Prog Rock Review: The Moody Blues’ John Lodge-Days of Future Past-My Sojourn

Release Date: ‎ April 12, 2024

Label: Deko Entertaiment https://www.dekoentertainment.com/

Website:  https://www.johnlodge.com/

What more can be said about the iconic figure, John Lodge? As a bass player, songwriter, and vocalist, he was a pivotal member of the progressive rock pioneers, The Moody Blues. This is the version of a story that began in the ’60s of an ordinary man and continues to this day with the release of the silver 180-gram vinyl edition of Days of Future Past-My Sojourn. 

 

This album is Lodge’s homage to the classic prog Moody Blues album Days of Future Past, a significant milestone in music history and a crucial part of prog rock's roots. With its unique sound quality and nostalgic appeal, the vinyl edition adds a new dimension to the listening experience, making it a must-have for any music enthusiast.

 

Listening to the original album, initially released in 1967 (remastered in 2017), it's astounding how it retains its relevance and influence even today. It set a timeless foundation for prog rock. While comparisons to the original are inevitable, my focus is on the enduring masterpiece that Mr. Lodge has created, a testament to the original's timeless influence. 

 

Performed in eight magnificent parts, Lodge plays his bass and sings like it was all those decades ago with a commitment, respect, and deep love for what he and his mates created. This will be a must-have record for all prog-rock enthusiasts and Moody fans. Hearing it on vinyl was appropriate but a privilege I am grateful for, allowing me to experience it the same way it was initially heard.

 

The orchestral intro, a nod to the original album's overture, starts the proceedings, and a flute comes in, shaping into beautiful classical music as it turns into Moody’s song instrumentally. So, you have the words going through your mind. 

 

God rest his soul. Graeme Edge provides two spoken-word parts for this album. We are fortunate that it was recorded for this project.

 

John’s voice resonates with unparalleled excellence on this recording, and his bass playing is, as expected, superb. The personal significance of this recording to John Lodge is unfathomable, and it's this deep personal connection that not only elevates the album to a new level of musical precision and performance but also brings a profound emotional depth to the music. From the first note to the last, this album strongly impacts the listener, a testament to its influence and deep personal connection.

 

“The Afternoon” and “Nights in White Satin” Are genuinely spine-tingling. Jon Davison (Yes vocalist) provided both vocals for the classic tracks, and we all know how Justin Hayward sang the originals prolifically. Davison's voice has an entirely different tone, of course, and he does a great job, especially in choruses where his full range can be heard. The excellence of everyone’s performance, including the indelible stamp left by The Moody Blues, is a testament to the high quality of this music.

 

Sometimes, the keyboards on this album can be haunting. Side B begins with “Afternoon.” The music is phenomenal as things move on from part to part of each segment. The rhythm sections are spot-on throughout each track, which may not be news to longtime fans, as Lodge was and still is one of the greatest bass players in rock. 

 

Days of Future Past-My Sojourn is an updated version of the original enhanced and magnified with technologies that did not exist in 1967. It is breathtaking music and orchestration that any music fan can appreciate. It is a prog rock classic that has been renewed and appreciated by this fan, and I believe it will be by many more. It is accessible, not too complex or going into extended bombastic jams for which the genre is known. 

 

This is a loving memory of a legendary recording revisited by one of the experts who was there when the original recording started to take shape. Don’t miss this vinyl version.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Reviews Founder

August 21, 2024

Tracks:

Side A:

The Day Begins:   

The Day Begins    

Morning Glory (Featuring Graeme Edge)

Dawn Is A Feeling:            

Dawn (Prelude)    

Dawn Is A Feeling    

The Morning: Another Morning:   

The Morning (Prelude) 2. Another Morning        

Lunch Break: Peak Hour            

Lunch Break (Prelude)    

Peak Hour            

The Afternoon:           

Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon) (Featuring Jon Davison)The Night (Finale)

Side B:

The Afternoon:    

Evening (Time to Get Away)            

Evening :               

The Sun Set (Prelude)    

The Sun Set            

Twilight (Prelude)        

Twilight Time            

The Night:   

Nights In White Satin (Featuring Jon Davison)

Late Lament (Featuring Graeme Edge)            

The Night (Finale)