Balloon Astronomy

[Prog Head]

BALLOON ASTRONOMY is a new US outfit from San Diego, California, the collaboration of long-time friends. Their debut album was entirely composed by Jim Ledger (lead & backing vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, bass) and Glenn Little (keyboards, flutes, ukulele, charango, guitars). They got some notable assistance from Nick D’Virgilio (drums & percussion), Mike Keneally (acoustic guitar), Max Werner (clarinet), Jason Smith (drums), Harry Johnson (b/v). The fact that mixing/mastering of the CD have been carried out by Rich Mouser (Spock’s Beard, Transatlantic) has probably helped considerably here. Despite the style being grounded in the mid 70’s, Balloon Astronomy sounds inventive with fluid performances from all concerned. The end result is a real revelation. A sublime, richly textured and superbly crafted music immediately envelopes the listener.

http://balloonastronomy.bandcamp.com/

The obvious reference would be Genesis (‘Eagle’ lends an air of ATOTT to the proceeding, while ‘Sourness of Days’ incorporate some phrasing from later period). Elsewhere, Supertramp, Elton John, Strawbs, Cat Stevens are heard. Definitely, one of the most fascinating and diverse prog-releases I have heard for a long time. The booklet is done well, complete with lyrics and some pictures.

http://balloonastronomy.com/


Thankfully, Balloon Astronomy did find its way onto my CD player – and hasn’t spent a day away from it since. Dear folks, if the above has pricked your interest, then take the plunge and try something new in the shape of BA.

 

[John Watt]

I'm just looking, right now, but the artwork is very interesting.
It's not the surf-stoners sitting in a chair tied to hundreds of helium party balloons, that I expected.
This looks better than any Jules Verne book cover.
Yeah, I feel like a just received a B.A. in advanced cloud cover.

 

[Prog Head]

This is amazing music made in prog heaven. And I hope that you rate this album and enjoy the trip.

 

[Prog Head]

Another point of view.

http://danteprog.com/2012/02/review-balloon-astronomy-floats-along-nicely-on-genesis-winds/

 

[Prog Head]

May be your Dutch is better than mine.

http://www.progwereld.org/cms/recensies/album/balloon-astronomy-–-balloon-astronomy

 

[Prog Head]

Sea Of Tranquility review. 5 out of 5!

http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=12516

 

[Prog Head]

A new link for those of you who can understand French.

http://musicwaves.fr/frmChronique.aspx?pro_id=8158


Have to say, I can't agree with 7,5. In my personal estimation,it should be 9 out of 10 (as minimum).

 

[Prog Head]

Background's review.

http://www.backgroundmagazine.nl/CDreviews/BalloonAstronomy2011.html

 

[Prog Head]

Work is in progress on new Balloon Astronomy compositions: 'Voices', 'Nine Maidens' and 'Stir the Ashes'. The main track should be a long suite of 5-7 related parts, still untitled. Depending on space, there are also some additional songs.

 

[Prog Head]

Sorry for the lack of information, but there isn’t a lot of news to report at the moment. Just try to believe me that Balloon Astronomy are continuing to work on their second album.

 

[Prog Head]

Sorry for the lack of information, but there isn’t a lot of news to report at the moment. Just try to believe me that Balloon Astronomy are continuing to work on their second album.

The Covid pandemic is affecting all of lives, and that includes musical creation and progress on 'Balloon Astronomy - 2'. Since Jim and Glenn can’t meet in person with each other or anybody else, they are attempting to work remotely. It’s taking some time to work through the issues, but both fellows hope to be able to get their new album back on track... and maybe get several additional compositions out of the exercise as well.