Release Year: 1980
Track List:
1. Behind the Lines (5:31)
2. Duchess (6:37)
3. Guide Vocal (1.21)
4. Man of Our Times (5.35)
5. Misunderstanding (3.16)
6 Heathaze (5.00)
7. Turn It On Again (3:52)
8. Alone Tonight (3.58)
9. Cul-de-sac (5.05)
10. Please Don't Ask (4.02)
11. Duke's Travels (8.41)
12. Duke's End (2.10)
When I was 19, life was still pretty confusing for me emotionally. I had always depended on music to carry me through my difficult days. In 1980, I was just a young adult facing a hard world and having no idea just how bad it would get. I remember when I had rough days, laying on my bed and pushing PLAY, and all the pain and sorrow would melt away into this bliss. Like most other Prog I listened to back in my youth, the music just carried me away on waves of beauty and fantasy. Other people might reach for drugs or alcohol or sex or whatever to medicate their angst, but for me, it was music, and Duke was an album that made the big bad world melt away. It was my escape, my balm, my therapy.
So, I recently decided to buy Duke in its CD format and relive the magic that I tried to remember was there. Now here I am, floating on this vast sea of beauty again, and all the comfort I felt all those years ago has come back into an old brain that almost forgot. I knew there was a reason why Duke was my favorite Genesis album, but I couldn't remember why... until now.
I'm very sensitive to keyboards, and Tony Banks is definitely one of the greats. It's his amazing ability to utilize the diversity of multiple keyboard systems to find the right sound. He has the ability to take me immediately "off planet". One note is all it takes for my seratonin level to spike! It's the keyboards that definitely carry this album, along with the intensity of the drums and Phil Collin's amazing vocals, and way back there, you hear it... the thump, thump, thump of an incredible bass. Mike Rutherford is too under-rated, which is a shame.
Here's my track-by-track analysis (which I have also posted at www.progressiveears.com in a Genesis - Duke thread):
Behind the Lines - I heard this track on the internet recently, and I smiled, remembering the pomposity of the opening lines, bars, movement. (Sorry, I don't know the technical terms for music, I just know when a note instantly makes me feel good.) Listening to it on the album in its full, remastered glory, I am still smiling. What I love most is how the instrumental track smoothly seguays (sp?) into the vocal part, seamlessly, and then Phil starts pounding away on the drums. At the end of the song, Tony starts in... oh God, is that not an orgasmic little piano or whatever he's playing? So sweet and delicate next to the bopping notes (is that a drum or also keys?)...
Duchess - ... moving seamlessly into the next song, it sounds like raindrops, and then we hear the snare drum, and the tone changes, and Phil bursts into vocals. I never cared too much for the lyrics of this song. It's the music that carries this tune, and the tone of Phil's voice. I find the lyrics very sad. I remember feeling that way at 19 and now that I am MUCH older, they hit a little too close to home. A lifetime wasted struggling, dreaming... anyway, sorry, didn't mean to get maudlin. Anyway, so, here's our little raindrops again...
Guide Vocal - ... into bittersweetness. A ballad whose lyrics I've never understood, but I like it. It's like a little bridge from soft Duchess into the harder Man of Our Times.
Man of Our Times - An awesome song! It's so complicated, I can barely separate out the instruments, other than the obvious drums. The guitar is very subtle, yet it's THERE, holding down the melody. Once again, lyrics that confound me, but Phil's voice is deeper and... dare I say... sexier.
Misunderstanding - Then suddenly... THUNK! The whole mood stops cold, and we are launched into a totally different vibe. Phil had to interrupt the beauty with a She-Done-Me-Wrong song. Now, I don't HATE this song. Far from it. I actually understand (no pun) what this song is all about... broken hearts and disappointment and failed expectations. At 19, I had no idea relationships were so complicated. Surprise! That being said, I can put aside the lyrics and appreciate it as a peppy, poppy tune. Unfortunately, it was put in the wrong spot, and perhaps even the wrong album.
Heathaze - And just as suddenly, we are sent back to our sweet, little cloud, floating on air, the weight of the world slipping away again. It's incredible that such a gentle, little song could have so much impact. The depth of emotion in the tone of the music, and the way Phil switches from a soft voice to a rough voice and back again... it totally fits with the mood of the album. I remember being lost in the melody at 19, dreaming of being on the darkened moors of Yorkshire, like in my own Bronte novel. (Pardong me for being a girl!)
Turn It On Again - Believe it or not, this jolt is not as bad as Misunderstanding, at least to my ears. Tony's keys help to soften the blow immensely. but still, the lyrics are a far cry from the tone of the album. As a stand-alone song, I absolutely love it! The beat, the instrumentation... it's a Genesis song you can actually dance to! Just as its unfortunate stepbrother, though, it doesn't quite fit in the spot.
Alone Tonight - And THUNK, here we go, back to bittersweetness. This is such a sad, desperate song, but I don't dislike it. It's just a bit of a downer right after the upbeat Turn It On Again. I love the sweet organ (or whatever instrument Tony is playing during the chorus), and of course, I'm very empathetic to the lyrics. I don't like the way it fades off in the end, though, especially without blending into...
Cul-de-Sac - ... the most delicious track, Tony-wise! As a Keys Girl, I really appreciate the diversity of Tony's work and consider him one of the great Keyboard Gods of Prog! The mood is back, and I really love it. Once again, befuddlement over the lyrics, but the music is very strong, and the keys set the tone, and here we softly move into...
Please Don't Ask - ... another heartbreak song. This one, however, holds so much emotion in the lyrics, that we almost forget the intricacy of the music, the suble keys, the amazingly funky lead guitar (can you hear it? Subtle in the background) and some excellent bass work there, too. But this is Phil's song all over, with words that make you want to cry. I didn't understand the song when I was young, but now in my dotage, I understand broken love very much. Ignoring the lyrics, you can really FEEL the low notes in the music. You know this is a serious song. This song fits musically with the mood of the album, unlike Misunderstanding, and therefore, it passes my approval.
