Gregorian Rock

Hello once again fellow progheads and welcome back to the concert closet.  2014 has so far been a stellar year for all things prog and new; I have discovered some extremely talented, diverse, and exciting bands to broaden my progressive horizons.  This week I am amazed at how cavernous this closet really is...strolling deeper and deeper, past the leisure suits, rows of wide ties, and a bizarre hat/belt rack, I discovered a band that is truly different in every sense of the word.  Although I use the word "unique" a lot in my posts, I believe you will agree that the music on the menu this week is distinctive, uncommon, and absolutely tremendous...welcome to the sounds of Gregorian Rock.

Gregorian Rock is described by its founder Dale Benedict as "...the first all-original Gregorian rock album ever, combining Gregorian chant and rock influences into a serene yet pummeling sound."  Spot on actually, although you have to leave your comfort zone and try Gregorian Rock on for size to fully appreciate something this out of the ordinary.  Using my own words I would describe Gregorian Rock as the biblical version of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.  When I said unique, I meant exactly that...one-of-a-kind unique.

My jump-off point for this week is a song called "Saeculum."  The prog feel kicks in almost immediately; the keyboards, drums, and guitars work together in a way that is smooth as eight inches of untouched powder on a cross-country ski trail.  The vocals have the Gregorian chant vibe without the pipe organ/chamber music feel.  The  tempo is upbeat--another unexpected surprise.  Listener beware; Gregorian Rock is neither old-style, religious music nor loud, ear-crushing metal.  Rather, Gregorian Rock has taken the hallowed sounds of Gregorian chant and traditional Catholic hymns and melded them with some amazing progressive instrumentation.  The result is a sound so incredibly special I am absolutely blown away.  This is a music feast I will not soon walk away from...

Serving number two is a tune called "Agnus Dei."  The opening keyboards and drums tell me immediately Gregorian Rock is by no means one dimensional because this song is 180 degrees from "Saeculum."  The vocals have an almost eerie similarity to Sammy Davis Jr.--and I do not say that like it's a bad thing.  Eyes closed I am getting Alan Parsons Project with a church choir doing back-up.  This song is upbeat, tight, and fun. Gregorian Rock is definitely music to play loud wherever you are...

Liner Notes...hailing from San Antonio TX, the mastermind behind the curtain with Gregorian Rock is Roland Dale Benedict.  Gregorian Rock is basically a one-man gig with Dale playing keyboards, wind controller, and Chapman Stick.  Many a musician has performed and recorded with Gregorian Rock, but the focus here is Dale and the music.  Simply stated, Gregorian Rock works because the music transcends. Personally I would never have been inspired to blend Gregorian chant with progressive music, but I am most certainly appreciative of Dale for having had that very brainstorm.  The music comes at you full force on each cut...just from different angles, viewpoints, and directions.  Gregorian Rock may have a definite "cathedral texture" about it, but not to the point where you feel the urge to genuflect or reach for the holy water--better to grab the volume control and crank it just a bit. The vocals can be almost haunting at times, and the drums, keyboards, and guitars are so full and tight I find it hard to believe Gregorian Rock is not fifteen people playing Madison Square Garden...a special kudos to the mixing on these tunes.

Taking my last helping from the buffet this week, I chose "Psalm 23."  Probably the most widely recognized of all the psalms in the bible, Gregorian Rock's version opens with lightning fast synthesizers and drums that dare you not to play air versions of either one.  The vocals on this cut are technologically terrestrial...try saying that three times fast.  If Gregorian Rock was around "back in the day" the Pharisees might not have been so inclined toward Crucifixion...

The song posted below is called "Sanctus."  My initial flashback to catechism class is short-lived--the drums and guitars made sure of that.  Anyone even remotely familiar with the Catholic church will recognize the hymn until the sledgehammer smashes you right in the face.  I pick up some influential aromas of  Roxy Music and Yes...I believe the Brian Eno and early Rick Wakeman years for both respectively.  Gregorian Rock has put a whole new spin on Christian music for me; I might have been a choir member if the songs were played this way on Sunday mornings.  Learn more about Gregorian Rock at http://gregorianrock.com/.  And don't be surprised if you get the urge to buy a hooded brown robe and a waist length piece of rope...

