Colin Powell must be one of the most prolific artists around, and in December, he released a brand-new double-A side single, Black Wing Rising/The Light of the Turning Year, the former inspired by an injured crow he saw whilst staying at a cottage for The Soundle Festival, and the latter written for a charity record from Melodic Revolution Records. You can purchase the songs by going to his Bandcamp page at https://amultitudeofone.bandcamp.com/album/black-wing-rising-the-light-of-the-turning-year for free, or “name your price”.

So, just shy of eleven minutes of music here.

Black Wing Rising begins with an expressive piano against the songs of the birds. Powell has an emotive voice, and he tells his story with aplomb, the listener drawn in, especially with the backdrop of the mellotron, and all the emotion that grand sound can bring. This song is progressive storytelling wrought large. When Colin turns the intensity up describing the creature fighting the pain, his guitars bring a wonderful symphonic sensibility to the ears, a joy to listen to, a balm against the cold, dark times we seem to be living in. In tone and execution, a track I think can be compared to Blood on the Rooftops, the art of bringing a narrative to light with not merely words, but use of music.

So, to The Light of the Turning Year. A bright guitar introduces proceedings, and provides a continuing theme throughout, the narrative looking forward, whilst recognising what preceded, vocal harmonies created strong, and the denouement particularly warm

Colin continues to provide us with quality music, well worth your support.