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ANDREW ROUSSAK
Storm Warning
(2019 - Melodic Revolution Records - USA)

https://andrewroussak.bandcamp.com/album/storm-warning

Germany's Andrew Roussak (composer, keyboardist) has put out consistently good progressive rock whether it be his excellent solo releases, or with the more aggressive bands Witchhouse, Undercover,  Leslie Boogie Trio, United Soul Opera, his works with Nadia Ayche. or his band Dorian Opera. His debut solo 'No Trespassing' (Mals- 2008) was impressive and brought back the classic greatness of the progressive 1970's high points. Fans of that will be pleased with his newest (and 4th) solo 'Storm Warning', which introduces some different guests than his debut. As usual, Roussak composed, recorded, produced, and mastered everything except one tune ('Can She Excuse My Wrongs' by John Dowland).

Keeping with this superb collection of the finest progressive keyboardist influences such as Rick Wakeman, Rick van der Linden, Keith Emerson, Geoff Downes, Ton Scherpenzeel, Jordan Rudess, Tony Banks, and Duncan MacKay; Roussak takes it up a notch on 'Storm Warning'. With some very modern techniques, effects, and arrangements, there is never a dull moment. All instruments played or programmed by Andrew Roussak. Backing vocals – Andrew Roussak Guest musicians: Nadia Ayche – lead vocals on Chasing Shadows Max Kottler – lead vocals on Left Alone Outside Selina Waidmann – lead vocals on Malta Sketches (Sunset in Valetta) Oli Weislogel – guitar solos on Left Alone Outside, Chasing Shadows, Sunset in Valetta. Equipment used: Kurzweil PC3, Hammond XK1, KAWAI MP7, Access Virus KC, Creamware Noah Software: Cakewalk SONAR X1 Pro, MusicLab, Native Instruments, Toontrack, IK Multimedia. Mastering software: IK Multimedia Lurssen Mastering Console.

Much of the album is all instrumental deluxe, but the select vocal parts are outstanding. From stadium sized to heavenly, the female parts are dreamy. The listener will be thrilled with acrobatic keyboard action, some powerful stimulating passages, and plenty of changes along the way. A top of the line release, with grand use of multiple textures, smart combinations, dynamics galore, and adventurous pleasure. A beauty!  RECOMMENDED.

   ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 7 - 01 - 2019

 
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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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