Sky 3 was the bands follow-up to  1980’s Sky 2- which  saw the band  releasing a double  album which  expanded  the length,  scope,  & compositional complexity of their brand of often classical melody influenced instrumental pop prog.  And though many see this second album as the bands defining moment artistically, I found the whole thing rather lacking in both melody & rewarding composition. Thankfully with Sky 3 finds the band returned to the roots of their  first album( Sky 1), and offer up a selection of mainly shorter tracks( only one or two tracks nudge near the seven minutes mark)- which have memorable melodies, virtuous(yet never showy) musicianship , and rewarding compositions.  Also this third album saw a few more jazz  fusion, at times downright funky moments appearing, which were due to the arrival of new keyboard player Steve Gray- who had worked as session musician with the likes of Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, Lalo Schifrin, Sammy Davis Jr and John Barry.

The original album took in eleven tracks, and the CD part of this reissue just offers up the original tracks, and( unlike the other reissues) no extra tracks- but the album has once again received a great & crystal clear remastering from Esoteric, so you can clear define & hear each instruments sonic character.  The extra elements appear on the DVD, where we get a full concert of the band playing in Westminster abbey, which was recorded by the BBC in February 1981. Also you get a full colour 15 page inlay booklet, and this takes in original linear note, which discuss each of the albums eleven tracks. As well as a new six write-up about the album, the time it was released, etc by respected rock writer Sid Smith- all in all another classy reissue from Esoteric Recordings/Cherry Red.

So in summing Sky 3 saw the band return to the more memorable yet still polished & virtuous origins of their first album- I can’t say it’s as good as the first album( which I see as a classic of pop-prog), but it’s damn near. So if you in the mood for something early 80’s prog that’s a bit more tuneful Sky 3 is very worthy of your time!.