Duke's Travels - Wow, wow, wow, what a beautiful, dazzling piece of work, once again carrying you away on imaginary waves... and then the drums come in, almost like thunder, and the keys come in like a storm chaser. What an amazing song! Very climactic to the album! Phil's powerful drums just keep carrying you away, like you are caught in a rapids, and Tony's just tinkling like hard raindrops. This is clearly the most Proggy of all the tunes on this album. You are definitely traveling somewhere, so the title is aptly named. And so, we go faster and faster down this river of sound... Tony and Phil, Tony and Phil, Tony and Phil, back and forth, and if you listen closely, Mike is just beating the shit of that bass guitar, and it's all flowing together, faster and faster... and then Phil's vocals come in, repeating the words from Guide Vocal, and it starts to slooooow down, sweetly, softly, the thunder moving away...
Duke's End - ... into a sudden, quick, fast reprise of Behind the Lines and a soft background of Turn It On Again, turning into a crescendo that abruptly ends, like a sudden orgasm that leaves you breathless for a few seconds and then the feeling subsides.
And that is Duke. A fantasyland, a warm blanket on a cold Alaskan winter's night, a comfort zone, a little niche I often crawled into so many years ago. I had forgotten all about it, other than a few drifting memories, until now. Duke is a beautiful place, and I'm glad I rediscovered it. Now I remember why it's my favorite Genesis album!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Cryptic Vision - In A World
Release Year: 2006
Track List:
1. - In A World:
I - Overture
II - Creation
III - The Source
IV - All Is Well
2 - This Dream (Part One)
3 - Common Ground
4 - Merkaba
5 - All Along
6 - The Space In Between
7 - I Am the Energy
8 - Point of View
9 - Power to Mend:
I - Infamous Moment
II - Not Alone
III - Darkness Fades
10 - Find
11 - The Balance
12 - This Dream (Part II)/In a World Reprise
When I first heard Cryptic Vision, I was impressed with a few of their songs on internet radio. I obtained their debut album, Moments of Clarity, and while I enjoyed it and thought it was a good album, it just didn't grab me with overwhelming excitement.
When Cryptic Vision was chosen to play at CalProg 2006, I dusted off Moments of Clarity and let it steadily sink in. When their second album, In A World, was released in June 2006, I ordered it immediately, but barely had time to listen to it before jetting off to CalProg. However, I could tell immediately that this CD was much more vibrant than their first.
I was more than surprised by their performance at CalProg. In fact, I was completely overwhelmed! While the band performed a couple tunes from Moments of Clarity, the bulk of their set was from In A World. They rocked the place so hard, I could barely stay in my seat!
The music struck me as being very powerful, full of soaring keyboards, crunchy guitars, and gutsy vocals. Add the deep, philosophical lyrics, and you have the bastard love child of Kansas and Styx! While Cryptic Vision does lean toward "art rock", they have the ability to carve their own niche and stake a claim in the vast genre of progressive music.
The delightful, skilled mastery of keybaordist Howard Helm makes all the difference. Cryptic Vision would not be a strong without his Midas touch. The opening strains of the title track on “In A World” combine the flair of Keith Emerson and Steve Walsh that will remind the listener of the song “Musicatto” by Kansas. Mr. Helm adds his own finesse to the entire album.
Another treat is the blow-you-away vocal talent of Todd Plant. His range is incredible! He can hit deep, soulful notes in the song “All Along”, and also soar into a glass-shattering tenor voice during “Point of View” and “The Balance”.
The real genius of Cryptic Vision, however, belongs to drummer Rick Duncan, founder and driving force of the band. Not only can he tear the skins to shreds, but he is also the main songwriter, as well.
In fact, it is the lyrics to this album that clench my soul more than the music. Uplifting, positive, and metaphysical, the words manage to bridge all the world's spiritual faiths into one common philosophy. I could likely write an entire review on the lyrics alone, delving into the deepest meaning of universal consciousness and creative energy. Someday, I'd love to discuss these views with Mr. Duncan. In the meantime, I can only thank him for combining these powerful, beautiful thoughts with such exciting, dramatic music. (To be fair, Mr. Plant and bassist Sam Conable also contributed lyrics to this project.)
My favorite songs are “Common Ground”, “I Am the Energy” and “Point of View”. Did I mention that David Ragsdale, currently back with Kansas, provides the violin tracks on this album? In A World is bursting with great talent!
So yes, I now call myself a "Visionary", and have caught the fever! Cryptic Vision has a fantastic future ahead of them, and I am excited to tag along for the ride!
Track List:
1. - In A World:
I - Overture
II - Creation
III - The Source
IV - All Is Well
2 - This Dream (Part One)
3 - Common Ground
4 - Merkaba
5 - All Along
6 - The Space In Between
7 - I Am the Energy
8 - Point of View
9 - Power to Mend:
I - Infamous Moment
II - Not Alone
III - Darkness Fades
10 - Find
11 - The Balance
12 - This Dream (Part II)/In a World Reprise
When I first heard Cryptic Vision, I was impressed with a few of their songs on internet radio. I obtained their debut album, Moments of Clarity, and while I enjoyed it and thought it was a good album, it just didn't grab me with overwhelming excitement.
When Cryptic Vision was chosen to play at CalProg 2006, I dusted off Moments of Clarity and let it steadily sink in. When their second album, In A World, was released in June 2006, I ordered it immediately, but barely had time to listen to it before jetting off to CalProg. However, I could tell immediately that this CD was much more vibrant than their first.
I was more than surprised by their performance at CalProg. In fact, I was completely overwhelmed! While the band performed a couple tunes from Moments of Clarity, the bulk of their set was from In A World. They rocked the place so hard, I could barely stay in my seat!
