The Six Power of Six
As folk-proggers Solstice celebrate their 40th anniversary and enter their fifth decade with the release of new studio album Sia, founder member and guitarist Andy Glass tells Prog he’s counting his blessings and looking forward to the next 10 years.
Words: Alison Reijman Images: Phoenix Robins
“In 1975, aged 14, I was taken to see Yes on the Relayer tour. I just could not believe what I was witnessing.”
Solstice: celebrating a new dawn for the band.
T here may be some interesting stories about alternative ways of spending 2020, but Andy Glass can probably claim overall bragging rights. He’s had surgery for a brand new thumb joint to replace the one he’s worn out playing guitar in Solstice over the past four decades.
To celebrate this notable milestone in the Solstice calendar, the six-strong band have released their sixth studio album, Sia (She-er), the Scottish Gaelic word for six, that features six new tracks, many of which are in six time. Joining Glass’ bandmates: Pete Helmsley (drums), Jenny Newman (violin), Robin Phillips (bass) and Steven McDaniel (piano), is new singer Jess Holland, the band’s seventh vocalist, whose arrival has completely re-energised the guitarist’s musical mojo in this 40th year.