Well fellow progheads, as impossible as it seems (at least to me) this is my last post for January...is 2014 moving at lightning speed or what?!  The year has certainly started out strong and the bar has been set high, which only means there are other incredibly talented prog bands out there I need to find.  Fortunately "Prog Band Hunting" has become something of an Olympic sport for me.  I get the feeling I may never reach the end of the journey--which is absolutely fine with me.  Thanks for listening and riding  along.  Now back to the search...until next week...

Grey Lotus

Hello again fellow progheads!  As winter continues it slow cruel trek into spring (it has to get here eventually), I have decided to turn up the heat just a bit.  I thought the time was right to search out something with a bit of an attitude; not "screaming-in-your-face" attitude, more like "please-check-your-mind-at-the-door" attitude...

So I spent this past week wandering the closet looking for something with a bit of an edge...a place I have not visited in a while.  As I said, I have been in the mood for something more on the unique side of prog and I knew I would have to dig deep to satisfy my craving.  Moving a box of old baseball cards I found just what the prog doctor ordered...Grey Lotus anyone?

Grey Lotus is a band I have been curious about for a while...and going forward I promise not to wait so long to satisfy my curiosity.  Flavored with metal--but not so much I remind myself of my Dad--Grey Lotus walks the jagged line along the fringe of progressive music.  I pick up many new aromas and a few distinct flavors; Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, The Strawbs, and even a hint of Marillion.  Grey Lotus is definitely a band for the creative thinker.

My first selection this week is a song called "Murder."  My first thought was go big or go home and Grey Lotus does not disappoint.  The song opens almost ballad-like but randomly hits you with jolts of heavy guitar and drums.  The vocals are haunting and I am taken back to Warren Zevon describing the unfortunate demise of the Excitable Boy's prom date sans humor, and Pink Floyd warning Eugene to be careful with that axe.  The song is dark for sure, but there is a strange, eerie kind of calm that surrounds you even when the tempo picks up.  You feel your heart racing yet your pulse is as steady and calm as syrup dripping through a funnel.  This is a new sensation and so far I am enjoying the ride...

My second choice is "Miscommunication."  The opening keyboards are a pleasant start as they bleed into vocals and synthesizers taking the listener on an unknown journey.  Grey Lotus takes you inside the mind of a person who seems to be searching for and simultaneously running from the truth.  I close my eyes and I am standing on a train platform watching a silhouette through a fogged window as the train leaves the station...I am alone and helpless, knowing the chase is futile but feeling the need to continue.  Grey Lotus grabs you by the thought process and penetrates deep into the recesses of your mind with deep, dark music covered with emotion, like moss on cobblestones.

Liner Notes...Grey Lotus was formed in the Netherlands in 2008 as a progressive collaboration between Joost Verhagen and Daan Arisz.  Joost  sings vocals and plays piano, bass, guitar, and "found objects," while Daan plays guitars, EBow, bass, drums, synthesizers, drone, noise, and samples.  Additional musicians have included Martijn Scholte, Roelof Ruis, Bob van Waarde, Berit Soolsma, Niels and Lars van der Weiden, and Sand Snowman.  Grey Lotus may not be comprised of household names, but they are extremely talented musicians in an ever-changing line-up built around Joost and Daan.

My third and final choice this week is a song called "Slowly Letting Go."  Once again Grey Lotus opens with images intended to bring you out of your seat and into the song. There is an almost "Tears For Fears" feel as the guitar and synthesizer start out quiet and still; almost too serene.  Despite the initial mellow overtones and dark quiet tempo, I feel like I am about to catch a sledgehammer in the forehead...and here it comes.  Grey Lotus has the uncanny ability to add metal to the music with vocals just as much (if not more) than with guitars, drums, and keyboards...and just as suddenly the bus comes to an abrupt stop and I fall forward trying not to smash my face on the seat in front of me.  Grey Lotus has taught me a new way to listen to prog music, and as an ever-appreciative student of the art I can only sit starry-eyed and say thank you.  I am humbled this week listening to a sound so unique and bold yet so understated.  You need to listen--really listen--to understand.

The clip below is called "Not If."  The opening violin sets a mood that is soothing and scary all at once.  The vocals are incredible; you can almost feel the aching in Joost's voice as he walks back through a life looking for second chance opportunities.  The song is from an  album aptly titled "The Art Of Listening."  Grey Lotus has put together a lesson on the difference between hearing and listening that needs to be shared.  As I replay these songs I take my own advice and really listen; Grey Lotus paints a scene so vivid and bright I feel as though I have transcended my reality and broken through to theirs.  Listen for yourself  and feel what I am so inadequately trying to say.  

