Sky - The Great Balloon Race

The Great Balloon Race is the sixth studio album by English Australian fusion band Sky, originally released in April 1985 via Epic Records.

Sky were an English / Australian instrumental rock group that specialised in combining a variety of musical styles, most prominently rock, classical and jazz. The group's original and best-known line-up featured classical guitarist John Williams (Australia), bass player Herbie Flowers (England), electric guitarist Kevin Peek (Australian), drummer Tristan Fry (England) and keyboard player Francis Monkman (England). Steve Gray replaced Monkman on keyboards from 1980, and John Williams departed the band after the release of Sky 4 in 1984.

Following the departure of John Williams from the band, the remaining members decided to continue as a four piece band, supplemented by guest musicians on recordings and on tour. In September 1984, Sky began recording their seventh album, The Great Balloon Race, in Kevin Peek's Tracks Studio in Western Australia. During this period, the band learned that their record contract with Ariola was being cancelled, and the new album would be released via Epic Records (who had been releasing John Williams’ solo albums).

The Great Balloon Race was the first album to feature all original material and two pieces "Allegro" and "Caldando” were strongly inspired by classical music. Guest musicians on the album included Clare Torry (vocals), Ron Aspery (sax, flute), Adrian Brett (pan pipes) and Tony Hymas (synthesisers).

Sales of the album were significantly less than previous releases, despite the album garnering favourable reviews.

This album is a reissue on green coloured vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve, pressed in the UK via Let Them Eat Vinyl.