Common Sense Dancing

‘‘The Cloud of Unknowing is in my opinion a master-work and is by a long way my album of the year so far!’ Stevie Iona-Vaughan (Progzilla Radio)

'Nick's fluency is outstanding..… I consider Nick Fletcher to be an absolute star’ … Steve Hackett 2020 The Cloud of Unknowing’ is an album of Progressive Rock music. Featuring Nick on Electric guitar. Nine original compositions which draw musical inspiration from the likes of Genesis, Focus, Pink Floyd, Allan Holdsworth and Dream Theater. The album has contributions from luminaries from the world of prog including Dave Bainbridge (Lifesigns, Celestial Fire, Iona, Strawbs) Tim Harries (ex Bill Bruford’s Earthworks) Caroline Bonnett and Russ Wilson (The Book of Genesis, Genesis Visible Touch and Number 1 Elton John Rocket Band). Plus Stuart Barbour contributing lead vocals on two tracks. Track List 1. Out of the Maelstrom 2. The Eyes of Persephone SCENES FROM THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND (suite) 3. We Need to Leave This Place...Right Now! 4. Pandemonium 5. The Cloud of Unknowing Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 6. Awakening the Hydra 7. Dance of the Hydra 8. Arcadia 9. The Paradox Part 1 Part 2

                                    '—Was it for this                                     That one, the fairest of all Rivers, lov'd                                     To blend his murmurs with my Nurse's song,                                     And from his alder shades and rocky falls,                                     And from his fords and shallows, sent a voice                                     That flow'd along my dreams?'                                                 William Wordsworth, The Prelude 1799 ‘There can't be many of us who haven't at some point wondered what the sum total of our lives is going to be; all the good and poor choices, the happy and not-so-happy accidents, the healthy and toxic relationships, the influences that enrich or deplete. I was very fortunate to have met Danny Chang (of The Kentish Spires) around 2004.  He took me under his wing, opened his studio to my mad ideas, and suggested I do an album.  It was recorded in Autumn/Winter 2006/07.  Dan produced, John Fraser engineered and played some beautiful (at times brutal) piano.  Then there was Ryan on drums, Colin on keys, Peter and Susie on harmonies.  To be honest I was out of my depth, slightly unhinged and somewhat over-adrenalised, but I was managed with grace, kindness and pragmatism and I'll be eternally grateful for that. For Will Wordsworth it started with the rushing of the river Derwent and the sweet simplicity of lullabies, surging towards the heady prospect of a new enlightenment in revolutionary France.  My staging posts were mostly musical.  From Salvation Army brass bands and choirs, to the tribal punk of Adam & The Ants, the jazz hands and Broadway babies of musical theatre and the sweeping possibilities of progressive music where sentiment can bleed beyond those three magic minutes.  Here were songs about dying movie stars, parallel universes, off-kilter romance, Dad dancing, David Lynch and the von Trapp family.  As Danny reassured me, I was never going to have to worry about my chart position... So was it?  For this, I mean.  The answer can only ever be yes.  For all of us.  Only you can bring what you bring to the table.  What you are and what has shaped you are unique to you, and the contribution you make is singular.  What a wonderful gift.  What a responsibility. What an opportunity.’ Jeremy, December 2020

Track Listing

1) Queen of the May 2) Sweet Liesl 3) Heaven Help Me Now I’m On My Own 4) Botox Baby 5) yellowleaf 6) A Polo Shirt In Yonkers 7) Cary Grant Is Dying 8) Necessary 9) Curtain Call 10) Hello, Disco 11) Live From The Cliff Face 12) It’s Not About Love 13) Sometime My Arms Bend Back 14) If I Bump Into Jesus