Review of Wooly Wolstenholme's One Drop in a Dry World
2004-06-20 by Frank
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