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SPOCK’S BEARD
SPOCK’S BEARD
Inside Out Music
A progressive cult favorite, 2007 sees Spock’s Beard return with their self-titled ninth album. Guitarist Alan Morse and keyboardist Ryo Okumoto lay the band’s musical foundation, and Nick D’Virgilio and bassist Dave Meros build upon it with their solid rhythms. Again pulling double duty, Spock’s Beard is the band’s third recording wherein drummer Nick D’Virgilio also leads the band as vocalist. “I think singing has become a lot more natural,” notes D’Virgilio, “I mean, it always has been. I have been singing since I was a small kid, but I feel my voice has come a long, long way over the past four or five years and I feel I have much more of a grasp on the whole frontman thing. Plus, I absolutely love doing it.”
As musically invigorated as ever, 15 years after inception, the band has remained a creatively vibrant force in today’s progressive rock. Look for Spock’s Beard on the road in early 2007.
DH – The term ‘Progressive Rock’ has a very different meaning to the music of today, as opposed to the 70’s from where it came. For those of you who prefer the sound of ‘classic’ Prog over ‘modern’, Spock’s Beard is for you. With subtle traces of Gentle Giant, Yes, Crimson and Tull, Spock’s Beard not only sounds fresh, but stands out in the sea of synths and changing time signatures of today.
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KINESTHETICS
Scott Kinsey
Abstract Logix
Scott Kinsey, Tribal Tech’s keyboardist, has recorded a self-realized synth manifesto. Whether improvising with loops, concocting provocative tones and textures, or carving out new sonic territory on his Nord Lead synthesizer, Kinsey’s presence invariably elevates the proceedings of every situation in which he finds himself.
With Kinesthetics Kinsey rekindles long-standing relationships with a core group of L.A. colleagues, including Tribal Tech drummer Kirk Covington, saxophonist and EWI specialist Steve Travaglione, bassist Paul Shihadeh, bassist Jimmy Earl, percussionists Brad Dutz and Cyril Atef. Guest drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Ronald Bruner, Jr., and percussionists Arto Tuncboyaciyan and Satnam Ramgotra round out a phenomenal cast illustrating Kinsey’s uncanny knack for making technology sound organic.
DH – Colaiuta is Colaiuta and as always, worth listening to. But it’s drummer Ronald Bruner Jr. who steals the show here and makes this CD come alive.
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SIC
Alex Machacek
Abstract Logix
Match up drumming legend Terry Bozzio with Austrian six-string virtuoso Alex Machachek’s awe-inspiring technique and you get this playfully brilliant recording. “Imagine a composite of Allan Holdsworth’s stunning legato chops and advanced harmonic language with Mike Keneally’s exacting virtuosity and Frank Zappa’s fiercely uncompromising ‘difficult music’ and you’re getting close to where this visionary new talent is currently operating.” Machacek combines sounds from jazz greats with intricate phrasing and composition.
DH – Absolutely a must CD for any Bozzio fan, especially of the Zappa era. Very refreshing to hear Terry not only display his impeccable chops and polyrhythms, but lay down some great grooves with very deep pockets.
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WISH LIST
Mike Holober
Sons Of Sound
Put together your dream team of jazz musicians and you’d end up with something akin to the lineup found on Mike Holober’s new release, Wish List. The album features performances from jazz greats, guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel, saxophonist Tim Ries, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade. Known for performance and composition, pianist Holober here has recorded seven original melodic compositions that run the gamut of influences. From Latin-influenced compositions to ballads, along with two interpretations of popular songs, “Blackbird” by Lennon and McCartney, and the standard “Nancy” by Silvers and Van Heusen, the album Wish List paints a majestically inspired sonicscape.
DH – Listening to the CD, it’s readily apparent why Brian Blade is currently one of the most sought-after drummers on the scene. Blade seems to fit comfortably into every musical situation, he shines on “Conundrum,” gliding from musical transition to musical transition, sticks to brushes and back again.
Blade is not only a drummer who thinks about the music, but also about his choice of drums, cymbals and tuning, which is evident throughout this recording.
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SPIRIT SONGS
Anthony Branker & Ascent
Sons Of Sound
A collection of infections compositions, these eight new works from accomplished composer/trumpeter Anthony Branker reflect his interest in culturally diverse musical styles and modal jazz harmony. Spirit Songs brings together the distinctive sensibilities of Brazilian, Cuban, African, and Jamaican music with a variety of jazz influences. Centered on the themes of spirituality, faith and inspiration, the album will uplift and touch the soul of every listener.
DH – As the title of the CD states, these are songs deeply connected to spirituality. Playing with passion and spirit, drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr. is a perfect fit, and shines throughout the eight songs on this disc. The production is wonderful, just close your eyes and have a listen to track eight, it’s as if you were sitting in the middle of Ralph’s kit as he takes his solo around you.
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WE MUST OBEY
Fu Manchu
Century Media Records
If you’re craving a fix of unpretentious classic hard rock in its most timeless form, look no further than Fu Manchu. Over the last dozen years, the southern California quartet has perfected the art of the riff, mastered the depth of the groove and sharpened the edge of the hook. While Fu Manchu’s music has been alternately described as stoner rock, surf-punk and desert rock, the truth is that it’s all of the above.
While founding guitarist Scott Hill has been performing alongside guitarist Bob Balch and bassist Brad Davis for a full decade, the group’s lineup became rock-solid with the addition of drummer Scott Reeder five years ago. Perhaps this stability is one reason why Hill calls their tenth release, We Must Obey, “my favorite album we’ve done from start to finish.”