The music struck me as being very powerful, full of soaring keyboards, crunchy guitars, and gutsy vocals. Add the deep, philosophical lyrics, and you have the bastard love child of Kansas and Styx! While Cryptic Vision does lean toward "art rock", they have the ability to carve their own niche and stake a claim in the vast genre of progressive music.
The delightful, skilled mastery of keybaordist Howard Helm makes all the difference. Cryptic Vision would not be a strong without his Midas touch. The opening strains of the title track on “In A World” combine the flair of Keith Emerson and Steve Walsh that will remind the listener of the song “Musicatto” by Kansas. Mr. Helm adds his own finesse to the entire album.
Another treat is the blow-you-away vocal talent of Todd Plant. His range is incredible! He can hit deep, soulful notes in the song “All Along”, and also soar into a glass-shattering tenor voice during “Point of View” and “The Balance”.
The real genius of Cryptic Vision, however, belongs to drummer Rick Duncan, founder and driving force of the band. Not only can he tear the skins to shreds, but he is also the main songwriter, as well.
In fact, it is the lyrics to this album that clench my soul more than the music. Uplifting, positive, and metaphysical, the words manage to bridge all the world's spiritual faiths into one common philosophy. I could likely write an entire review on the lyrics alone, delving into the deepest meaning of universal consciousness and creative energy. Someday, I'd love to discuss these views with Mr. Duncan. In the meantime, I can only thank him for combining these powerful, beautiful thoughts with such exciting, dramatic music. (To be fair, Mr. Plant and bassist Sam Conable also contributed lyrics to this project.)
My favorite songs are “Common Ground”, “I Am the Energy” and “Point of View”. Did I mention that David Ragsdale, currently back with Kansas, provides the violin tracks on this album? In A World is bursting with great talent!
So yes, I now call myself a "Visionary", and have caught the fever! Cryptic Vision has a fantastic future ahead of them, and I am excited to tag along for the ride!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Ambrosia - Somewhere I've Never Travelled
Release Year: 1976
Track List:
1 - .And... (:27)
2 - Somewhere I've Never Travelled (4:12)
3 - Cowboy Star (6:24)
4 - Runnin' Away (3:31)
5 - Harvey (1:29)
6 - I Wanna Know (6:02)
7 - The Brunt (5:29)
8 - Danse With Me George (Chopin's Plea) (7:51)
9 - Can't Let A Woman (4:24)
10 - We Need You Too (5:33)
Most music fans know about the ‘sophomore curse,’ where a band’s successful first album is followed by a flop. I am grateful that Ambrosia is an exception to that stereotype. In fact, I consider their second album, “Somewhere I’ve Never Travelled”, to be their absolute best! Like their debut effort, this album also got a well-deserved Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album! Two in a row is nothing to sneer at.
It starts off with a simple, short piece called “And...”, written and sung by drummer Burleigh Drummond, which leads directly into the title track. The two songs are a perfect combination, taking the listener down a breathtaking path. You will find yourself wishing it would never end, and will probably play it twice in a row as I often do. It is one of their best tunes overall, and a good example of “symphonic prog”.
The path eventually leads to time travel in the next song, “Cowboy Star”. This fantasy piece includes a dazzling, orchestrated interlude inspired by classical composer Aaron Copeland and written and arranged by guitarist David Pack. Ambrosia deserves much credit for the unbelievable talent it took to pull off a complicated composition like this!
After all that drama, you are treated to a light, breezy song. “Running Away” is more pop than prog, but it fits in well with the diversity Ambrosia expresses in their music. This is followed by the equally sweet yet pensive “Harvey”. It is an interesting fact that Pack and bass player Joe Puerta have similar voices, although Puerta’s is slightly lower. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between the two men, but it makes for interesting harmony vocals.
Those two ballads are followed by a powerful rocker, definitely one of the best of their “hard” songs. “I Wanna Know” is deeply emotional, both in lyrics and in music, and once again, Pack has written and arranged the sweeping orchestral background. He doesn’t let up on guitar for a minute! Pack and Puerta were a solid song-writing team back in these early days. Their combined genius speaks for itself! This song is so popular among fans that one of their online mailing lists carries its name.
The sequencing of Ambrosia’s albums is one of the band’s many charming characteristics. Just when you are being enlightened by a serious, soaring composition, they throw in a twisted, quirky tune just to see if you are paying attention. The fun of progressive rock is to always keep the listener guessing. “The Brunt” is a perfect example of this. A Zappa-style, metaphorical song about the “urban jungle”, it will delight you with its odd sound effects, complete with African chanting and a charging elephant!
You won’t have time to recover from “The Brunt” because the next song will shock you, delight you, offend you, and make you giddy. “Danse With Me, George (Chopin’s Plea)” has to be one of the oddest songs ever recorded on a rock album! This is a fun, romantic, silly tune about the relationship between composer Frederick Chopin and notorious novelist George Sand. It doesn’t amaze me that Ambrosia came up with a song that combines pop, classical, jazz, history, and literature all within 8 minutes! It’s all indicative of the band’s extraordinary talent. (If you are confused by the story, I recommend the movie “Impromptu”, starring Hugh Grant and Judy Davis.)
The next song might be more 70s rock than you want, but “Can’t Let a Woman” contains excellent guitar riffs. I feel the lyrics are a bit shallow, but the hard driving music more than makes up for it. This is followed by a dreamy, contemplative tune with serious lyrics and a bittersweet melody. “We Need You Too” is a nice ending to a phenomenal album.
While I consider Ambrosia to be a grossly under-rated band, they did have some success with this album, especially on the college radio circuit. Sadly, Somewhere I’ve Never Travelled was the last of their prog productions. They started drifting more toward pop and mainstream ballads on their subsequent albums. They still included a few quirky surprises, but they never again achieved the magic and charm of their first two albums. I miss the glockenspiels!
