CD Review: Acoustic Icon

As a bass player (albeit a poor one), I've always had a soft spot for bassist John Wetton. The journeyman musician has contributed his talents to a number of my favorite bands through the years, including King Crimson, Roxy Music and Uriah Heep. From his earliest work with Edward's Hand and Family through higher-profile bands like Asia, Wetton's subtle rhythmwork and soft-edged, albeit forceful vocals have always brought something unique and fulfilling to the music.

Icon is Wetton's latest collaborative project, this one with fellow Asia bandmate and former Buggles/Yes member Geoffrey Downes. Icon could be considered a "prog-rock supergroup" in many ways -- in addition to frontmen Wetton and Downes, you have guitarist John Mitchell from Arena, multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald from the original incarnation of King Crimson (and a member of Foreigner), cellist Hugh McDowell of ELO, and vocalist extraordinaire Annie Haslam from Renaissance. The talent of the group's collective membership is deep and wide and runs through two or three generations of British rock history.

A stripped-down version of Icon was present for the recording of the band's Acoustic TV Broadcast album. Captured live in a television studio in October 2005 and released in 2006 by Italy's Frontiers label, Acoustic TV Broadcast shares an intimate performance by Wetton, Downes and McDowell, featuring just grand piano, cello and acoustic guitar and bass. Icon travels paths both familiar and new, performing classic Asia songs as well as tunes from the 2005 self-titled Icon album.

Not surprisingly, the Asia songs presented on Acoustic TV Broadcast sound just fine. Shorn of their original grandiose production and instrumentation, the melodies find room to shine and the songs take on a quiet dignity. "Heat Of The Moment" showcases Wetton's friendly voice backed by Downes' magnificent piano and some delicate harmonies created by the duo. "Only Time Will Tell" opens with a mournful cello riff and somber piano accompaniment before Wetton's vocals kick in on this tale of bittersweet betrayal. McDowell's cello adds a baroque feel to the song, and the strong harmonies help reinforce the lyrics. Another Asia classic, "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes," is equally powerful, Downes taking a turn in the spotlight, his piano ringing loud and clear above the mix as the song's vocals are rougher yet confident.

Also no big shock is that the original Icon songs, wonderful prog-influenced Britpop tunes like "Let Me Go," "God Walks With Us" and "In The End," all pair big melodic hooks with finely-crafted harmonies and classically-styled art-rock instrumentation. "Meet Me At Midnight" is supported by Wetton's acoustic finger-picking, the gossamer threads that hold together the fragile group harmonies in this Spanish-flavored love song. The busy lyrics of the "In The End" stretch Wetton's vocals to their limit, complimented by harmonies that include Annie Haslam (I'm guessing) in the far background. The result is a gentle, mesmerizing song that ebbs and flows between swells of instrumentation and choral vocals.

Downes' wonderful piano work dominates the performances on Acoustic TV Broadcast, bolstering each song's arrangement with a powerful instrumental element. The songs wouldn't sound nearly as majestic, however, if not for Wetton's subtle six-string flourishes, McDowell's infrequent cello interludes and the magical vocal harmonies. All of these facets of the material come together to create an atmospheric and truly transcendent musical experience.

I realize that there are many people who, at this late date, continue to dismiss Asia's efforts as mere FM radio fluff, while many others continue to idolize the band. No matter what side of that line you come down on, the driving creative force behind Asia -- John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes -- continue to make impressive and vital music as Icon. The band has recently released its second studio album, Rubicon, and tours successfully across Europe and, ahem...Asia. Call 'em prog if you want -- the elements are certainly present -- and dismiss them if you must, but true believers will continue to flock to hear this duo's excellent musical efforts.