This is a lengthy live recording from the French progressive rock outfit XII Alfonso. Recorded in 1998 and released in 2003, This Is unfolds in an ethereal, dreamlike manner with great emphasis given to textured keyboard effects and acoustic guitar. Predominantly instrumental, vocal support is provided by Caroline Lafue, whose wistful contribution to "Breathing Scarcely" is Clannad-like in its delicateness. Otherwise, the melodic instrumental passages resemble those forwarded 25 years earlier by progressive British acts like Camel, Steve Hackett, and Mike Oldfield as well as the more acoustic efforts of Jethro Tull. Although this album exceeds 78 minutes, the melodies are pleasant in their originality and the arrangements are continually fresh and not tedious. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
Breathing Scarcely
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(5:10)
Mist
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(6:57)
Hadrian's Wall Overture
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(3:54)
Minstrel's Tale
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(5:53)
Back to Northumberland
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(3:20)
Heath
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(5:13)
La Dame de Mantoue
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(4:07)
Chanson de Trouvere
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(5:16)
Lazy Day in Haltwhistle [Farniente a Haltwhistle]
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(2:49)
The Ghost Song
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(7:50)
Giverny
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(2:25)
Journey to the Winter's Country
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(3:06)
Wheels of Change
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(4:38)
Another Day in Haltwhistle
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(2:25)
Anthem
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(8:34)
Eclipse
XII Alfonso
XII Alfonso
(6:49)
Credits
XII Alfonso (Main Performer), Vital Duo (Arranger), François Claerhout (Graphic Design), Bertrand Amable (Engineer)