Track List:
1 - .And... (:27)
2 - Somewhere I've Never Travelled (4:12)
3 - Cowboy Star (6:24)
4 - Runnin' Away (3:31)
5 - Harvey (1:29)
6 - I Wanna Know (6:02)
7 - The Brunt (5:29)
8 - Danse With Me George (Chopin's Plea) (7:51)
9 - Can't Let A Woman (4:24)
10 - We Need You Too (5:33)
Most music fans know about the ‘sophomore curse,’ where a band’s successful first album is followed by a flop. I am grateful that Ambrosia is an exception to that stereotype. In fact, I consider their second album, “Somewhere I’ve Never Travelled”, to be their absolute best! Like their debut effort, this album also got a well-deserved Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album! Two in a row is nothing to sneer at.
It starts off with a simple, short piece called “And...”, written and sung by drummer Burleigh Drummond, which leads directly into the title track. The two songs are a perfect combination, taking the listener down a breathtaking path. You will find yourself wishing it would never end, and will probably play it twice in a row as I often do. It is one of their best tunes overall, and a good example of “symphonic prog”.
The path eventually leads to time travel in the next song, “Cowboy Star”. This fantasy piece includes a dazzling, orchestrated interlude inspired by classical composer Aaron Copeland and written and arranged by guitarist David Pack. Ambrosia deserves much credit for the unbelievable talent it took to pull off a complicated composition like this!
After all that drama, you are treated to a light, breezy song. “Running Away” is more pop than prog, but it fits in well with the diversity Ambrosia expresses in their music. This is followed by the equally sweet yet pensive “Harvey”. It is an interesting fact that Pack and bass player Joe Puerta have similar voices, although Puerta’s is slightly lower. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between the two men, but it makes for interesting harmony vocals.
Those two ballads are followed by a powerful rocker, definitely one of the best of their “hard” songs. “I Wanna Know” is deeply emotional, both in lyrics and in music, and once again, Pack has written and arranged the sweeping orchestral background. He doesn’t let up on guitar for a minute! Pack and Puerta were a solid song-writing team back in these early days. Their combined genius speaks for itself! This song is so popular among fans that one of their online mailing lists carries its name.
The sequencing of Ambrosia’s albums is one of the band’s many charming characteristics. Just when you are being enlightened by a serious, soaring composition, they throw in a twisted, quirky tune just to see if you are paying attention. The fun of progressive rock is to always keep the listener guessing. “The Brunt” is a perfect example of this. A Zappa-style, metaphorical song about the “urban jungle”, it will delight you with its odd sound effects, complete with African chanting and a charging elephant!
You won’t have time to recover from “The Brunt” because the next song will shock you, delight you, offend you, and make you giddy. “Danse With Me, George (Chopin’s Plea)” has to be one of the oddest songs ever recorded on a rock album! This is a fun, romantic, silly tune about the relationship between composer Frederick Chopin and notorious novelist George Sand. It doesn’t amaze me that Ambrosia came up with a song that combines pop, classical, jazz, history, and literature all within 8 minutes! It’s all indicative of the band’s extraordinary talent. (If you are confused by the story, I recommend the movie “Impromptu”, starring Hugh Grant and Judy Davis.)
The next song might be more 70s rock than you want, but “Can’t Let a Woman” contains excellent guitar riffs. I feel the lyrics are a bit shallow, but the hard driving music more than makes up for it. This is followed by a dreamy, contemplative tune with serious lyrics and a bittersweet melody. “We Need You Too” is a nice ending to a phenomenal album.
While I consider Ambrosia to be a grossly under-rated band, they did have some success with this album, especially on the college radio circuit. Sadly, Somewhere I’ve Never Travelled was the last of their prog productions. They started drifting more toward pop and mainstream ballads on their subsequent albums. They still included a few quirky surprises, but they never again achieved the magic and charm of their first two albums. I miss the glockenspiels!
Ambrosia
Release Year: 1975
Track List:
1 - Nice, Nice, Very Nice (5:52)
2 - Time Waits for No One (4:58)
3 - Holdin' On to Yesterday (4:16)
4 - World Leave Me Alone (3:17)
5 - Make Us All Aware (4:28)
6 - Lover Arrive (3:12)
7 - Mama Frog (6:06)
8 - Drink of Water (6:29)
Ambrosia is one of the most talented and creative bands to emerge from the post-psychedelic Los Angeles music scene of the early 70s. It is unfortunate that they are under-rated and virtually unknown in progressive rock circles. Hopefully, you will be compelled to give them an honest try after reading this review.
Don’t be fooled by their Top 40 reputation in the early 80s. Ambrosia’s roots are firmly planted in peculiar soil, as their first album, the self-titled Ambrosia, clearly reveals. Released in the early winter of 1975, it was so incredibly engineered, mixed, and produced (with the assistance of Alan Parsons) that it was worthy of a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album! You will understand why after your first listen.
The first track, “Nice, Nice, Very Nice”, was influenced by author Kurt Vonnegut Jr., who had become good friends with the band. While the lyrics are amusing, it is the quirky music that will draw you in. A variety of odd instruments are used here, including an attempt at the bassoon by drummer Burleigh Drummond, but the next song has even more diversity. “Time Waits for No One”, inspired by T.S. Eliot and dedicated to renowned composer Leonard Bernstein, includes Javanese gongs and a Russian balalaika ensemble!
The following tune, “Holdin’ On to Yesterday”, might seem like a mushy love song to many new listeners, but once again, it is the quality of the music that sends you off into another plane of existence. Its haunting melody, soaring vocal harmonies, and beautiful violin will capture your soul. It was this song, a big hit on the radio, that first made me notice the band. I bought the LP because of it, and Ambrosia instantly became one of my favorite groups.
