenty years, and whatever was bottled up inside him is presented 
here for all to hear. As you listen to the recording it is worth 
reading the lyrics as you go. What first becomes apparent is that 
these songs reflect the emotions of a man who has gone through some 
dark periods in his life. They are filled with sadness, melancholy 
and sardonic humor. Ultimately they leave the listener with a sense 
of hope, as though the artist has laid his demons out before us and 
is now prepared to leave them behind. All he needs is a little 
encouragement

It all begins with Wooly saying, "Here we go." And we do.

1. The Bells THE BELLS!

This is a short instrumental into filled with big Mellotron strings 
over a sustained synth base and leads us into...

2. Blood and Bones

The may be the one of the greatest "Mellotron" tunes I've heard in 
years and it may be the biggest song Wooly has yet written. It begins 
with a beautiful acoustic guitar intro and moves into a pounding base 
line and soaring Mark II or perhaps M300 Strings. Soon comes a 
beautiful, pastoral interlude (Requiem) that soon launches us back 
into a full blooded Mellotron assault. From here we get a brief taste 
of Ian MacDonald Flutes then a repeat of the theme from the "requiem" 
and finally we are hit with the chorus backed by Mellotron "Russian 
Choir." Very dark and foreboding! As the song fades we hear 
Mellotron "Boys Choir" as if after our dark journey, Woolly leaves us 
with the sound of angelic innocence. The is a Huge Tron tune that 
will blow you away!

3. A Waiting Game

Woolly delivers the first great Christmas song of the year! This one 
is sure to be in my holiday song rotation from about Labor Day (end 
of August) through to the New Year. (Woolly gives the 
commercialization of the holidays a swift kick) And a pretty melody 
to boot.

4. It's U

When you're down and feeling out of control of your life, casting 
around for someone to blame... look in the mirror. This track was 
apparently written years back. It opens with jangley guitars and is a 
straight out rocker that is ultimately uplifting. Perhaps the author 
wrote a song to himself that we can all identify with.

5. Souk

Woolly takes us all shopping in an open air Arab Market. Tremendous 
Mellotron here with a Mid-Eastern atmosphere. Perhaps Woolly 
vacationed in Oman and brought us all back a gift.

6. One Drop in a Dry World

How to know when your an alcoholic. You get to pay the bill more than 
once and to learn that enough no longer is. Strong guitar work from 
Steve Broomhead that reminds me of Robin Trower. Lots of Mellotron 
Choir toward the end.

7. Anss (Another Nothing Summer Song)

In this one Woolly channels his inner Rasta Man and goes on vacation 
only to bump into Brian Wilson. Fun and hijinks ensue. 

8. End of the Road

Mid-life Crisis anyone? A man coming to grips with accomplishments 
unattained as he faces an unsure future. Could Woolly be reflecting 
on where he perceived his career was before he wrote and released 
this masterpiece? Once again, excellent guitar work from Steve. 
Listening to this song I am convinced that Woolly has either spent 
some time with Brian Wilson recently, or at least has listened to his 
work. It certainly sounds like a song Wilson could have written at 
his peak (if his peak was now.) Even the vocals a little.

9. Explorers

My take on this: Woolly's thoughts on where he and the band are 
heading now. This recording is very important to him and the band. 
Let us wish them good fortune in their journey. Buy the CD... See the 
show. Help make the trip a successful one.

10. 2 a.m.

This song again reminds me of Brian Wilson. Not for the sound or 
style, but because this is the song that the boy who wrote, "In My 
Room," at 20 could have written as a man at 55. Woolly tells us what 
it was like to be alone with his thoughts, living inside himself in 
the middle of the night. A haunting song of depression. I am sure 
most of us have had a night like this more than once. Perhaps this is 
where Woolly reveals the most about himself? This is the most 
beautiful melody of any song on the CD. Lots of haunting Mellotron 
strings. Beautiful frettless bass playing by Craig Fletcher sets the 
atmosphere of the song. This is my favorite!

11. The Starving People of the World all Thank You For Your Time.

Repeated over and over until the message sinks in.

12. Carpet (a four gong conclusion)

Was this written to BJH? Woolly reflects on what could have been. 
Someone goofed up. Who's to blame? You decide. Who killed the 
brotherhood? No one left to share the memories with? The end of the 
song will remind you of BJH.

So this is my take on the record. No use delving into the "bonus" 
tunes here although they are worth listening to. I will review this 
CD in the near future.

I think One Drop in a Dry World is an outstanding recording from a 
man who has been away far to long. I encourage everyone to purchase 
it and listen to it several times back to back. It just gets better 
and better. It is obvious that unlike many other artists who have 
been around for as long as Woolly has, he is not mired in the styles 
of the 70's, 80's or 90s. This is fresh material and the production 
is terrific.

If you are into Mellotrons, you will fall out when you hear this CD. 
In the CD booklet Woolly lists Mellotron first amongst the many 
instruments he plays on this CD and it's upfront and all over it but 
very tastefully utilized. You will see why he may well be the real 
true, "Master of the Mellotron."

I would like to ask Woolly for his forgiveness of my review if he 
doesn't like it, and for my interpretation of his lyrics. Woolly, 
I've shared some of these journeys in my life, and I am touched by 
your work. As for the comparisons to Brian Wilson... Please take them 
as a compliment.

Frank Stickle 6/16/04