Following tutelage from Bill Bruford, being very politely turned away by Anthony Phillips, appearing on a handful of obscure releases in the 90s, and producing work which caught Rick Wakeman's ear, a decade and a half later Duncan Parsons releases his debut album "Abandoned Buildings." Taking in Rock, Pop, Folk, Funk, Jazz, Electro, Minimalist and Classical stylings, "Abandoned Buildings" presents a song cycle with an emotional arc telling of grace against a backdrop of falling in love and failing in love. This is modern progressive music, with guest appearances by John Hackett (flute legend, brother of ex-Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett) and Raul D'Oliveira (Mike Oldfield, Elton John, Wham!, Joan Armatrading), culminating in a 130-voice choir and World Music drum ensemble. With influences from Steely Dan, Alan Parsons (no relation!), Genesis, Pilot, Gentle Giant, Joni Mitchell, 10cc, Laura Viers, Steve Reich, the Canterbury scene, and others, these 18 songs take you through the nerves (Spring Cleaning, Wond'ring A'lowed), elations (Lavender Rose, Gonville), woes (Answerphone, Glass Fortress) and resolutions (Building (pt ii): Closer) that are played out along the slippery banks of romance. Though primarily a drummer, Duncan also plays guitar, mandolin, keys, and bass (the musical saw will have to wait until the next album). He co-wrote and played on albums with fellow obscure progger Marc Catley in the 90s, in various guises; other work includes Judith Silver, Marianne Velvart, Philip Clemo, writing and performing music for theatre, video, and multimedia showcases. He spends his days split between writing music, and buried in code for audio production (virtual Mellotrons, software guitar enhancements, and a cornucopia of other things...).