“World Leave Me Alone” is a feisty rocker that displays the amazing skill of guitarist David Pack. He is a gifted musician as well as a singer/songwriter, yet his talent on the strings has been unjustly overlooked. This song is followed by the dreamy, introspective “Make Us All Aware”, which includes contemplative lyrics and a lively interlude complete with harpsichord. The wistful mood carries through to the sensual, sultry “Lover Arrive”, a song that is sure to stir more than just your soul.
The next track is the highlight of the entire album! “Mama Frog” is a fantastic, mind-blowing journey that excites all the senses! Both the lyrics and the music reveal the creative genius that is Ambrosia. With a reference to Lewis Carroll, this song inspired me to read more classic literature at a young age (I was 13 when this album was released), and spurred my love for reading in general. I am an English Major because of this song! I also named my fan website after it.
The fun-house ride soon comes to an end, but you will not be disappointed in its follow-up. “Drink of Water” is an amazing song! If the music doesn’t give you chills, the lyrics certainly will. It’s a breathtaking ballad that showcases the unbelievable vocal talent of bass player Joe Puerta, whose voice is just as golden as Pack’s, if not more so. The song includes a pipe organ skillfully played by keyboardist Christopher North. I truly believe he belongs on the same level as Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, and Dennis DeYoung. His energy level is dazzling!
Thus ends the first album by an exceptional group of young men. Inspired by English bands such as Yes and Traffic, Ambrosia added their own spin and originality and emerged as a front runner on the American prog scene. I urge fans of all musical genres to listen just once to this incredible album. It’s a beautiful thing!
Track List:
1 - Nice, Nice, Very Nice (5:52)
2 - Time Waits for No One (4:58)
3 - Holdin' On to Yesterday (4:16)
4 - World Leave Me Alone (3:17)
5 - Make Us All Aware (4:28)
6 - Lover Arrive (3:12)
7 - Mama Frog (6:06)
8 - Drink of Water (6:29)
Ambrosia is one of the most talented and creative bands to emerge from the post-psychedelic Los Angeles music scene of the early 70s. It is unfortunate that they are under-rated and virtually unknown in progressive rock circles. Hopefully, you will be compelled to give them an honest try after reading this review.
Don’t be fooled by their Top 40 reputation in the early 80s. Ambrosia’s roots are firmly planted in peculiar soil, as their first album, the self-titled Ambrosia, clearly reveals. Released in the early winter of 1975, it was so incredibly engineered, mixed, and produced (with the assistance of Alan Parsons) that it was worthy of a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album! You will understand why after your first listen.
The first track, “Nice, Nice, Very Nice”, was influenced by author Kurt Vonnegut Jr., who had become good friends with the band. While the lyrics are amusing, it is the quirky music that will draw you in. A variety of odd instruments are used here, including an attempt at the bassoon by drummer Burleigh Drummond, but the next song has even more diversity. “Time Waits for No One”, inspired by T.S. Eliot and dedicated to renowned composer Leonard Bernstein, includes Javanese gongs and a Russian balalaika ensemble!
The following tune, “Holdin’ On to Yesterday”, might seem like a mushy love song to many new listeners, but once again, it is the quality of the music that sends you off into another plane of existence. Its haunting melody, soaring vocal harmonies, and beautiful violin will capture your soul. It was this song, a big hit on the radio, that first made me notice the band. I bought the LP because of it, and Ambrosia instantly became one of my favorite groups.
“World Leave Me Alone” is a feisty rocker that displays the amazing skill of guitarist David Pack. He is a gifted musician as well as a singer/songwriter, yet his talent on the strings has been unjustly overlooked. This song is followed by the dreamy, introspective “Make Us All Aware”, which includes contemplative lyrics and a lively interlude complete with harpsichord. The wistful mood carries through to the sensual, sultry “Lover Arrive”, a song that is sure to stir more than just your soul.
The next track is the highlight of the entire album! “Mama Frog” is a fantastic, mind-blowing journey that excites all the senses! Both the lyrics and the music reveal the creative genius that is Ambrosia. With a reference to Lewis Carroll, this song inspired me to read more classic literature at a young age (I was 13 when this album was released), and spurred my love for reading in general. I am an English Major because of this song! I also named my fan website after it.
The fun-house ride soon comes to an end, but you will not be disappointed in its follow-up. “Drink of Water” is an amazing song! If the music doesn’t give you chills, the lyrics certainly will. It’s a breathtaking ballad that showcases the unbelievable vocal talent of bass player Joe Puerta, whose voice is just as golden as Pack’s, if not more so. The song includes a pipe organ skillfully played by keyboardist Christopher North. I truly believe he belongs on the same level as Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, and Dennis DeYoung. His energy level is dazzling!
Thus ends the first album by an exceptional group of young men. Inspired by English bands such as Yes and Traffic, Ambrosia added their own spin and originality and emerged as a front runner on the American prog scene. I urge fans of all musical genres to listen just once to this incredible album. It’s a beautiful thing!
Mars Hollow
Release Year: 2010
Track List:
1 - Wait for Me (9:30)
2 - Midnight (5:05)
3 - Eureka (9:20)
4 - If I Were You (7:30)
5 - In Your Hands (6:34)
6 - Wild Animal (7:08)
7 - Dawn of Creation (12:22)
When a person I befriended on the Progressive Ears message board mentioned he had a band, I thought to myself "you and everybody else". There's a lot of budding Prog rockers out there, and to be honest, I didn't think Kerry Chicoine's band would be any different than the others I had heard on YouTube or MySpace. I was so wrong, dead wrong! There is something quickly and easily likeable about Mars Hollow. This hot, little band out of Los Angeles does not waste any time and gets straight to the punches!
