On An Island is the first solo release from the Pink Floyd guitarist and vocalist in twenty-two years. The long awaited CD is once again proof of his authoritative talent and a reminder of just how much it was the basis of the band's success. Sure, poor Syd Barrett was no doubt responsible for much of the early psychedelic prose and melody that laid the path to the band's future, a flourishing image that would carry them throughout. However, as time went on, it was Gilmour's hauntingly bluesy and weepy guitar solos that stood out alongside the vocal abilities of both Gilmour and Waters.

Some listeners are often disappointed with the releases of aging rockers, because even though the artist's tastes and aspirations modify over decades, fans have a tendency to see them as they were in their prime. On An Island is a pleasant surprise. Gilmour is blatantly aware of what his fans want from him. Obviously, it's what he desires of himself as well, as he has nothing to prove to anyone.

Much of On An Island, lyrically, is David reminiscing past experiences on a remote island where he once vacationed with friends. That alone lays the groundwork for the melancholy and weepy guitar solos that transpire. The opener, 'Castellorizon', is a hodgepodge of dreamlike effects, the typical Floyd-ish teasing, including the memorable Echos ping alongside a ghostly keyboard string arrangement. That first long awaited guitar solo leads into the rhythmic melody of 'On An Island', a brilliant Gilmour arrangement, both vocally and instrumentally.

'The Blue' delivers a drifty, lethargic atmosphere, ocean-like in this situation, though we've heard Gilmour compositions like this before. 'Breathe' comes to mind. 'Red Sky At Night' gets into a familiar, spacey Richard Wright keyboard arrangement. The Floyd keyboardist is listed as one of the many contributors on the CD. 'Then I Close My Eyes' is a pleasant instrumental, and is a bit reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac's 'Albatross'.

I won't get into all the names, as the contributor list is abundant. However, a few that warrant mentioning are David Crosby and Graham Nash on vocals, Jools Holland on piano, Phil Manzanera on keyboards, and Richard Wright on Hammond organ and vocals.

Gilmour proves throughout that whether it's a Stratocaster or a Gretsch, tone is no doubt in the fingers. This is a dreamy, pleasantly melancholy and mellow, yet significant release. The compositions are awash with charming melodies, the guitar solos are plentiful, and the Floyd ethereal flow is omnipresent. I listen to this CD often and I enjoy it thoroughly. I think it surpasses what one might expect of Gilmour these days. It's better than what I had hoped for. In fact, it's almost Pink Floyd.

On An Island Track Listing
1. Castellorizon
2. On An Island
3. The Blue
4. Take A Breath
5. Red Sky At Night
6. This Heaven
7. Then I Close My Eyes
8. Smile
9. A Pocketful Of Stones
10. Where We Start

Pink Floyd Music Publishers Inc. (BMI) 2006
Produced by David Gilmour, Phil Manzanera, and Chris Thomas

Related Links
David Gilmour
On An Island on Amazon.com