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MANNA/MIRAGE
Man Out Of Time
(2021 - New House Music- USA)

https://davenewhouse.bandcamp.com/album/man-out-of-time

A boldly pronounced 4th release by master Dave Newhouse (founder of The Muffins) that spins all lovers of collision music consisting of Canterbury ('In For A Penny', 'Fred's Dream',  and '4 Steps Back') , out jazz ('Red Ball Express'), interstellar escapades flown on wings of dreams ('World Song' with Carla Diratz on vocals, and 'Silver Age'), big band on a magic carpet (opening cut 'What's The Big Idea' which was originally a Muffins tune halved up before it got properly released and fully credited), RIO with added eastern motifs dipped in Canterbury ice cream cone ('4 Steps Back'- the one extended cut at 10:45, and even so, you will wish this lasted another 10 minutes or more), and sleepy pastel cloud puffs like 'These Days', that also will thrill the Canterbury crowd. 'Man Out Of Time' is the most amazing and stunning work so far in the Newhouse catalog of treasures. And this said, having owned and followed the music of this man and his projects since the 1978, when first vinyl album appeared to the delight of American inventive music lovers of the Canterbury kind. A detail of each composition and the history/intent/birth or all, is spelled out on the Bandcamp page (see my link for readers to buy and explore in the header of this review). A cutting and a surplus of delights.

A detail of musical artists who contribute are: Dave Newhouse - keyboards (1-6), woodwinds (1- 3,5,6), voice (3), drums (4), yelling (4), electric  piano (7,8), bass clarinet (7), saxophone (4)/ Sean Rickman - drums (1-3,5,6)/ Jerry King - bass (1,2,6), trumpet (5), trombone  (1,5)/ Mark Stanley - guitar (1,5)/ Carla Diratz - vocals (2)/ Bret Hart - guitar (2)/ Dereck Higgins - bass (3)/ Rich O'Meara - vibes, marimba (3,8)/ Alanna Cohen Duvall - voice (3)/ Guy Segers - bass (5)/ Forrest Fang - violin (5)/ Gary Rouzer -  cello (5)/ and Fred Frith - guitar (6). Additional support includes Mike Potter - mixing and mastering at Orion Studios/ Eric Kearns - digital layout at PhinBot Graphics/ and Anne Hage - cover illustration.  

Most assuredly, Dave Newhouse did not get bogged down or lessen his sense of talent during the Covid world. In fact, it appears he took advantage, magnified his skills, and listened to the muses he often depends on for inspiration. This set of works are not only distinct in their presentation but palpable, ultimately tasteful, and brain grow food for the alert. As a side note Dave also took up painting to add to the creative world he lives in. Other tidbits I discovered by speaking with him one very early morning about the album are that the concept of 'Man Out of Time' was most inspired by a "life sketch" his wife (Anne) did back in her art classes in college. The album cover features that very drawing, although they decided to have it standing up verses the angle it was originally drawn (which was a woman laying down). Dave said this drawing has been framed in their house for many years and he had always connected it to a album called 'Man Out of Time'. Another important change for the album is that Dave used a new software called Reaper Studio. He  had previously been using something called VEGAS (which is actually a film editing software), but he felt is was time to begin using a pure music software. At age 68 he admitted is was not easy, and consisted of big learning curves, You Tube videos and much trial and error. In the end, he stated he is comfortable with it all now and proud of the accomplishment. So well he should be. And one last firsts for this album I will quote Dave: "This was also the first album that Mike Potter and I mixed and mastered entirely remotely. I used to drive down to Baltimore to Orion studios and sit there with Mike as he mixed. So this was very different for us because of the Pandemic. But we settled into it nicely, and I think we’ll continue this way. My wife and I are both double vaxxed, but we don’t like to go out still". So some very interesting facts as to all he went through to make this set of tracks. If you ask me was it worth it, I say without a pause, yes it certainly was. In fact, this is a tremendous release and not to be missed. As common for New House Music, this CD was released in a limited edition of 300. When they are gone, you will have to settle for the download, but having this music on a fold out digipak compact disc sure is nice, and it is for keeps. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 9 - 19 - 2021


 
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A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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