The opening track instantly blows you away with its odd "marco polo" game between keys and guitars. After a few minutes of fun, the song launches into the mellow sweetness of John Baker's voice which sets the tone for the whole album. Compared by many to Geddy Lee and Dennis DeYoung, Baker's tenor sends chills with its passion and sincerity. He has the perfect voice for Prog. The words to “Wait for Me” reflect a bittersweet love song, which also sets the lyrical theme for the album. Next comes my personal favorite, the haunting and beautiful “Midnight”. While I identify with the loneliness of the lyrics, I am drawn to the guitar work, for which Baker does very well. There's a nice keyboard sound at the end, which adds to the melancholiness of the song, but somehow, I feel Baker's influence dominating this tune.
The third song on this amazing debut album is “Eureka”, and now we finally hear the great talent of keyboardist Steve Mauk shining through. This is totally his song! You can also clearly hear drummer Jerry Beller pounding away on this one. The lyrics are somewhat serious and introspective, moreso than the rest of the album, but I feel the music overshadows the lyrics here. Next comes “If I Were You”, which has become a fan favorite. Yes, this band has fans, and we love Mars Hollow! What makes the fourth track so popular is that it has the best of everything, music, lyrics, and just the overall vibe of the song. We can all relate to a bad relationship, after all.
After that comes a fun, poppy song called “In Your Hands”, sung by bassist Chicoine, and could easily be a radio hit if Mars Hollow were so lucky! This song also has the best of everything, music wise. The keys and guitars are in perfect sync here, along with Beller's powerful drumming, and it appears the whole band is doing backup vocals, which adds to some nice harmonies. What's not to like? “Wild Animal” is the sixth song on the album and is easily the most "sexiest" song, not that Mars Hollow is oozing with it, or maybe they are in a subtle way. Wild Animal just puts out that vibe, and it gets noticed by listeners! I especially love Baker's passionate and sly voice, which definitely sends a chill.
The final song is an epic that could easily rank amongst the great Prog epics, and I'm not just saying that to flatter the band. “Dawn of Creation” is truly a gem, and perhaps the most profound love song I have heard in years! The listener is easily caught up in the dramatic beginning keyboards which lead into soaring guitars. Then Baker launches into the main song with extremely clever word play in the lyrics. I believe that is what delights me the most... the words to “Dawn of Creation” make Walt Whitman look like a Hallmark poet! As for the music, this song could easily compete with anything Rush or ELP has done, and I am sincere with that statement!
Overall, this band has everything that works... tight musicianship, creative lyrics, and a vibe that pulls you in. You won't even have time to click your seatbelt... you are in for a great ride! I owe Kerry Chicoine an apology! Never doubt for one minute that the "boys next door" can pull off a terrific album and get invited to several music fests around the USA and Mexico. I see great things for this extremely talented band, and look forward to their future musical endeavors.
Track List:
1 - Wait for Me (9:30)
2 - Midnight (5:05)
3 - Eureka (9:20)
4 - If I Were You (7:30)
5 - In Your Hands (6:34)
6 - Wild Animal (7:08)
7 - Dawn of Creation (12:22)
When a person I befriended on the Progressive Ears message board mentioned he had a band, I thought to myself "you and everybody else". There's a lot of budding Prog rockers out there, and to be honest, I didn't think Kerry Chicoine's band would be any different than the others I had heard on YouTube or MySpace. I was so wrong, dead wrong! There is something quickly and easily likeable about Mars Hollow. This hot, little band out of Los Angeles does not waste any time and gets straight to the punches!
The opening track instantly blows you away with its odd "marco polo" game between keys and guitars. After a few minutes of fun, the song launches into the mellow sweetness of John Baker's voice which sets the tone for the whole album. Compared by many to Geddy Lee and Dennis DeYoung, Baker's tenor sends chills with its passion and sincerity. He has the perfect voice for Prog. The words to “Wait for Me” reflect a bittersweet love song, which also sets the lyrical theme for the album. Next comes my personal favorite, the haunting and beautiful “Midnight”. While I identify with the loneliness of the lyrics, I am drawn to the guitar work, for which Baker does very well. There's a nice keyboard sound at the end, which adds to the melancholiness of the song, but somehow, I feel Baker's influence dominating this tune.
The third song on this amazing debut album is “Eureka”, and now we finally hear the great talent of keyboardist Steve Mauk shining through. This is totally his song! You can also clearly hear drummer Jerry Beller pounding away on this one. The lyrics are somewhat serious and introspective, moreso than the rest of the album, but I feel the music overshadows the lyrics here. Next comes “If I Were You”, which has become a fan favorite. Yes, this band has fans, and we love Mars Hollow! What makes the fourth track so popular is that it has the best of everything, music, lyrics, and just the overall vibe of the song. We can all relate to a bad relationship, after all.
After that comes a fun, poppy song called “In Your Hands”, sung by bassist Chicoine, and could easily be a radio hit if Mars Hollow were so lucky! This song also has the best of everything, music wise. The keys and guitars are in perfect sync here, along with Beller's powerful drumming, and it appears the whole band is doing backup vocals, which adds to some nice harmonies. What's not to like? “Wild Animal” is the sixth song on the album and is easily the most "sexiest" song, not that Mars Hollow is oozing with it, or maybe they are in a subtle way. Wild Animal just puts out that vibe, and it gets noticed by listeners! I especially love Baker's passionate and sly voice, which definitely sends a chill.
The final song is an epic that could easily rank amongst the great Prog epics, and I'm not just saying that to flatter the band. “Dawn of Creation” is truly a gem, and perhaps the most profound love song I have heard in years! The listener is easily caught up in the dramatic beginning keyboards which lead into soaring guitars. Then Baker launches into the main song with extremely clever word play in the lyrics. I believe that is what delights me the most... the words to “Dawn of Creation” make Walt Whitman look like a Hallmark poet! As for the music, this song could easily compete with anything Rush or ELP has done, and I am sincere with that statement!
