Urizen/Holy Thursday/The Smile/A Dream/Song Of Innocence/Merlin’s Prophecy/The Mental Traveller
Song Of Innocence was the debut album from David Axelrod, who had previously worked as a producer of jazz recordings. It was intended as a tribute to the poetry of William Blake.
“This album reflects much of what was going on with music then, and probably represents one of its most interesting documents. Axelrod, was already at a creative peak: jazz discovering rock and willing to embrace it, orchestral arrangements that are bold and pushing the envelope of the traditional big band concept. Along with the addition of electric guitars, it engages in full psychedelic flight without indulging in trippiness for trippiness' sake.”
“Fusing deep, thick and soulful bass grooves and drum breaks with psychedelic atmospherics, acid rock guitar, and orchestral grandeur, David Axelrod created a masterwork.”
“Bland and emotionless instrumentals, any of which could easily be the theme tune for one of those 60s or 70s TV shows. For that reason it is somewhat atmospheric, but insufficient to make up for the lack of affecting melody.”
“This album is notable for being based on the poetry of William Blake. While the suite's sound is undeniably 60s, I always enjoy how Axelrod managed to take bits and pieces of several styles and make something that really has no stylistic equal.”
“When I share Song Of Innocence, it often provokes laughter. It is true that the style is pretty schmaltzy and our ears are conditioned to treat strings and horns as movie soundtrack music, but I find the atmosphere here really great. The session playing rivals many other jazz-rock crossovers of the late 60s - it's easy to hear how influential Axelrod continues to be.”
“Song Of Innocence, apparently loosely influenced by William Blake's poetry, assembles a collage that has some of its roots in baroque jazz and lounge jazz. Axelrod adds a heavy dose of orchestration to this tentatively jazzy mix, and the result is reminiscent of a freakish film soundtrack. The most remarkable thing about this album is that it remains tasteful throughout. Its really just lounge jazz grown out of proportion, but no matter, it's still impressive.”
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