“On Earth, As It Is” is the sixth album from multi-instrumentalist Duncan Parsons. Using The Lord‘s Prayer as a framework, the album explores themes of trust, anger, forgiveness, responsibility, temptation, and other elements of basic humanity via rock, folk, minimalism, jazz, and whatever else was lying about the studio.
Taking cues from across the progressive canon, from the existential themes of The Dark Side Of The Moon, through diverse instrumentation, to the rock/acoustic, long/short track album structure from Yes‘ Fragile and Jethro Tull’s Aqualung, "On Earth, As It Is" places itself in the heart of the progressive tradition.
Along with the familiar faces of John Hackett, Nick Fletcher, Kim Eames, and Ben Eckersley, "On Earth, As It Is" welcomes John Helliwell (Supertramp), Dave Bainbridge (Iona, Strawbs, Lifesigns), John Steel (The Daintees), Leland Sklar (well, everyone), and Lizz Lipscombe into its musical fold; each guest bringing something unique to the soundscape. This may be the first time that Helliwell and Sklar have appeared together on the same tune, and is almost certainly the first occurrence of spoons and washboard trading fours on a progressive recording!
Guests, in order of appearance John Helliwell - sax and clarinet (1, 2, 9) Lizz Lipscombe - violin and viola (1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9) John Hackett - flute (1, 6, 7, 9) Kim Eames - angelic host (1) Dave Bainbridge - steel strung guitar (1) Nick Fletcher - fusion guitar (1) Leland Sklar - bass (2, 7) Ben Eckersley - cello (3, 4, 6) John Steel - palm muted, waft, 12-string, and lead guitars (9) Also featuring The GForce Isolation Choir, and Jeremy Richardson as the voice of God