 

Once again fellow progheads we are at the end of another incredible week.  I learned a lot listening to Grey Lotus and I hope those lessons made their way to you as well.  Progressive music in general is more than sound pressed on a compact disc or 12" of vinyl.  True prog uses all five senses to give the listener an experience that changes each time the music is played...almost as though it is alive and breathing in the room with you. Grey Lotus has found a way to take that to the next level and bring the listener into the music.  The art of listening is one to be savored and appreciated, and Grey Lotus makes you realize the value of patience while doing just that.  Another opportunity to discover great new prog awaits...until next week...

  

Majestic

Welcome once again fellow progheads to the concert closet.  In an effort to maintain the momentum 2014 started with, I am continuing my quest for new and exciting prog music.  During my search this week, I found myself in an interesting discussion about music and what constitutes "mainstream" vs. "indie." Unfortunately both terms conjure up (at least for me) one of two images:

First, the "Corporate" attack on radio that has numbed the mind, heart, and soul...reducing music to 3-minute empty choruses about love and cars.  Playlists have been reduced to 27 songs in total and they are played faster than intended in a never ending loop designed to guide you through your plastic day...

Second, the self-proclaimed "Independent Thinker" who believes he/she is the smartest person in the room.  Most of the indie artists heard today are produced (and thus owned) by major labels.  It is akin to artisan beer that is actually bottled by Budweiser or Miller--how new and original can it really be?  Ahhh, but I digress...

Coming back to Planet Prog I am happy to say things are different here.  Music is appreciated and respected for what it is.  Prog is different because prog doesn't try to conform to any specific target audience--you either like progressive music or you do not--and either answer is acceptable.  Prog may re-invent itself along the way; that is part of the draw for me.  Past and current artists inspire and mentor; the next generation picks up the torch and marches headlong into the fray...and with that in mind I chose a band this week that seems to re-invent itself with each song...a band that is difficult to pin down on every front except one--the sound and the music are fantastic.  This week progheads, I bring you Majestic.

My first selection from the Majestic Music Smorgasbord is a song called "Whispers/Freefall." A very intriguing sound; at first I find it difficult to make a comparison...which makes for a good first impression. Original is always nice and the soothing undertones to this song force my hand; I have to clear my head and focus.  The vocals are soft yet right out front.  There is a keyboard playing in the background that grabs your attention a little at a time...a very interesting tune--a bluesy/jazz fusion mood seems to have wrapped its arms around the song and massaged its way into the sound...and then without warning I get a hint of Genesis-meets-King Crimson and suddenly all bets are off.  Intermittently I am hearing an alternate version of King Crimson's Red album with a little of Genesis' Wind and Wuthering mixed in for fun.

Off to an excellent start, I eagerly return to the buffet line for a second helping and find "Dance Of The Elders."  I admit my first attraction to the song was the title...fortunately anticipation did not kill the expectation.  The song opens with a much different and more distinct sound; a definite Alan Parsons Project feel this time.  Keyboards and drums fill this song to the rim without making your head hurt.  Majestic seems to taunt you with its ability to change everything from song to song.  There really is no point in pigeon-holing Majestic--the band would simply re-define itself 15 minutes later in the middle of the same song!

Liner Notes...Majestic was created in 2007 and is the brain child of self described producer/artist Jeff Hamel.  Ranging from "atmospheric passages" to "symphonic prog," Jeff manages to hit every note on the progressive music machine as he puts together what I consider individual orchestral prog pieces.  Majestic has collaborated with Jessica Rasche, Tara Morgan, and Dave Cagle on vocals, Mike Kosacek and John Wooten on drums, Jerry Swan and Scott Hamel on bass, and Gregg Johns on guitar.  This however is by no means a complete list--I would spend less time listing the Minneapolis area phone directory than the artists and musicians Jeff has worked with to make Majestic what it is...a myriad of incredible prog music.

For my third and final sampling this week I chose "Darkened Worlds." The acoustic opening with deep vocals starts to draw me in almost immediately;  I am on a beach and in the middle of Manhattan at the same time searching my subconscious for meaning...Majestic is truly on a par with the the best prog has to offer.  If progressive music had forefathers they would be proud...

