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DJAM KARET

Sonic Celluloid

(2017 – HC Productions – USA)

http://www.djamkaret.com/

It is quite an achievement to begin with, for a band to create and release 18 albums (they actually have over 30 releases counting EP’s and various output), but this is exactly what this all instrumental American progressive rock (plus) band has done, with the latest recording being ‘Sonic Celluloid’. The history is vast but one fact is astounding in that this includes all four founding members (Chuck Oken Jr : drums, keyboard sequencing, soundscapes / Gayle Ellett : electric & acoustic guitars, bouzouki, moog, mellotron, Hammond, and Rhodes / Henry Osborne : bass /  Mike Henderson : guitar feedback).  In addition are musicians Mike Murray on guitar atmosphere, piano, and Aaron Kenyon on bass effects.

As you might assume, the chemistry is great and the group is ultra-tight. Many of their previous recordings straddled a more aggressive King Crimson and Pink Floyd mellow sound but this one keeps a more world fusion and laid back styling. Although you’ll hear a couple of quick surprises here and there. Overall, the ten compositions explore a range of space, reflection, desert landscapes, eastern meditation, playfulness, haunting dreamtime, and much more. Each tune is rich for the listener’s mind to imagine vivid scenes from a movie you make of your own, or pieces of one you may have already seen. A bonus that helps this along is the nice use of field recordings/found sound such as wind chimes, ocean, machines, crowds, a train, and even spoken word.

While one can hear bits and pieces of Vangelis, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Gandalf, Camel, Bo Hansson (Sweden), and a strong Fuhrs & Frohling (SFF) resemblance, Djam Karet retain a sound of their own, which they have developed and honed for 33 years. ‘Sonic Celluloid’ is highlighted by skilled musicianship by all. The entire disc is interesting with plenty of visions and a variety of atmospheres from exotic to simply beautiful. ‘Lower’ (track 9) is a jewel. Even your relatives will like this one. The ending track (‘The Denouement Device’) has great fretless bass (by Osborne),  along with gorgeous keys, dynamic drums, perfect lead guitar and the most orchestrated sounding song of the entire album. Very nice stuff.

Review by Lee Henderson 4 – 1 – 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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