' The Passing Show' , the fine new album by (singer-songwriter) Bill Malkin and (keyboard player) John Sylvester, is a subtle but progressive musical evolution (following on from their previous recordings with the Band Wagon - 'Hunting With the Hounds'; 'Those Glory Days'; 'Sleeper' and 'Harvest'). The songs are catchy and strong on melody. In the folk tradition many (like opening track St. Helena) are story-based. Besides Bill (vocals and acoustic 6 and 12 guitars) and John (keyboards) there is strong support from various Band Wagon members including Chris Lee (fretless bass), Phil Bradley (harmonica) and Paul Reaney (electric guitar). Richard Coackley (who many years ago played with the original Magna Carta) plays double bass on two tracks, and South African guitar superstar Alistair Coakley provides all the instrumentation on the final (bonus) track, Mary Ann.