The track below is "Voyage Ends."  I wanted to present one song that sort of summed up who Majestic is--but that is like describing the Sistine Chapel as a "pretty church."  You might be right--but you left out the good stuff.  There are strong hints of Dream Theater and even a bit of Beardfish in this tune. With Majestic it is best to simply lie back, breathe deep and slow, and simply forget everything you know (or thought you knew).  Learn more about Majestic at www.majesticsongs.com.

Hard to believe progheads but another week has passed us by faster than a trip across the George Washington Bridge.  Majestic has convinced me there are prog bands out there just waiting to be discovered.  There are worse things I could do than search them out and bring them to you--but there aren't many things better!  Of the things I like about Majestic--and there are many--the constant restructuring of the band based on which direction Jeff wants the music to go in seems to me the most fascinating.  I have been listening to Majestic all week and I am amazed at the contrast from song to song.  Well, it's time to say good night fellow progheads; I hear keyboards calling...until next week...

Pandora

Welcome back fellow progheads!  Thank you for your continued support and traveling with me on this incredible prog journey as we enter the abyss that is 2014.  A new year brings with it so many new promises, dreams, wishes, and opportunities...and this being my first post of the new year I wanted to find something different...something special.  With that in mind I decided to venture into the way back, far corners, where-the-monsters-hide section of my closet for something new and original...who knew I would be traveling all the way to Italy?!

Over the holiday break I took a trip via the Progmusic Express to my ancestral homeland and discovered Pandora,  a band that really understands the meaning of "progressive music."  Pandora plays prog the way it is meant to be played--loud, hard, deep, and real.

The album I have been listening to the past few weeks is called "Alibi Filosofico."  This seems to be a concept album dealing with the battle of Good vs. Evil with music as the weapon of choice.  The first song, "The Necromancer, Khurastos, And The Forthcoming Victim" takes you right to the heart of the fight; the center of the battlefield.  The music sets an emotional tone that prepares you for a journey through darkness, rage, fear, hope, happiness, and love--lost and found.  Pandora puts so much of themselves into their music it is almost frightening.

Moving to my second selection I choose "The Resurgence."  The opening horn has a jazz club feel as it first rolls over your ears, but you are quickly carried away to a carnival-like atmosphere that is almost other-worldly.  Pandora has strong hints of early King Crimson; I am making mental comparisons to "Lizard" and "Lark's Tongue In Aspic."  The hook for Pandora, however, is the constant time and tempo changes wrapped around incredible mood swings...I find myself anticipating where the music will take me next with the excitement of a six year-old on Christmas morning.  The music is layered in such a manner I feel like I am enveloped in it rather than listening to it.  The guitars, keyboards, horns, and percussion meld together as if playing from one single source simultaneously...the vocals are here to explain the scene being played out musically.  The resulting tapestry is quite a piece--and one to be savored.

Liner Notes...Pandora is Claudio Colombo on drums, guitars, keyboards, and flute, Beppe Colombo on keyboards, and Corrado Grappeggia on vocals and keyboards.  Other vocalists and musicians are credited on particular songs but it appears that these three artists are the heart and soul of Pandora.  To list every musician would force me to run the blog a bit too long...suffice to say Pandora has assembled an amazing group of artists, musicians, and vocalists resulting in an incredible prog album in the truest sense.  Pandora plays as though music is the life blood of the band--and that is the way music should be played. Prog is well served with Pandora in her entourage.

Listening to Pandora is like being in the middle of a prog opera at times.  Their sound is so full and complete I just want to sit back and let the music wash over my soul.  Making my third selection was a bit challenging because I wanted to capture the real sense of what Pandora has done on this album.  After thinking way too long I decide on "Apollo." I chose this song because Pandora uses everything here except the proverbial "kitchen sink."  The song opens with some floating saxophone, surreal vocal echoes, and an almost full-color music eruption that builds to an energy level you can almost see explode.  The percussion comes in with keyboards, horns, and guitars to tie it all together into an incredibly tight piece.  I feel as though I am running through the countryside being swept up in the vortex of a wild musical ride.

Pandora has taken prog music back to its inception; the sound is so full, fast, emotional, energetic--and real. I have been listening to this album for two weeks now and I am still discovering new sounds and images I missed in previous listens...a true testament to the capabilities of the band.  Pandora makes popping in a CD (although I still prefer putting on an LP) fun again.  Listening to the music of Pandora is like an Olympic event--you need to keep up and be constantly prepared for the next challenge.

