It was painfully obvious that the group
Trace was already a memory as this final release was being recorded. Keyboardist
Rick van der Linden, its founder, is the only remaining member from either of
Trace's previous two records. This LP is a dreadful concept album,
van der Linden's musical interpretation of an old Dutch legend about "The White Ladies," which dates from the Middle Ages. Van der Linden recruited a few associates from his old band
Ekseption, including bassist
Cor Dekker and drummer
Peter de Leeuwe, as well as additional musicians. But
Harry Schafer's narration is stifling, and singer
Hetti Smit's vocals are forgettable, as is all of the original music. The leader's reworking of classical compositions by
Beethoven is also of little help. Following this recorded fiasco, it is safe to say that
Rick van der Linden and
Trace sank without a trace. Skip this turkey.