Woolly Wolstenholme – Maestoso (1980)

Stuart (Woolly) was a founder member of Barclay James Harvest; formed in 1967 the band were definitely ‘Prog’, combining classical music with rock instruments with great success, especially in Europe where their albums often topped the charts.  But gradually he became disenchanted with the direction the group were slipping into; more pop and even ‘disco’ oriented.  Besides although an excellent songwriter he was soon relegated to only one or two of his songs on each album.  He had always suffered with depression too and the constant pressures of touring and recording took their toll. In 1979 he left the band, which continued as a three-piece, although adding additional members for touring.  This album is by far his best and was almost followed by just one other, which he eventually abandoned.  He then retired from the music business until John Lees, guitarist with the now split band asked him to join him in 1998 for an album and a short tour.  But despite recording a couple of new albums which were okay, but not the finest quality he eventually succumbed to his depression and died at his own hand in 2010.  A misunderstood talent; but this album stands as his Masterpiece.  It is in essence a BJH album with some great songs – my favourites being ‘Patriots’, ‘American Excess’ and of course the title track.