The selection below is called "Neither Title Nor Words."  The haunting vocals by Emoni Viruet backed up by the acoustic guitar, moog synthesizer, and full sound of Pandora make this another incredible piece of prog music.  Pandora has set the bar high for me going into 2014.  You can learn more about Pandora--and I urge you to do so--at their website http://www.pandoramusic.eu/



Well fellow progheads I believe we have gotten off to an awesome start with Pandora.  As 2014 unfolds with high expectations, great promises, and no preconceived ideas about what lies ahead, I am excited to continue my journey through Progressive Music Utopia.  Thanks for checking back in this week and I hope you will continue with me on this amazing ride.  After discovering Pandora I know there are so many more amazing prog bands out there just waiting to be heard...and my ears are just waiting for me to hit the "play" button....until next week...

IQ

Welcome back fellow progheads and thank you for making 2013 a fun year for blogging about progressive music.  My time spent here in the music closet has been well spent; it has been an absolute blast discovering so many new, innovative, and exciting prog bands and their music.  I started down the "prog rabbit hole" in August and have not looked back since.  I'm not sure what amazes me the most; the fact that there are so many fantastic prog bands or that I have been aware (prior to this blog) of so few of them.  Ultimately it does not matter because this journey has opened my eyes, ears, and mind to some truly great sounds...and I do not want to end that streak just yet...

This week I decided to look around in the darker corners of the closet for a band that has been lurking for years but for one reason or another never got the recognition they deserved.  I wanted to find a band that struck a nerve with the classic prog side of my brain as well as the adventurous, push-the-prog-envelope side...and then I found IQ sitting in a bin just minding their own business...

Walking slowly to the buffet line I make my first selection, "Harvest of Souls."  This song takes me to memories of Genesis, Yes, and Spock's Beard...I also detect a hint of Atomic Rooster in there...this is quite an interesting band.  In typical prog style, the listener is urged to keep up with the musicians as they create a piece of music with so many moving parts.  Extremely tight and well produced, this song is from the 2004 release "Dark Matter."  As the song plays out there is a build up of guitar and keyboards that leads you through a battlefield built first on principle and ultimately on the whim and fancy of those truly in power...a 24-minute journey a true prog fan will definitely appreciate.

With my appetite whet I mosey back to the buffet for a second helping and find "The Wrong Side of Weird." Once again the connection to the roots of prog slams me in the frontal lobe.  IQ is a band that studied at the School of  Classic Prog, yet has found a way to channel their intellect and energy into a sound that is all at once unique, deep, dark, and probing.  "The Wrong Side of Weird" opens with a subtle crescendo if you will; a building burst of energy tempered with calculated excitement...then the vocals break through and the puzzle pieces that are the song fall together like so many brush strokes on a vinyl canvas.  Drums lead guitars while being led by keyboards only to have the caravan change direction and suddenly the guitars are leading, then the vocals...think ELP crashes a Pink Floyd concert and you start to get the image. If this is the wrong side of weird, please get me a chair because I believe I will be staying for a while...

Liner Notes...IQ is Paul Cook on drums, Neil Durant on keyboards, Tim Esau on bass, Mike Holmes on guitars, and Peter Nicholls on lead vocals.  IQ started in 1981 with the demise of The Lens.  A few line-up changes--as most bands inevitably go through--led Pete to leave and re-join the band.  Add Neil Durant to replace original keyboardist Martin Orford (not exactly small shoes to fill), and you have IQ; a progressive band that has been pushing the envelope and raising the bar for over 30 years.  IQ has an impressive library with over 40 studio and live albums, collections, and film to their credit.  Unlike other prog giants, however; IQ has managed to do all of that while remaining friends and staying out of court.

OK, back to the music...choice number three is a song called "The Narrow Margin."  In what I can only describe at this point as typical IQ style, the song opens with a sound menagerie as percussion comes into focus with keyboards and it all gets tied together with impressive vocals.  Guitars come in soon enough with the drums to clear a path IQ seems to be very comfortable taking the proverbial machete to.  IQ moves through time and tempo changes like Rick Wakeman moves through capes--smooth and seamless.  Thirty years of playing together has enabled IQ to hone their craft in much the same way an artisanal vintner makes wine...the head knows but the heart leads.

