Short Reviews [Six by Six - 2022 - "Six by Six"]

I always find it interesting when musicians are brought together by someone working in the industry who feels there may be a spark. I remember the guys at Silhobbit being responsible for introducing Mick Pointer to Clive Nolan, the result being Arena, and now Nick Shilton (who may these days be a band manager, but I will always think as being behind the wonderful Frontiers magazine) put Ian Crichton (Saga) in touch with Robert Berry (3 etc) who then reached out to his ex-GTR colleague Nigel Glockler (Saxon) and a new supergroup were born. There are so many elements here which make this such a fun album to listen to, so let’s start at the foundation. Glockler has long been a fan of progressive rock, but for most of the last 40 years he has been the beating heart of one of the top metal acts around which means he is used to making himself heard and brings into this a progressive style which is heavily influenced by his more metallic tendencies. Ian is a revelation, as the keyboards are not as dominant as they would be in Saga and the freedom and space has really allowed him to open up and be far more dynamic and in your face than before. Then of course there is Robert Berry, a multi-instrumentalist with a great voice who is also a well-known producer, and again he has a more relaxed manner as he relishes not carrying all the weight as he does when both solo and when writing for 3.2. Saga have always had a very commercial bent to their music, heavily driven by the keyboards and vocals of Michael Sadler, while Robert has always been on that side of the spectrum with his prog outlets while of course is also known for melodic rock, and even Saxon have dabbled in the past, so it is no surprise that this is an album which is incredibly easy to get inside, and just gets better the more it is played. The keyboards are always present but they do not smother and instead enhance, and it is to Ian’s guitar which is the ear is often turned as he is relishing this opportunity, as is Nigel who is able to play far outside his metallic box and be more nuanced, while Robert is just Robert. These days I consider Robert a friend, born out of mutual respect for each other, yet I honestly do believe the man has the midas touch as whatever he is involved with inevitably turns to gold, and here we have yet another. For those who want their progressive rock to be tempered with easy to listen to melodies with powering rock guitar combined with great hooks and vocals then this is it. I only hope that their schedules allow them to get back soon to record the next one, as music as strong as this deserves to be far more than just a one album project.