If
you're looking for a dynamic showcase of powerful,
pulse-pounding drumming that's not simply just one
long extended drum solo, then this is the album for
you.
Kari
Hohne, the primary force behind the persona of Get
Tribal, is a master of world mythology whose
scholarship of ancient global cultural traditions
gives her unique insight and ability to tap into the
primal power of percussion.
While
the focus of the album is clearly the various styles
of ethnic drumming from around the planet, Hohne
utilizes her electronic music expertise to synthesize
textures and layers that accentuate the percussion
with extra flavors and seasonings.
The
result is a visceral sound experience that will keep
your senses alert and your heart alive to the vibrant
beats that moved the world in the past and will
continue to propel it into the future.
--Raj
Manoharan
Even
though Peter Kater's been at it for over 30 years, he
still manages to express something new and relevant
with each endeavor, and his latest release is no
exception.
In
accordance with the title and theme of this Grammy-nominated CD, the
composer-keyboardist keeps things appropriately
subtle, quiet, and tranquil. The tunes have a somber
reverence without eschewing appealing melodies and
edgy, lush textures.
In
addition to his Native American flute, percussion,
piano, synthesizer, and vocals, Kater builds up the
layered sound mix with Todd Boston on guitar, Michael
Fitzpatrick on cello, Bob Rebholz on saxophone, and
album executive producer Trisha Bowden on vocals.
Kater
once again presents an impeccable audio experience as
only he can.
--Raj
Manoharan
As
Godzilla makes his second attempt at legitimate Hollywood blockbuster
stardom this weekend, see how the Big G stacks up against himself
with a marathon of Godzilla movies on Chiller.
The
lineup consists mostly of Zilla's Japanese Toho movies from the 1990s
and 2000s, along with his first Hollywood movie from 1998, costarring
Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo, Hank Azaria, and Harry
Shearer.
The
marathon runs from Thursday evening, May 15, through Friday morning,
May 16, and then picks up again on Saturday morning, May 17,
and continues through Sunday morning, May 18.
--Raj
Manoharan
Where was this Andy Summers 27 years earlier? This is organic, living, breathing rock music. The Andy Summers of 1987 and the Andy Summers of 2014 sound like two completely different musicians.
On the debut album from his new rock group, the 71-year-old Summers shows the young’uns how it’s done – and how it should have been done for the last couple of decades, since the guitar master was busy doing things that most rock musicians couldn’t dream or hope of doing.
This time, Summers lays it on really thick with his guitars and wisely leaves the singing to his new songwriting partner Rob Giles, a singer and multi-instrumentalist in the indie rock band The Rescues. Not only does Giles provide dynamite, powerhouse vocals, but he also does a standout job on bass and drums, sometimes sounding like Sting and Stewart Copeland on those instruments on certain songs. Dan Epand also handles the sticks masterfully on three tracks.
The resulting sound is an exhilarating mix of musical styles (The Police, Yes, U2, ‘80s rock, modern rock, even Eric Johnson) that make up a compelling package, and Summers has the chords, licks, and riffs and Giles has the voice to really sell it, especially on numbers such as "Levitation," "Underground," "No Highway," and "Whenever You Hear the Rain." Other highlights include "Say Goodnight," "Gamma Ray," "Summer Lies," and "Light the Fuse & Run." My personal favorites aside, the whole album is flawless from beginning to end.
There’s no telling how long Summers can keep going (based on now, he can seemingly go on forever). Hopefully, he can get at least three to five records out of this deal.
As for Giles, based on this album, he deserves a long-lasting and successful high-profile career.
Although I had considered The Police to be my favorite rock band since 1983, I find that Circa Zero's debut album is tighter, more focused, more consistent, and ultimately more satisfying than any one of The Police's albums – and that's not at all a knock on The Police. In fact, this is what The Police might have sounded like if they had continued in the hard rock vein of Outlandos d'Amour, but with the elements of sophistication of their later repertoire.
In his discovery of and chemistry with Giles, Summers has managed the rare feat of capturing lightning in a bottle for the second time, with this lightning strike making a direct impact.
--Raj Manoharan
Denver,
Colorado-based guitar player and instructor Tom
Carleno ventures out on his first solo recording, and
it's quite the auspicious debut.
This
is not your standard solo acoustic finger style
guitar album, as many of the compositions are written
and performed with alternate tunings. Carleno's
creativity displays his ear for unusual and stirring
tunes, and his dexterity on the guitar is masterful.
Carleno is also joined on one track by his wife Josie
Quick, who provides unique percussion by way of spoons.
This
is a fine album that should appeal to fans of solo
acoustic finger style guitar as well as anyone who
enjoys original captivating music.
--Raj
Manoharan
Paul
Spaeth returns with a collection of eleven solo piano
performances (with some cello and violin) that are
resplendent with transcendent serenity.
As
art is subjective, Spaeth went into this recording
with his own vision of what the music represents, and
listeners will come away from the music with meanings
that are specific to them.
What
is definitely not open to interpretation is Spaeth's
talent for original, creative compositions and
exquisite, nuanced playing. The tunes range in
variety from gentle and tranquil to epic and
grandiose, and Spaeth's mastery of the keyboard
enables him to command different styles and
techniques to elicit those diverse moods.
The
album also features Tina Guo on cello and Christopher
Luther on violin.
This
is a fine and worthy entry in the solo piano genre.
--Raj
Manoharan
Andy
Summers' new rock band Circa Zero will be making its television debut
with a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.
Circa
Zero consists of Summers on guitar and Rob Giles on bass, drums, and
vocals. Giles most likely will play bass in addition to singing on
the show. No announcement has been made yet as to who will be
handling drum duties.
The
band's debut album Circus Hero, which was released on March
25, 2014, by 429 Records, is available now.
--Raj
Manoharan
