Journey of a Fool is the instrumental introduction track of the record Tarot Suite by Mike Batt (with the London Symphony Orchestra). This is the second song to appear here from one of my most cherished records. I wrote about how underrated it is in my first post – Imbecile. That post remains one of the most viewed on my blog since there is hardly any information online about this immense production.
It’s hard to believe that this is now 40+ years old. No other album was played as often in our house during my youth than this one. A popular radio station in Sydney called Triple M played part of this song as their theme music in the 80’s. A lot more information about this album and comments from admirers can be found in that first post.
Tarot Suite was inspired by the 22 major arcana trump cards of the tarot deck. If the listener wants to make sense of the concept of this album, the insert provides a handy description and explanation of the various cards and how they relate to the music. This album is driven by the creative orchestral (London Symphony Orchestra) arrangements and songwriting of Batt. To his credit, Batt is not inhibited by allowing electric guitars and other instruments to assume a dominant role in his music rather than his own keyboard playing, which is utilized more for texture and mood purposes.
Reference:
1. Tarot Suite – Just for the Record
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
I’m listening to the album now; I had never heard of it. I must admit that I didn’t know much about him, aside from 9 million bicycles and Bright Eyes.
I hope you enjoy the album. It’s mythical and very atmospheric heard in its entirety. The standouts for me are Introduction, Imbecile, Lady of the Dawn & Run Like the Wind. Let me know what you think.
I liked it, my favourite tracks were “Losing your way in the rain” (I’ve always liked Colin Blunstone’s voice) and Tarota. Mike Batt is not someone that I would have associated with prog rock, but it is a definite prog rock album – reminding me a little of ELP in places.
I forgot about ‘Losing Your Way in the Rain’. Great song. I hadn’t heard of ELP. I’m chuffed you liked it. Cheers Nick.
Just listening to Tarota now. Briliant. This album blows my mind.