DH – Drummer Scott Reeder hits hard and stays steady, as he leads the band through its many styles and meter changes. A refreshing change to hear a heavy rock CD that’s not been ‘Pro tooled’ to death.
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TERRA DIABLO
Terra Diablo
Nocturnal Records
Scottish alternative rock band Terra Diablo have swept forth from their home base in Glasgow, conquered the U.K. and are now determined to take their musical campaign to the States. The release of their self-titled debut album launches the conquest of vocalist Ian Fairclough, guitarist Davey McAulay, bassist Stu Mileham and drummer Dave Calder.
Opening with “Satellites,” the steady swing explodes into a roar of guitars that propel the tidal wave of Fairclough’s vocals. From the stuttering rhythm that burns into overdrive on “Let Me Know,” to the gentle resignation of the pop epic “Perfect Mistake” every moment of Terra Diablo is a unique statement.
“When we started playing we were more experimental with 10 minute instrumentals and things like that,” Ian says. “Gradually, though, we worked back to writing more concise songs, with melodies that really jump out. The more we did that, the easier it became to instantly know a Terra Diablo song when you heard it.”
DH – With the right production, this band could go somewhere. The tunes and talent are there, and David Calder handles the drum chair very well, covering everything from straight ahead pop to tribal tom patterns in 11/8.
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MUTE MATH
Mute Math
Warner Brothers
An adventurous and engaging four-piece band, Mute Math began in 2001 as a long-distance collaboration between Paul Meany, New Orleans, LA and Darren King, Springfield, MO. The pair created a flourishing formula with the recruitment of guitarist Greg Hill and bass player Roy Mitchell- Cárdenas resulting in a unique template for experimental rock compositions. Their demo EP, Reset earned them a spot on indie label Teleprompt who released it in September 2004.
At its core, Mute Math can be viewed as an electro-alt rock band, incorporating emotive vocals and hip hop styled beats fueled by sample-like guitars and embellished with keytars and a variety of random gadgets. Their infectious live performances are accented by energetic acrobatics and experimental jams.
DH – ‘Raw techno’ is what comes to mind when trying to describe Mute Math’s infectious debut CD. Subtle hints of Radiohead, Sting and U2 are detected throughout this interesting mix of organic production and new technology, with drummer/programmer/sampler and co-leader Darren King in charge of the rhythm department.
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CODE NAME: FUSION PROJECT
THE FUSION PROJECT
Musea
The Fusion Project is the creation of French keyboardist Stephane Deriau-Reine, along with the help of drummer extraordinaire Mel Gaynor and bassist Jan-Olof Strandberg. Signed to the Musea Parallele label, the first album Code Name: Fusion Project showcases 14 tracks, mixing jazz-rock fusion and progressive rock, with incredible technique and musicality. From semi-improvised frantic musical rides to heavy funk grooves, these guys can obviously play anything, though never forgetting what a melody is. Several guests, including guitarists Jean Fontanville and Jean Lassallette, lend their talents on what has to be considered the jazz-fusion recording of the year.
DH - The Fusion Project is just that, fusion, in the truest sense of the word and master drummer Mel Gaynor covers it all. Latin, funk, jazz and even a bit of techno are all in there. For those of you not familiar with Mel by name, you most definitely have heard him countless times with Simple Minds, Elton John, The Pretenders, Robert Palmer and Tina Turner to name a few. As always, Mel grooves hard and solid, driving every song with power and precision.
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PRO TOOLS TUTORIAL DVD LEVEL 1
ASK Video
In this first of three tutorials, ASK Video has recruited Pro Tools expert Brian Hogue to cover the foundation needed to harness the power of this world-renowned program. Based on Pro Tools 7, Level 1 is ideal for new users of Pro Tools LE or HD, beginning with the setup and layout and the basics of recording.
Pro Tools Level 1 features 29 of the highest quality videos and includes more than 2 hours of instruction covering Installation, Set-up, and Recording through MIDI, Editing, and Signal Flow, and ending with Bussing, Automation, and Bouncing to Disk. An easy to use interface makes it easy to learn progressively or find topics quickly as a reference or refresher.
DH – Well worth the investment for anyone interested in the digital world of recording with Pro Tools, especially drummers who might have an interest in knowing more about what happens to their tracks after they leave the studio. Knowledge is power, and this is a powerful tutorial.
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JOHN BONHAM, THE POWERHOUSE BEHIND LED ZEPPELIN
Mick Bonham
Southbank
A personal account of John Bonham’s life, written by one of the few people who knew him best - his brother, Michael ‘Mick’ Bonham.
From Bonham’s childhood, the book takes us on the often frustrating journey of his rise through the Brum Band scene of Birmingham, to becoming the internationally acclaimed drummer of one of the most successful rock bands of all time.
Whether racing down the highway in his AC Cobra or driving through hedges on his chopper, working the land on one of his farms or planning a surprise party for a family member, we see a more complete picture of John Henry than previously published. A dedicated family man and true friend to many, ‘the beast,’ as Benji Le Fevre so appropriately coined him, was also a warm and very down-to-earth individual who preferred a quiet night at home to running around playing rock star.
This book reads easily and is pure enjoyment if you’re interested in Bonham, the person, and not just Bonham, the “God Of Thunder.” Featuring previously unpublished photos and interviews from those who were closest to him, along with plenty of gut-busting stories and anecdotes, this is a tribute not only to Bonzo, but also to Mick, who died after completing this book, and before its release.
All pre-Zeppelin bands and gigs are listed chronologically and there’s a great timetable of what he did in between his tours and recordings with Zep. This is not just a book for drummers, JOHN BONHAM, TPBLZ is a must read for all fans of Led Zeppelin and rock music in general.
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