Styles & groups
Progressive rock
This musical style is undoubtedly the major influence of "Another Way", even if it is more noticeable on the second part.
Born in the 60s, this style shares with classical and even more jazz a great musical freedom, allowing digressions conducive to an abundance both instrumental and melodic without limit. Thus, most of the songs move away from the verse/chorus standard to offer something varied, unexpected, surprising; in other words, you never know in advance where the music will take us. In addition, progressive rock appropriates the concept album principle (what is "Another Path"), introduced in 1967 by the Beatles with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band".
While it is customary to say that the genre reached its peak in the 1970s, through bands such as Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, King Crimson (to name a few), it is still alive today, with a multitude of groups that carry high the colors of the genre. I will mention only a few of them here, not least because they were an inspiration for one or more of the album's tracks;
To all lords all honor. The soaring introduction of " Trouble" is thus a tribute to Pink Floyd. Carried by genius (madness?) Combined with Roger Waters and David Gilmour, the band gradually abandoned its early psychedelic rock to evolve towards a more atmospheric, or "soaring" music. Until the masterpieces "Dark Side Of The Moon", "Wish You Were Here" (which just failed to come after the first nominated) and the monumental rock opera "The Wall" were completed. Often matched, never imitated …
… or almost because if there is a group that perfectly embodies this filiation, it is Pendragon, which has been offering us for 40 years (already!) Music with exceptional lyricism, silky and unstoppable melodies. If I may say so, I was born progressive with the magnificent "Window Of Life" (photo). The guitar solo (we'll come back to it, on Nick Barrett's guitar!) at the end of " Finally free " is also a nod to that of "Master of illusion" (from the no less magnificent album "The Masquerade Overture"). I strongly invite you to discover the work of this group, starting by taking a look at the French page of my friend Didier.
Two other current musicians also perfectly embody this progressive spirit, namely Neal Morse and Steven Wilson. Founder of the band Spock's Beard, the first one has been flying on its own since the early 2000s, producing albums at a dizzying pace, without ever sacrificing quality. The 1st part of " So Near, si loin" modestly pays tribute to him. This guy is touched by grace, for sure, as much as Steven is by genius. Listen to "In Absentia" (Porcupine Tree) or "Hand cannot erase" (solo) to persuade you.
The genre itself is divided into several subgenres, from Canterbury to neo to progressive metal. I borrowed from the latter, embodied by the indisputable reference that is Dream Theater, the few most muscular passages of this album.
I could have mentioned many other influences, among the historical ones (Supertramp, Alan Parsons Project, Camel) as well as among the current bands, and this from all countries; England (Marillion, Pineapple Thief and Magenta, worn by two other geniuses that are respectively Bruce Soord and Robert Reed, Big Big Train, Mostly Autumn, IQ), Sweden (Moon Safari, Flower Kings), Canada (Innerspace with the splendid "Rise", Jelly Fiche), Poland (Riverside), Germany (RPWL, Sylvan), I can go on and on and on the occasion … impossible to mention them all … but without forgetting our little Gauls (Nemo, Lazuli)!
Rock, pop & folk
Difficult to feed this section as the references are numerous. Then I would highlight only 4 groups;
The Beatles, again, and how else to do it? … because they have shown the way for so many different styles, and because their music is definitely marked by timelessness (I invite you to watch the excellent film "Yesterdays")
The Eagles, for their rock western like no other … and thank you for " Hotel California" !
Queen, for their hits that have marked the history of rock … and thank you for " Bohemian Rhapsody" !
The Boo Radleys, unjustly unknown band that produced some Britpop pearls in the early 90s
I could also have mentioned Bruce Springsteen (the title " Jungleland " is in my opinion one of the best titles of rock, with his monumental sax solo), Bryan Adams, Chris De Burgh (the album "Crusader" is definitely one of my favorites), Christopher Cross, Dan Fogelberg, Dire Straits, Don MacLean (the intro of " And yet" owes him a lot), Elton John, Foreigner, Guns'N Roses, James Taylor, Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, Travis, Turin Brakes, U2 … Somehow, they all have a part in this album.