The selection I chose for this week's post is a song called "Outer Limits."  From the band's 1985 release "The Wake," I chose this song deliberately to give you a peek at the early stages of IQ...these guys were tight 28 years ago and have only gotten better.  While I get a sense of Peter Nicholls channeling his inner Peter Gabriel, IQ is a band that occupies their own corner of the prog world.  Learn more about IQ at their website http://www.iq-hq.co.uk

Well fellow progheads, I have reached a minor milestone with this post; the end of the first leg of my journey.  As 2013 winds down to a 14 day end-of-year celebration of Christmas and the beginning of 2014, I will take a brief hiatus.  That will give me time to search out more innovative, exciting, and amazing progressive music to listen to, appreciate, and blog about.  To paraphrase Friedrich Nietzsche, "Without progressive music life would be a mistake."  I feel like the bar has been set fairly high thanks to so many incredible bands and musicians.  Progressive music has changed and grown over time, and as with many a living thing there have been life lessons learned and growing pains endured along the way.  Yet I am glad to say that I believe the world of prog is all the better for it and the music is thriving.  Please stay faithful and I will be back in January with another installment...I hope you will join me.  Stay safe and stay prog...until next month...

Subzar

Happy "Tuesday Evening" fellow progheads...and welcome back to the closet.  As the end of the calendar gets ever so much closer, my search for new and exciting music--and of course all things prog--has taken me down another new road.  I know I have said this many times before in this blog, but this week I truly have found something that is off the beaten path.  I may be pushing prog to the edge here, but isn't that where prog is supposed to be?

This week I discovered a sound that is completely new and extremely different...reminding me of Robert Fripp back in his ambient hey-day and Brian Eno performing with Moebius and Roedelius.  Welcome to the sounds of Subzar; not so much a band per se, but rather a gathering of musicians who were looking for an alternative to the mainstream...and on that premise Subzar delivers.  Billing themselves as an "acoustic quartet of guitar, violin, and cello," that is exactly who Subzar is--drums are verboten and I do not hear even the slightest tickling of ivories.  Borderline classical perhaps but I prefer to think of Subzar as a glass of Merlot in the middle of a Jack Daniels rush hour; the sane alternative...

The first selection from this "avant garde" buffet is a tune called, "As Memories Fade."  This is an extremely well played acoustic piece that takes the blood pressure down a notch or two while reminding you that feel good music does not have to include syrupy lyrics about first love and puppies.  Subzar has taken a classical approach to their playing--not the "Looney Tunes" classical I grew up with (although that would be cool too)--but rather a more subdued, ambient style that reflects a respect for the music.

Moving slowly through the buffet line so as to savor the time, aroma, and taste, I sample a tune called, "Last Night I Thought A Thousand Plans, But Today I Go My Old Way."  The song starts out with a strong dose of acoustic guitar and then the violin comes right in as the perfect chaser.  The two blend as one beautifully...each seemingly dependent on while leading the other at the same time.  Subzar respects the genre and isn't afraid to take a few liberties with it--very captivating to the novice listener.

Liner Notes...Subzar is Gav Sirisena on acoustic guitar, Chris Redfearn on classical guitar, Nicky Haire on violin, and Derek Yau on cello.  Originally a side project between Chris and Gav, Subzar (an almost acronym for Somewhere Between Zenith And Ruin) was an attempt to escape their mainstream endeavors. While on their journey Nicky and Derek were added and a four-piece ensemble was born whose mission is to bring a post-rock fusion of jazz and folk to an audience looking for something new, creative, soothing, and reflective.  To that end Subzar has found success.  As the group uses their music to "express and reflect the whole diversity of human emotion and existence," I am gaining an appreciation for the stretched envelope I previously had progressive music stuffed into.

Make no mistake--Subzar does not call themselves a progressive band.  I discovered their music through the brave new world of Twitter, and instantly felt a connection to some of the best ambient music I have heard in a while.  As I stated earlier, this pushes the definition of the progressive genre but I believe that is what makes progressive so hard to nail down and so incredibly fun to listen to...

OK..I have stepped off the soapbox to make selection number three, a piece called "Pico."  This is actually more of a taste than a full serving as the album is not being released until next week.  A very mellow intro that leads to the concept of the album; is home a migratory journey to places unknown or the comfort of the same nest day after day?  I for one am eager to hear Subzar's take on this philosophical question.

The piece I chose to post this week is "As Memories Fade."  I chose this piece to introduce Subzar to you my fellow progheads because it showcases all four members of Subzar, how well they play together, and the fact that a big stage and bright lights are not mandatory for a great performance.  Please to enjoy...you can learn more about Subzar by visiting their website www.subzar.com.

