from - http://www.hedenstrom.com/northernlight/reviewsy2k.html

For most of you, Jonathan Cain is a household name who met great success as the
keyboard player for the bands The Babys, Journey and Bad English. What some of
you may not be familiar with is his solo career and the fact that this review
actually represents his fourth release of solo material. To paraphrase from
Monty Python, unless you are up for something entirely different skip this
review and continue to browse the site as this cd presents a collection of
romantic interludes on the piano with sparse keyboard orchestrations.

Jonathan Cain intiated his solo career back in 1995 with the release of "Back To
The Innocence" which closely resembled Bruce Hornsby type material. Although the
songs were good, Cain decided to take on the vocals. Although pleasant, Cain
lacked the range and power to carry the songs thus the results were not dynamic.
Since then the other projects have all been instrumental with "Piano With A
View" showing sprinkles of jazz while "Body Language" experimented with drum
loops and world beats.

This time out Jonathan Cain keeps it pure and simple, presenting the listener
with intimate piano compositions backed with some orchestration that fleshes out
the songs without distracting from the need for simplicity and spatial moods.
The theme is very personal as Cain expounds on the cover, stating that the songs
were inspired by real couples as they shared their vows of matrimony. Needless
to say this is a very romantic and intimate cd that may not fit the musical
tastes of all. But what a perfect cd for a romantic evening under a candlelight
with your significant other.

The cd opens with the sprightly but sparse title track "For A Lifetime" making
you realize this is nothing like anything he has done within his group or his
solo endeavors for that matter. Although the song flows the compostion is as
bare and open as they come. Additional tracks such as "China Moon" and "Waves
and Dreams" present themes of an Asian and beach wedding respectively via the
use of musical themes within the songs themselves. However, the most effectively
song is the "Songs Of Calabrai" with an accordian evoking visions of a couple on
a gondola on the Venetian canal exchanging vows under a bridge and setting sun.

The project also includes a remake or should I say make-over of the Journey mega
hit "Open Arms". To hear it in this naked form leaves me with mixed feelings
because that ballad needs to be big. However, to include this here appears
appropriate but be ready for a serious adaption with the original. While
speaking of Journey the composition "A Day To Remember" was written for band
member and friend Neal Schon for his wedding.

The additional tracks are more moody and melancholy but are also very enjoyable.
Meanwhile the cd closes with the traditional "Bridal March" which flows nicely
courtesy of Cain's effective adaptation.

For those of us without a significant other this cd should bring the need for
quiet time within our busy schedules. Either way, played at the right time and
the right place this cd should rekindle, rejuvenate and renew. Everyone needs a
place for restoration and relaxation to reflect on the more important things in
live...relationships... that should last for a lifetime.

Regards,
Russ - http://russblomstedt.cjb.net/
my david gilmour page - http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/Poco/gilmour.html
my journey page - http://schonrox.cjb.net/
my rik emmett page - http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/Poco/rikemmett.html