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BRIAN SAIA
Probability Clouds
(2019 - self release - USA)

https://briansaia.bandcamp.com/

What starts out with a gorgeous dreamy aromatic dollop of minimalism, journeys through a brilliant  flowerbed of styles that blend ambient, striking classical, electronica scattered about, dramatic stage-like passages, jazz infused byways, and breathtaking moments , all in a unique scrapbook, by composer, designer, engineer, mixer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Brian Patrick Saia. It is not a tough decision to add this to my TOP CHOICES of 2019 list. And this I will do.

Although Brian (working out of Los Angeles, CA) has previous works, including soundtracks, this is his first release of this magnitude and particular plateau (and a very high elevation it sits on indeed). With a huge list of participants which include: Azwan – lyrics, vocals/ Lauren Baba – viola/ Tomas Canseco – electric guitar, lyrics, vocals/ Matthew Clough-Hunter – flutes, gamelan/ Brian Foreman – drum kit/ Cat Ekes – vocals/ Rachel Geller – lyrics, vocals, zither/ Madeline Falcone – viola, violin/ Kate Hardly – vocals/ Chris Haverland – cello, baritone guitar, trumpet arrangement, electric guitar, string arrangement/ Israel Hernandez – trombone/ Kate Jones – vocals/ Max Kutner – electric guitar/  Heather Lockie – viola, vocals/ Michael Lockwood – drum kit/ Louis Lopez – baritone, trumpet/  Abraham Medina – drum kit/ Jess Nielson – clarinet/ Jake Rosenzweig – upright bass/ Linnea Sablosky – vocals/ Emily Shaw – vocals/ Stephanie Smith – violin/ Rebekka Takamizu – vocals/ Jackie Urlik – harp/ Steven Van Betten – banjo, acoustic guitar, vocals/ Glenna Van Nostrand – lyrics, pedals, vocals/  Alex Wand – acoustic guitar/ and all wonderfully supporting the maestro Brian Saia – acoustic guitar, autoharp, balafon, baritone guitar, bass guitar, cello, drum kit, drum machine, electric guitar, kalimba, lyrics, percussion, piano, synth, and zither. Also aiding the making of this outstanding project was: Apple Trujillo – assistant engineer/ Chris Haverland - assistant engineer/ Israel "Izzy" Hernandez - assistant mixer/ Marisa Scheline – assistant mixer/ Daniel Eaton at Little Castle Mastering – mastering engineer/ Jessie Johnson – artist/ and Latife Whittington – photographer.

It is no wonder that the supremely composed and performed 14 pieces have an incantation about them, not to leave out being immaculate. The entire recording fills the listeners ears with delicate, often exotic, partly terrestrial, but mostly music existing beyond our earth, with a supernatural feel (in that distinct Sigur Ros way). A remarkable set of works that never allow one second of lull. The vision Saia had for this masterpiece rolls around the big blue ball like a giant stone with its own path. When 'Sulpha Terra' (track #8) comes up, you hear shades of Annie Lennox, and following that with 'Floating' you have a beautiful Rob Mounsey and his Flying Monkey Orchestra style of tropical lushness. The flow is second to none, and the ratio of space, timing, and the complexity is magnificent. Fans of Philip Glass will love the female vocal arrangements, but be aware, this is only a small segment of the overall picture. Things go to far away places, float around your head like an aurora borealis. The atmosphere may shift along with each composition, however the auditorium for the audience is spectacular in ample consistency.

The use of so many different vocalists and other instruments allow the inventions to roam. The last track 'We Are Hydrocarbons', features Rachel Geller on vocals, with echoes of Suzanne Vega - in the most appealing way possible. I became magnetized by the entire release; all 56:22 of it. A versatile mesmeric masterwork that brings a cohabitation of genres into an extraordinary junction. The method and magic Brian Saia used to composed 'Probability Clouds' is first class, and hands a true gift to the receiver. The physical CD is a glossy gatefold with extra pictures inside, and full art printed on the disc as well. This all comes with a fantastic kaleidoscope of aural goodness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 7 - 10 - 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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