The best of Bo Hansson’s albums, and one of the few progressive rock instrumental recordings that still holds up on repeated listening. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy provides the inspiration for a series of strange, otherworldly tracks that transcend their source material. Hansson’s keyboard playing is quite unlike the work of such rivals as Keith Emerson or Rick Wakeman, less heavy and “gothic” and more oriented toward jazz. His guitar work is as flashy and aggressive as his keyboards (“The Black Riders/Flight to the Ford” is a great showcase for both), and the backing by sax, flute, and drums creates an overall rich sonic palette. [This expanded version of the album includes bonus material.] – Bruce Eder