I've picked up a copy, off of Guy's site, and have had it for about a week or so. I'll offer my mini-review, understanding that this is just one man's opinion and I certainly respect that of others
I find Guy's efforts lacking in a number of key areas. First, for a keyboard player. I was expecting something more melodically interesting. After a few tunes that seemed to go nowhere interesting melodically, I began to wonder if any would have an interesting song structure. With the exception of some of the guitar solos added to help form a sense of melodic direction, I found nothing interesting for my ears to latch on to in this regard.
Lyrically, I found it devoid of interesting content, resorting to stock cliches and all-too-common phrasing. Simple messages, simple expression. It's not fair, but I couldn't help thinking of the vast difference in lyrical skill between Mark and what I was hearing from Guy. Rather like pitting the guy who write obits for the local paper against Shakespeare. Not a fair contest, but it sums up for me the vast skill difference in using what's available in the English language. By itself, there's not so much wrong with simple lyrics, but when combined with musically uninteresting songs, it culminates in the musical equivilent of a Twinkie.
I'll give Guy props on the production value. Sound quality is very good. Packaging and design of the CD are very nice. Content..........., well you might like it (great!), but it does nothing for me. I think this is one of the CD's you listen to once or twice, and then quickly forget.
Now on the other hand - Richard Bennett's "Theme's From A Rainly Decade" is a masterpiece, a must-have, a desert island disc. Melody and interesting musical ideas abound, all wrapped in to-die-for guitar tone. I can't wait for Richard's next effort!