With the holiday season in full swing, the roads getting slick, and the wind reminding me to put my winter coat on (and zip it up), I am struck with how fast and diverse this journey has been for me--and I hope for you as well.  Finding Subzar has me convinced there is so much more great music out there I have yet to discover...so I will trudge on with stubborn determination and a good set of speakers...until next week....   

Freedom To Glide

Good evening progheads!  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday, spent in a way that makes you truly happy and extremely thankful.  By now everyone should be past the proverbial "tryptophan coma" and hungry for some progressive rock--I know I am.

I spent the past week climbing over some strange stuff here in the closet...listening for something new and exciting; something that would add to my prog pleasure as I continue my journey searching for new prog sounds.  The quality of the music, differing styles, focused musicians, exceptional writing, and just plain prog talent has made me all at once sated and ravenous for more...

So this week I found myself ear to speaker with the music from a band called Freedom to Glide.  The name paints a picture for me of musicians not afraid to take a risk and do their own thing; a willingness to put themselves out there for the listener to decide.  Freedom to Glide is also a an opportunity to soar...so let's have a listen and see what Freedom to Glide is all about.

I start my listening feast with a song called "Rain Part I."  The opening riff has the strong aroma of Pink Floyd with a dash of both Uriah Heep and Porcupine Tree filling my head...hmmm....this is intriguing.  The song starts out subtle enough with the guitar drawing you into a smooth fusion of keyboards and drums intended to set you up for the lyrics.  A deep song about war, soldiers, and soldiering that pulls on your emotions both for what Freedom to Glide is singing about and how well they pull it off.  The sound comes together in a way that puts you in the middle of the action--you are on a battlefield in a surreal kind of way; the music carries you over the top of the action as you watch things unfold...all the while being carried on the strength of the guitar.

With my expectations suddenly raised I make my second selection from what I hope is an amazing buffet, and "When the Whistle Blows" does not disappointment.  Another strong hint of Floyd here and I get the sense Freedom to Glide has a personal stake in the war theme.  Like most progheads I am very familiar with theme and concept albums, but this takes it to a new level.  "When the Whistle Blows" hits you in the gut like the pain of realizing you are waving good-bye to a loved one for the last time.  The military sound of the percussion leading the guitar and the keyboards down into the abyss that is the soul of the song...a unique experience to say the least.

Liner Notes...Freedom to Glide is the brainchild of Pete Riley on keyboards, piano, vocals, sampling, and programming, and Andy Nixon on electric and acoustic guitar, vocals, bass, and drum programming.  Both are former members of the the Pink Floyd tribute band Dark Side of the Wall--and suddenly the sound origins make sense.  However; Freedom to Glide is not your average prog band.  As the liner notes suggest, Pete and Andy lay tracks separately and collaborate electronically (hence the programming credits) via the Internet and compact disc. Although it sounds  a bit "Orwellian," I assure you progheads--at least from my taste of the music this week--their sound is not cold, unemotional, or just assembled noise.  Once the music of Freedom to Glide seeps into your head, it moves down your spine and travels through your extremities, where it starts to ooze out through your pores...

My third selection is a track called, "Hypnotized."  Another deep thought provoker, this tune mellows its way in and you feel as though you are coming off a sedative; the music in the background has that "rising through the water until you break the surface" urgency and calmness all-at-once kinda feel.  The guitar picks up where the keys leave off...mellow yet awakening if that makes sense.  The vocals poke you in the ribs delicately--the Pink Floyd influence shows through once again.  This is a song I played four times just to make sure I squeezed out all it had to offer.

The selection below is the earlier reviewed cut, "Rain Part I."  I posted this for a few reasons, but mainly because there are not too many options out there that truly paint the picture I am trying to put on this canvas. Freedom to Glide seems to enjoy the thought process behind making the music as much as they like the finished product that is the music. The lyrics are deep and the music wraps around the words like the crust on a pot pie; you like both individually but together they are perfection.  You can learn more about Freedom to Glide by checking out their website freedomtoglide.comr

Now that the last page of the calendar is in full view I realize how fast the sand really does flow through the hourglass...and I am doing my best to slow it down.  Alas; no such luck...so what felt like eight hours was actually seven days going by and I am swimming against the tide.  At this rate next week will be here tomorrow so I need to get back in the music closet and search out more new and different sounds...soothing, exciting, calming, stirring, and of course--prog.  Until next week...