Amanda Lehmann
Innocence And Illusion

8/10
By Decibel Report

Contrary to its title, there’s absolutely no trace of Innocence or Illusion on this mature solo record by a seasoned performer whose real musical talents need no introduction to Steve Hackett followers. Many of those who will have witnessed Amanda front of stage trading guitar with Hackett and delivering her breathy pure vocals across the erstwhile Genesis man’s stellar shows and recent albums will not be disappointed in this recording. This album will sit companionably next to any of Hackett’s more recent studio releases on any serious fans shelf such is the overall consummate quality of composition, performance, and arrangements herein. Flying solo from the shadow of Hackett, Lehmann has nevertheless roped in Steve who delivers his guitar magic on Forever Days and Where The Small Things Go, and snazzy harmonica on Only Happy When It Rains, current Hackett band keyboard wizard Roger King, and former Hackett keys man Nick Magnus who plays on seven tracks, and also engineers this release, and Rob Townsend who notably blows his sax on Memory Lane.

Opener Who Are The Heroes? heralds in an album of exquisite compositions all written by Lehmann. Her upper range gossamer light voice contrasts beautifully with the brooding epic musicality to alluring effect. This Prog hued approach reaches its peak on the dreamy serenity of Tinkerbell on which more than an essence of stardust is sprinkled.

The nine songs cross musical genres from Prog, Rock, Blues, and Jazz with Only Happy When It Rains bringing Amanda’s vocal range and stylings to the fore. As much is true on The Watcher with her slinky blues-rock guitar chops impressively on show. The sweeping grandeur of Forever Days, replete with scintillating guitar solos from Hackett, is the outstanding track on an engaging album of entrancing musical movements. These vivid and detailed compositions capture the imagination throughout this excellent solo flight recording.