Search - Alan Horvath :: The 'Rings Project (Lord of the Rings)

A native of New Jersey, Alan has been performing in clubs and concert-halls for more than three decades. Influenced by the classic rock of the '60s, as well as by folk, country and blues, Alan plays a unique hybrid style he dubs "acoustic rock" which, while founded on the acoustic guitar, incorporates a variety of string instruments (autoharp, dulcimer and octave mandolin), as well as the occasional harmonica. Since 1973, Alan's driving passion has been to release a Lord of the Rings concept album. With the exception of "The Departure of Boromir" and "The Fighting Uruk-hai," The 'Rings Project recounts the trilogy from the Hobbits' -- and particularly Frodo's -- perspective, and the bulk of the material focuses on the journey from Hobbiton to Rivendell. Through The 'Rings Project, the listener takes part in the festivities of Bilbo's farewell party, Frodo's bewilderment in the Old Forest, the conviviality of the Prancing Pony, and the pursuit by the Black Riders. The cycle concludes with the mixed feelings of loss and joy at the Grey Havens. The final song, subtitled "Friends Should Never Say Goodbye," is also the first Alan wrote back in '73, and in many ways it encapsulates the themes and message of the album. Ultimately, for Alan, the trilogy is about friendship, a dimension of the story that one can sometimes lose sight of in the midst of its epic grandeur. Alan's lyrical emphasis is well placed, and sets his work off from many other (equally commendable) Tolkien-inspired albums that have appeared over the last few years. Thumbs up! Chris Seeman | Tolkien-Movies.com