Indio -"Big Harvest" [1989] @256 Excellent and very rare Art-Pop

Indio can be classified under your One Hit Wonders folder. No one knows for sure why Indio’s leader, canadian Gordon Peterson, disappeared from the face of the earth after making such a fantastic album. Some have compared this work to the likes of Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon, but that comparison could be misleading. Certainly he used World Music elements in the song-building process as they did in the late 80's but his marvelous voice and exquisite arrangements make this album a unique listening experience. Indio was not a band but a gathering of virtuosos, under peterson's command. That differs from the above mentioned artists' way of making music.

Big Harvest is Pop oriented, yes, but don’t let that scare you. There’s good Pop around and this is certainly one of the best examples ever of what good Pop should be. Excellent lyrics, great song writing, edgy progressive and eastern elements here and there.

Un fortunately Peterson never resurfaced. It an very short statement (perhaps apochryphal) he said that he couldn’t cope with the pressures of the music industry. (nervous breakdown, maybe?). Anyway he’s alive and kicking and rumours of new songs float in the air.

Read the line up of the album and you’ll wonder, like myself, why this guy never got to be a superstar:

Gordon Peterson: Keyboards, Vocals, Vocals (Background), Choir, Chorus, Producer, Chant, Art Direction, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Strings

L. Subramaniam: Violin
Vinnie Colaiuta: Drums
Alex “Neciosup” acuña : Percussion
Brenda Russell: Chorus
Bill Dillon: Chant, Guitar, Mandolin
Adrain Brett: Wood winds
David Bottrill: Engineering
Larry Klein: Bass
Manny Elias: Percussion, Drums
Tony Pleeth: Cello
Van Dyke Parks : Accordion
Produced by David Rhodes, who also played guitar

I believe this album is one of the great mysteries of the history of Good Music.

Highly recommended.

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