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DAVID CROSS / ANDREW BOOKER
Ends Meeting
(2018 - Noisy Records - EU)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHn1opZEPPc

A translucent communication between two exceptional musicians, that provide lift-off to the listener, not only in a trickle, but with many a climatic trips through the universe. What would one expect from a profound member of 1970's period King Crimson (David Cross - electric violin), plus a member of Sanguine Hum, Tim Bowness, No-Man, Henry Fool, and drummer for Peter Bank's Harmony in Diversity (Andrew Booker - electronic drums)? With Peter Bank, on tour with King Crimson, is where Cross and Booker met. (Booker also has one solo EP from 1996 called 'Ahead'). Cross has an abundance of solo work, guest spots on other band albums, and collaborations that make a wondrous pathway of his skills.

This recording ('Ends Meeting') actually took place back place back in 2006, but was not released until 2018. An all instrumental project, with 7 tracks, that feature this pair, may seem simple on the surface, but just one listen and you will discover a very rich and beautiful set of compositions. The music has multiple textures, and sounds more like a 5 piece band (due to the abilities of electronics and programming), and is very well developed. Parts are meditative, however, not in the conventional "ambient" manner. For instance, Cross uses numerous effects on his violin to simulate lead guitar, and other stringed instruments. Booker shows his technical know how with artful drum and percussion programming. So the production and multiple layers are done with ease, including keyboards. No limits are seen here between the two progressive rock masters.

The music has plenty of celestial atmosphere, augmented by the unearthly playfulness of some of what Jon Hassell did (take away the trumpet of course), perhaps what Fripp & Eno would have done with an addition of electronic percussion, and open skies of electronic voyages in the realm of early Gandalf (Austria) or the more space induced music Didier Lockwood did. All very tasteful, fully realized, and way worthy of your attention and support.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 2 - 2 - 2018
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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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