Overall, this band has everything that works... tight musicianship, creative lyrics, and a vibe that pulls you in. You won't even have time to click your seatbelt... you are in for a great ride! I owe Kerry Chicoine an apology! Never doubt for one minute that the "boys next door" can pull off a terrific album and get invited to several music fests around the USA and Mexico. I see great things for this extremely talented band, and look forward to their future musical endeavors.
Dream Theater - Score (DVD)
Disc 1:
1. The Root Of All Evil (9:32)
2. I Walk Beside You (4:10)
3. Another Won (5:40)
4. Afterlife (7:28)
5. Under A Glass Moon (7:27)
6. Innocence Faded (6:16)
7. Raise The Knife (11:51)
8. The Spirit Carries On (9:37)
9. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (41:26)
10. Vacant (3:03)
11. The Answer Lies Within (5:36)
12. Sacrificed Sons (10:36)
13. Octavarium (27:29)
14. Metropolis Pt 1 (11:16)
Disc 2:
The Score So Far [20th Anniversary Documentary] (56:23)
Octavarium Animation (3:06)
Bonus Tracks:
1. Another Day (4:46)
2. The Great Debate (13:38)
3. Honor Thy Father (9:47)
Over the years, Dream Theater has put out some very good DVDs. It’s only natural for a high-performance band to showcase their remarkable musical abilities in this way. So, just when you think you have seen DT perform at their finest in the comfort of your living room, along comes a complete upgrade that gets you out of your easy chair and closer to the television! Score is their finest DVD to date, hands down.
Rather than making things seem too slick and polished, Score shows a natural perfection of the music and the performers. It’s so lifelike, it’s like watching high-def on an old push-button tv set. You can see the muscles straining in James LaBrie’s throat, the intense concentration in John Myung’s face, and the sweat fly off Mike Portnoy’s head as he bangs those cymbals. It’s as close as you can get without actually being there.
The set-list spans a variety of tunes from their 20-year history, which takes up nearly three hours of viewing, so pop plenty of popcorn and mix up a whole pitcher of margaritas…this is a long DVD, folks, and you will get your money’s worth. While some fans may wonder why their favorite songs were left out, others will revel in hearing great classics like Afterlife and the entire second half of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Score comes in a two-disc set, the first being a full concert filmed at New York ’s Radio City Music Hall in April 2006, and the second being a disc of extras. I especially enjoyed the second disc because of the band history/documentary and the Octovarium cartoon. I will never be able to listen to Octo now without thinking of cute little bugs or Jordan Rudess as a wizard, or Portnoy as an octopus. The second disc also has a few songs from previous filmed concerts.
If you are a die-hard fan, this is a must for your collection because the quality of the filming is so top-notch! If you are new to the band, or just want to check them out, Score is a fine introduction and overview of their musical history.
Dream Theater - Score is sheer delight for both eyes and ears. Get this DVD…you will not be disappointed!
DVD Reviewed by Melissa Palmer on October 17th, 2006 (Taken from http://prognaut.com/reviews/dream-theater.html by permission of course)
1. The Root Of All Evil (9:32)
2. I Walk Beside You (4:10)
3. Another Won (5:40)
4. Afterlife (7:28)
5. Under A Glass Moon (7:27)
6. Innocence Faded (6:16)
7. Raise The Knife (11:51)
8. The Spirit Carries On (9:37)
9. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (41:26)
10. Vacant (3:03)
11. The Answer Lies Within (5:36)
12. Sacrificed Sons (10:36)
13. Octavarium (27:29)
14. Metropolis Pt 1 (11:16)
Disc 2:
The Score So Far [20th Anniversary Documentary] (56:23)
Octavarium Animation (3:06)
Bonus Tracks:
1. Another Day (4:46)
2. The Great Debate (13:38)
3. Honor Thy Father (9:47)
Over the years, Dream Theater has put out some very good DVDs. It’s only natural for a high-performance band to showcase their remarkable musical abilities in this way. So, just when you think you have seen DT perform at their finest in the comfort of your living room, along comes a complete upgrade that gets you out of your easy chair and closer to the television! Score is their finest DVD to date, hands down.
Rather than making things seem too slick and polished, Score shows a natural perfection of the music and the performers. It’s so lifelike, it’s like watching high-def on an old push-button tv set. You can see the muscles straining in James LaBrie’s throat, the intense concentration in John Myung’s face, and the sweat fly off Mike Portnoy’s head as he bangs those cymbals. It’s as close as you can get without actually being there.
The set-list spans a variety of tunes from their 20-year history, which takes up nearly three hours of viewing, so pop plenty of popcorn and mix up a whole pitcher of margaritas…this is a long DVD, folks, and you will get your money’s worth. While some fans may wonder why their favorite songs were left out, others will revel in hearing great classics like Afterlife and the entire second half of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Score comes in a two-disc set, the first being a full concert filmed at New York ’s Radio City Music Hall in April 2006, and the second being a disc of extras. I especially enjoyed the second disc because of the band history/documentary and the Octovarium cartoon. I will never be able to listen to Octo now without thinking of cute little bugs or Jordan Rudess as a wizard, or Portnoy as an octopus. The second disc also has a few songs from previous filmed concerts.
If you are a die-hard fan, this is a must for your collection because the quality of the filming is so top-notch! If you are new to the band, or just want to check them out, Score is a fine introduction and overview of their musical history.
Dream Theater - Score is sheer delight for both eyes and ears. Get this DVD…you will not be disappointed!
