Prog Radio | Album Review | ''Keep Your Lane'' by David Jackson & René van Commenée

Album Review

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Stars

Keep Your Lane

David Jackson & René van Commenée

590

International

You might not immediately recognize David Jackson by name, but even if you think you’ve never heard "of" him, you definitely have "heard" him. His influence in the progressive rock realm is undeniable. As an English progressive rock saxophonist, flautist, and composer, Jackson's contributions have resonated throughout the scene, from his time with Van Der Graaf Generator to his collaborations with Ellesmere, Peter Gabriel, Fish, The Tangent, and many others. His latest work, "Keep Your Lane," marks a renewed collaboration with René van Commenée, following their first album together, "Batteries Included," in 2003. Emerging from the solitude of the 2020/2021 global lockdown, this album reinvigorates previously shelved musical sketches, showcasing Jackson's renowned mastery of multi-tracking.

Dutch visual sound artist René van Commenée, known for his expertise in drums, percussion, and production, joined forces with Jackson to craft this album entirely remotely. Their partnership, fostered in van Commenée's "The Backery" studio, not only merges their musical talents but also pays homage to their parallel careers as professional drivers, subtly referenced in the album's title.

These tracks perfectly complement the savory mix of melodic prog that we cherish here at Prog Radio, and we are thrilled to feature several tracks from this exceptional album in our lineup.

"Keep Your Lane" unveils a rich tapestry of tracks, enriched by the contributions of Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) on bass, especially in the re-envisioned Van Der Graaf Generator piece "Pioneers Over C 2023." The album takes listeners on an auditory journey across different eras, genres, and locations, showcasing the duo's extensive influences and their seamless collaboration.

Listening to "Keep Your Lane" is both a reminder of Jackson's enduring legacy in progressive music and a showcase of the creative synergy between him and van Commenée. Born from their resilience and creativity during times of isolation, the album transcends mere musical composition; it stands as a testament to their artistic collaboration. It invites listeners into a rich narrative of sound and storytelling, underscored by the musicians' significant contributions to the genre.

These tracks perfectly complement the savory mix of melodic prog that we cherish here at Prog Radio, and we are thrilled to feature several tracks from this exceptional album in our lineup. You can also hear David's work throughout the wonderful new Ellesmere album in heavy rotation here at Prog Radio. (You know you'll be hearing new tracks from both these albums on the What's New Proggy Cats show on Monday.)

4 Stars