Post Description

Hearing Isotope guitarist Gary Boyle's debut solo album for the first time way back when, the album seemed like a bold and daring progressive guitar showcase - and it's aged exceptionally well across three decades. Boyle plays like a cross between Steve Hackett and John McLaughlin, and his backing band - including Rod Argent on organ and Morris Pert and Simon Phillips on percussion and drums - is just as good at the same level of playing. Boyle has a great bag of songs and tricks that he parades out here in full glory. The 2006 CD reissue only enhances the crispness of the sound and, in the process, the precision of the playing and the detail of what all of these musicians are doing. This is a very busy record, encompassing elements of progressive rock and jazz, and even a little tribute to Brian Auger in "Maiden Voyage." © Bruce Eder, allmusic.com

In 1973, Gary Boyle formed the brilliant jazz-rock band, Isotope. He engaged three other superb jazz musicians; Nigel Morris, Brian Miller & Jeff Clyne (ex Nucleus). Gary and Nigel had previously been in Stomu Yamash'ta's East Wind band. Before that ,Gary had worked with artists as varied as Dusty Springfield, and Brian Auger & Julie Driscoll. During the mid '70s, Isotope released three albums which earned the band global acclaim. After Isotope disbanded, Gary went solo, and his debut album, posted here, "The Dancer", deservedly won the prestigious 1978 Montreux Jazz/Pop Award. Gary is an adventurous and fluid fusion guitarist. Here, he's joined by members of the fusion outfit Brand X and Phil Manzanera's 801. Musicians include Rod Argent , Simon Phillips, Morris Pert, and Robin Lumley. Try and find Gary's "Step Out" album, and listen to the superb "Isotope & Gary Boyle Live At The BBC" album. Gary's great "Electric Glide " album can also be found on here. 


Studio Album, released in 1977

Songs / Tracks Listing 

Cowshed Shuffle 
The Dancer 
Now That We're Alone 
Lullaby for a Sleepy Dormouse 
Almond Burfi 
Pendle Mist 
Apple Crumble 
Maiden Voyage 

Line-up / Musicians 

Rod Argent / Keyboards
Gary Boyle / Guitar
Simon Phillips / Drums
Doni Harvey / Bass
Zoe Kronberger / Keyboards
Robin Lumley / Keyboards
Dave McCrae / Keyboards
Maggie Pert / Vocals
Morris Pert / Percussion
Jeff Seopardie / Drums
Steve Shone / Bass