by Dave SlegerThe second of John Kirkpatrick's recordings under the moniker the John Kirkpatrick Band features the same lineup as his previous Force of Habit. Since Kirkpatrick's music has always revolved around British folk music and since his instrument of choice is accordion, there is nothing particularly new-sounding here. He has always welcomed progressive elements into his version of accordion-based folk music. His group of musicians has developed into a tight unit, incorporating instruments like tuba, recorders, fiddle, banjo, and accordion into a rock & roll foundation much like one of Kirkpatrick's previous groups, Albion Band. In fact, guitarist Graeme Taylor has been associated with Kirkpatrick for years, having played with him in Albion Band and prior to that with the progressive innovators Gryphon. Kirkpatrick has made a living at modernizing traditional accordion folk music, but in recent years he's developed into a considerable songwriter in his own right. His "On the Road to Freedom" and the instrumental "49003/55005" (which proves that electric guitar and accordion are indeed compatible) are among the finest selections on this album.