More contemporary artists such as Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz, Josh Rouse, John Mayer or Ron Sexmith are also, on the most folk titles ("Toujours là"), a source of inspiration.
French song
Even if I am less focused on French song, artists like Renaud, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Patrick Bruel, Florent Pagny, Jean-Louis Aubert, Pascal Obispo populate my musical universe. Some titles have won in English, and others French … and sometimes both in the same piece! The title " And yet" pays tribute to the works and style of Francis Cabrel.
Other
My references are not limited to the styles mentioned above. "Barachois' nights" brings a very Latin color, with a 'jumping' and joyful side perfectly in line with the 1st part of the album. Conversely, I could not start the 2nd part, full of pain and sorrow, better than with the blues " Left alone" (because the music, it comes from there, right? We will come back to it, there too …). This is what musical diversity allows: to express your emotions to the best of your ability.
Singers
Progressive rock has not particularly been known for the quality of its singers. Not that they are bad, far from it, but this style has so much to offer that singing sometimes comes to the fore.
However, if there is one singer who stands out hands down, in my opinion, it is James Labrie (photo), from the group Dream Theater. As comfortable in the pieces removed as in the quieter titles, he always manages to choose an intensity, an aggressiveness, or on the contrary the sweetness, almost sensuality, which makes him for me a leading singer. Listen occasionally to "The Spirit Carries On", one of the most beautiful titles ever written for me, everything is just perfect, from the 1st to the last note.
All the singers mentioned below are also author, composer, musician … in short, accomplished artists;
David Gates, singer of the group Bread, is the epitome of his sweet, calm and soft voices, which also marked the 70s. Definitely one of my favorite singers.
Freddy Mercury, of course, for his outstanding vocal performances, which transcended each of Queen's songs.
Jude, for its incredible ability to climb octaves
Finally, among the plethora of other talented singers that I could have mentioned, I would retain 3 others, for their incredible ability to convey emotions;
Ray Wilson, a fabulous artist with a deep and warm tone of voice
Richard Marx, able to compose and sing rock songs or ballads with disconcerting ease
Emmett Tinley (photo), another artist of great talent, with an angelic voice timbre, able to transport you elsewhere for the time of a simple song.
Guitarists
Talented guitarists are legion in this musical style, which puts the place in this instrument (as well as keyboards of all kinds, of course). Among this pleiade, and if we had to come out only one, it would undoubtedly be Nick Barrett (photo), the brilliant leader of the group Pendragon. He has an ease of composing melodic, silky or muscular sandstone soli from the titles, which makes him an outstanding musician. Of course, we can always compare his style to that of David Gilmour (who reaches his peak on the fabulous solos of "Confortably numb"), but English has inspired so many guitarists …
In the progressive galaxy, and in a more rowdy style, navigating between rock, jazz and psychedelic, Swedish veteran Roine Stolt also pulls out of the game, with an instantly recognizable style.
On the French scene, JP Louveton, whether solo or through the group Nemo, also delivers inventive and quality compositions.
In the easy listening genre mixed with Latin, I really appreciate the works of Craig Chaquico or Govi. They inspired me a track that will be present on the 2nd album.
The compositions of Joe Satriani and Santana are also a source of inspiration.
The blues, here is another land of welcome for talented guitarists! Eric Clapton, BB. King are for me essential references. I also have a weakness for the playing of Steve Lukather, better known as Toto's guitarist but who, on his solo works, reveals a very interesting blues facet, as well as for Jeff Healey, a blind Canadian bluesman who unfortunately disappeared but who released some remarkable albums in the 90s and 2000s. I can also not help but quote Alvin Lee, for the title "Bluest blues", the most beautiful blues title I have ever been given the opportunity to listen to.
Closer to us, Joe Bonamassa is also a talented guitarist, who shows great productivity and has acquired a certain aura.