DVD Reviewed by Melissa Palmer on October 17th, 2006 (Taken from http://prognaut.com/reviews/dream-theater.html by permission of course)
Lisa LaRue - Fast and Blue
Release Year: 2011
Track Listing:
1 - Mystery of the Rose (1:09)
2 - Prometheus (17:58)
3 - Tryptych (4:54)
4 - Jam Jehan Nima (12:50)
5 - Lament of the Cerokee/Ruins of Home (7:29)
6 - Fast and Blue (5:11)
7 - Recurring Dream (7:17)
There's a simple reason why I'm a huge keyboard fan. It's a multi-faceted insrument that sends chills up my spine and creates wonderful fantasy worlds in my mind! Lisa LaRue is more than capable of achieving this effect. The award winning musican has the smarts and the chops to pull off an amazing keyboard-based album called Fast and Blue with an All Prog Star cast to support her.
The impressive line-up includes:
Lisa LaRue - Keyboards
Steve Adams - Guitars and Bass
Merrill Hale - Drums
Michael Alvarez - Cello
With contributing guest musicians:
John Payne - Vocals
Michael Sadler - Vocals
Maxi Nil - Vocals
Ryo Okumoto - Keyboards
Mitch Perry - Guitar
Don Schiff - Chapman stick
This is not the first time she has collaborated with some of these musicians. Her recent album, World Class, also hosted many of them, including Mr. Payne. I am not able to compare Fast and Blue with her previous releases, having never heard them before, but that is a situation I will soon remedy. She is a rising star in the Progressive Music movement and should be taken seriously by fans and fellow musicans, as well as industry leaders.
The album starts out with Mystery of the Rose, a lively, short number with tribal influences, and continues on to Prometheus, a true epic in the Prog sense. Mysterious and spooky at first, it ends on a happy note with a serious Kansas influence. The third song, Tryptych, is a very sweet and pastoral tune with pretty piano and cello. It might be my favorite of the instrumentals on this album.
Jam Jehan Nima has strong Asian influences, complete with a Tibetan-type chant, which then melds into a lovely guitar. It has a variety of movements within the song, leaving the listener wondering what comes next! The fifth song, Lament of the Cherokee/Ruins of Home is perhaps her most dramatic, symphonic track on the album. It has metal edges that mellow out to cello, complete with a vocal narrative describing the Native American experience.
The last two songs feature singing and lyrics. The title cut, Fast and Blue, is a lovely power ballad with strong synths and drums, with tinges of metal guitar. Sung by John Payne, this could easily be a single! The album winds down with Recurring Dream, which has a gorgeous keyboard/guitar duet morphing into a beautiful love song. It's very dreamy and perfect for Michael Sadler's voice.
Prog fans and keyboard fans alike should dish up this wonderful, tasty album It's the sort of music you can daydream by, which is why it is one of my favorite releases of 2011. Please order this album from the"shop" at her website http://www.lisalaruemusic.com/ , which also comes in a deluxe edition with DVD and a magazine describing the album. Unfortunately, I don't have that magazine, so my review is probably missing some obvious key elements.
In any case, I can't wait to explore her previous works! I hope she will contunue to make beautiful Progressive music for many years to come.
Track Listing:
1 - Mystery of the Rose (1:09)
2 - Prometheus (17:58)
3 - Tryptych (4:54)
4 - Jam Jehan Nima (12:50)
5 - Lament of the Cerokee/Ruins of Home (7:29)
6 - Fast and Blue (5:11)
7 - Recurring Dream (7:17)
There's a simple reason why I'm a huge keyboard fan. It's a multi-faceted insrument that sends chills up my spine and creates wonderful fantasy worlds in my mind! Lisa LaRue is more than capable of achieving this effect. The award winning musican has the smarts and the chops to pull off an amazing keyboard-based album called Fast and Blue with an All Prog Star cast to support her.
The impressive line-up includes:
Lisa LaRue - Keyboards
Steve Adams - Guitars and Bass
Merrill Hale - Drums
Michael Alvarez - Cello
With contributing guest musicians:
John Payne - Vocals
Michael Sadler - Vocals
Maxi Nil - Vocals
Ryo Okumoto - Keyboards
Mitch Perry - Guitar
Don Schiff - Chapman stick
This is not the first time she has collaborated with some of these musicians. Her recent album, World Class, also hosted many of them, including Mr. Payne. I am not able to compare Fast and Blue with her previous releases, having never heard them before, but that is a situation I will soon remedy. She is a rising star in the Progressive Music movement and should be taken seriously by fans and fellow musicans, as well as industry leaders.
The album starts out with Mystery of the Rose, a lively, short number with tribal influences, and continues on to Prometheus, a true epic in the Prog sense. Mysterious and spooky at first, it ends on a happy note with a serious Kansas influence. The third song, Tryptych, is a very sweet and pastoral tune with pretty piano and cello. It might be my favorite of the instrumentals on this album.
Jam Jehan Nima has strong Asian influences, complete with a Tibetan-type chant, which then melds into a lovely guitar. It has a variety of movements within the song, leaving the listener wondering what comes next! The fifth song, Lament of the Cherokee/Ruins of Home is perhaps her most dramatic, symphonic track on the album. It has metal edges that mellow out to cello, complete with a vocal narrative describing the Native American experience.
The last two songs feature singing and lyrics. The title cut, Fast and Blue, is a lovely power ballad with strong synths and drums, with tinges of metal guitar. Sung by John Payne, this could easily be a single! The album winds down with Recurring Dream, which has a gorgeous keyboard/guitar duet morphing into a beautiful love song. It's very dreamy and perfect for Michael Sadler's voice.
Prog fans and keyboard fans alike should dish up this wonderful, tasty album It's the sort of music you can daydream by, which is why it is one of my favorite releases of 2011. Please order this album from the"shop" at her website http://www.lisalaruemusic.com/ , which also comes in a deluxe edition with DVD and a magazine describing the album. Unfortunately, I don't have that magazine, so my review is probably missing some obvious key elements.
In any case, I can't wait to explore her previous works! I hope she will contunue to make beautiful Progressive music for many years to come.
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