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CD TRACKLISTING 1. The Light In Your Eyes |
“Bel Assis” was the name of the ‘Messuage and fifty seven acres of land in Hamstede’ which Sir Roger de Brabazon gave to Westminster Abbey in 1317.
Today the village, named from the French for “Beautifully Situated”, is known as Belsize, a quiet backwater in the London suburb of Hampstead and home to Mo Foster, one of the finest bassists in Britain.
The road which led to ”Bel Assis” was a long and winding one taking Mo through jazz with Gil Evans, rock with Jeff Beck and Phil Collins, and blues/jazz/folk with Affinity, Joan Armatrading and Van Morrison. Dozens of albums carry a credit for Mo including a few as producer.
Bel Assis was borne out of Mo’s desire to work during 1987 on something less emotionally shallow than the then current crop of contemporary pop. He wanted to fuse the flexibility and precision of computer music with the warmth and emotion of ‘real’ performance on ‘real’ instruments by the best musicians available. Finding the musicians was not a problem . But the real pleasure lay in the enthusiasm which his friends showed through their playing. What friends – Gary Moore and Rod Argent are amongst the cream of musicians who recorded this album during 1987 and 1988.
This instrumental album is a collection of souvenirs, bringing together musicians, memories and many musical styles which Mo has been involved with and enjoyed on the way to ”Bel Assis”. Remastered-enjoy!
MUSICIANS
MO FOSTER • SIMON PHILLIPS • GARY MOORE • STAN SULZMAN • RAY RUSSELL • FRANK RICOTTI • PETER VAN HOOKE • ROD ARGENT • DAVE DEFRIES • SAL GALLINA
Reviews
If you like dreamy and inspiring soundscapes you will adore this 1988 album, the playing by all concerned (including the great Ray Russell guitaring on most tracks) is faultless whilst Mo Foster's compositions are melodic and immediately listenable. What could have become a muso's offering with its head in the ether is highly accessible, slightly new-agey, but always enjoyable. It's a damn shame Jazz FM in the UK has taken the soul route, because Mo Foster's blend of smooth jazz to rock grooves would sound good on radio, preferably mobile with the hood down, late night. A rare treat.
David Randall, Get Ready to ROCK! (August 2003)
Bassist Mo Foster has appeared with nearly every musician known to man! Everyone from Eric Clapton to Jeff Beck via Phil Collins. This is a re-release of the 1988 album and it includes some big name musicians including Gary Moore, Rod Argent and drummer Simon Philips (Mike Oldfield/Toto/Judas Priest) amongst others.
Its an instrumental album to enjoy at your leisure that's not saying it is background music, though. The musicianship is top class as you'd expect and a mix of styles from jazz rock (So Far Away) to New Age (A Walk In The Country) through to AOR (The Light In Your Eyes). Hints of Pink Floyd on Analytical Engine, whilst the title track features a relaxing bass line from Mo Foster delightfully underlying Ray Russell's acoustic guitar passages.
If anyone remembers the Private Music label from the late 80s (home to Rod Argent, Tangerine Dream et al) much of the music on Bel Assis would fit onto that label's remit.
Angel Air are to be commended again on another fine re-release that may not trouble the charts but allows music fans to get a second chance to hear some lost classics. If you like to experience fine music and musicianship, then add this to your collection now!
Jason Ritchie, Classic Rock Newswire (August 2003)
...a forgotten minor classic. Clarity of sound and pinpoint accuracy of timing are just the start. The true appeal lies in its simple grace and emotional warmth.
Observer, 14/9/03
...stands strong with some great musical pieces and great performances.
Jeff Beck website (September 2003)
Totally rivetting album full of superb musicianship...what I found, after listening to two dozen straight rock albums, was invigorating and inspiring...***
New Gandy Dancer, October 2003
...an album of outstanding craftsmanship...a collection of beautifully crafted instrumentals in which Mo's role as bassist is perfectly balanced...A welcome CD reissue.
Bass Guitar magazine, October 2003
…a collection of excellent instrumentals recorded back in 1987 and 1988, and includes the great talents of Rod Argent, Gary Moore and Simon Phillips and others to great effect. The music is varied from the atmospheric, enigmatic to the funkier and is a treat for fans of instrumental music. Well worth seeking out.
Bernard Law, Classic Rock Society (Nov/Dec 2003)
The music features the cream of the UK's musicians, playing at their best on a superb set of originals...magnificent album
Jim Nugent, Pipeline (August 2003)
...well thought out, solidly constructed instrumental album. This isn't New Age, but an album that has a purpose...shows that Mo can produce an instrumental album that is interesting and enjoyable and not self-indulgent.
Feedback (Nov 2003)
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