All Roads Lead to Land

A founding member of the Incredible String Band, Clive Palmer never fails to satisfy. In the ways of his native Scottish music, as well as that of his adopted home, France, he's always taken his music in different directions. Throughout All Roads Lead to Land, he ranges from playing Breton pipes on "Breigh," derived from a traditional song, to an instrumental version of the standard "Embraceable You." His banjo gets a fair workout in his unique style, especially on "Big City Blues," he gives himself a chance to revisit his own "Paris" (in the company of saxophonist Peter Stacey and others), and even "Linden Lea," by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Former bandmate Robin Williamson also adds a little fiddle. Not conforming to any specific genre, this is a beautiful and sometimes strange album.