For those unaware, Bright Weaving, is the new double album from renowned illustrator, composer, and musician Martin Springett (The Gardening Club Solo, A Gardening Club Project), it’s a limited-edition Factory duplicated pressing of just 100 copies—a true collector’s gem.

Bright Weaving by Martin Springett will appeal to fans of artists who appreciate intricate acoustic guitar work, folk-inspired melodies, and progressive storytelling in music.

Indeed, fans of the following artists might well enjoy it: Anthony Phillips (early Genesis guitarist known for his pastoral and classical guitar work); Steve Hackett (especially his acoustic and classical-influenced albums); Gordon Giltrap (British guitarist blending folk, classical, and prog elements); Michael Hedges (pioneering acoustic guitar virtuoso with a unique style); Nick Drake (for his melancholic yet intricate acoustic arrangements); John Renbourn & Bert Jansch (Pentangle—folk and classical guitar fusion); Jon Anderson (particularly his more ethereal, acoustic-driven solo work) and Iona (Celtic-inspired progressive music with rich atmospheres).

And so, if you like storytelling in music, rich textures, and acoustic finesse, Bright Weaving is definitely worth exploring!

1. First Light / The Gardens Of Al Rassan [1:08]
2. The Four Gardens Of Al-Rassan - Elvir [4:33]
3. Ragosa [2:05]
4. Tudesca [2:25]
5. Fezana [2:01]
6. Dianora [5:28]
7. Painted Feet On Ochre Sand [5:06]
8. Fionavar Suite Part 1 / The Crossing [10:22]
9. The Wild Hunt [1:18]
10. Midsummer Night (Kevin’s Song) [3:46]
11. Jennifer [2:53]
12. Fionavar Suite Part 2 / The Return [2:56]
13. Ysabel / Awakenings [6:03]
14. Arbonne [1:17]
15. Under Heaven [6:28]
16. Children Of Earth And Sky [3:15]
17. Shirin’s Dance [3:46]
18. River Of Stars [4:53]
19. Shan’s Theme [2:00]
20. The Last Light Of The Sun [4:50]
21. Rachel’s Song (bonus track) [5:36]

This progressive rock infused set, with plenty of other styles and influences a abounding, opens on the ethereal storytelling that is the short musical intro First Light / The Gardens Of Al Rassan which then leads us into the delicate gossamer of The Four Gardens Of Al-Rassan - Elvir, the Eastern-imbibed Ragosa and the dutiful hipsway of Tudesca, and then we get brought forth the all-embracing Fezana, the beautiful Dianora, the hauntingly playful dance floor swirls and twirls of Painted Feet On Ochre Sand, with the mesmerizingly stunning ten minute opus Fionavar Suite Part 1 / The Crossing, the drum-led The Wild Hunt and the delicately-hued Midsummer Night (Kevin’s Song) along next.

Along next on this diligently sculpted new recording is the free flowing Jennifer, the gentle stillness exhibited within the quietly strident Fionavar Suite Part 2 / The Return and the ambient Ysabel / Awakenings, and they are in turn backed by the aptly-entitled flow of Arbonne, the flavorful Under Heaven, the shrewd, Latin-hued Children Of Earth And Sky and the guitar-driven Shirin’s Dance, the set rounding out on the rhythmically Eastern-tinged River Of Stars, the sculpted Shan’s Theme, the driven storytelling of The Last Light Of The Sun, closing on a new version of the bonus track Rachel’s Song (with Danie Friesen singing).

Musicians:
Martin Springett / Composer / Acoustic Guitar / Voice
Penner Mackay / Percussion / Co-Composer on The Gardens
Maryem Toller / Voice
Ron Allen / Bansuri (wooden flute)
Rahlen Sullaphen / Acoustic and Electric Bass
Alyssa Wright / Cello
Rebecca and Miriam Springett / Flutes
Chris McKhool / Violin

The Gardening Club is a Canadian progressive rock band that infuses many other styles of music and to create a one of a kind sound, led by UK-born and founding member Martin Springett an accomplished musician and illustrator. Martin Springett is an extraordinary artist and was a friend of the legendary Pauline Baynes (an English illustrator, author, and commercial artist). Martin was born in Crayford, Kent, England, in 1947. He studied art (as he learned to play the guitar) for two semesters at the Brassey School of Art in Hastings, Sussex.

He immigrated to the West Coast of Canada in 1965 but returned to the UK in 1973 to pursue music in various bands. Furthermore, he spent time in Germany and toured through Europe. While in London, Martin started to illustrate and design record covers for Columbia Records.

Upon his return to Vancouver, Martin carried on with music and illustrated various books and magazines. In 1978, he moved to Toronto, maintaining activity in every area where illustration is required. He released his album, The Gardening Club, in 1983.

Official Purchase Link

Martin Springett / Gardening Club Official Website