29/08/2026
A new review just in from the mighty Progressivamente Blog courtesy of Luigi Cattaneo. Luigi has been very supportive of all things JIB for many a year and I am very grateful for his review here: https://progressivamenteblog.blogspot.com/…/the-john… A rough translation is below in the comments. JKI
It is always a pleasure to get one’s hands on a new release by John Irvine, the talented Edinburgh-based musician we have been covering on this blog for years. The latest offering is *Take Me to Your Leader*, an album that introduces a novel element: the vocals of Gordon Robertson. This is a truly unexpected addition, given a career hitherto dedicated to entirely instrumental progressive music tinged with jazz-rock and fusion. Alongside Irvine (guitar, bass, keyboards) and Robertson, the trio is rounded out by drummer Andrew Scott (with backing vocals from Emma Jean). Together, they have created a record that—while still featuring the classic textures we have come to expect—also draws inspiration from the sounds of bands like The Buggles, Supertramp, and the Collins-era Genesis. It is an original and fresh shift; while it might catch the listener off guard at first, it proves to be an intelligent and entirely natural evolution in the long run. Standout tracks like "Siddhartha," "Man in the Moon," and "Chosen One" display a spirited, lively, yet remarkably intense vibe. It is a different approach, yet Irvine demonstrates the same knack for hitting the mark—an artist who deserves wider recognition among genre enthusiasts and, hopefully, the chance to finally bring his music to the stage. (Luigi Cattaneo)
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20/08/2026
JIB has a new album out in January 2027 called ‘Crossing The Rubicon’ – 10 glorious tracks of progressive jazz-rock – 5 of these songs with Gordon Robertson on vocals. Everything is here: from searing guitar leads to skittering synth excesses – from virtuosic skinsmanship to soaring vocal stylistics. It’s all been very hotly waxed on ‘Crossing The Rubicon’. JKI
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