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GARY HUSBAND & MARKUS REUTER_Music of Ou
GARY HUSBAND & MARKUS REUTER
Music Of Our Times
(2020 - MoonJune Records - USA)

https://markus-reuter-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/music-of-our-times

In a present world of no peace and full blown uproar, it is perhaps rare to think such a calming album would exist. This one was created in the early stages (at least what most of us knew) of the Coronavirus Pandemic lock down, when Stick Men and guests were on tour in Japan, only getting to play one gig before being forced to stop. Instantly in limbo, most of the musicians were able to fly back home to the USA, but lucky for us, an idea by MoonJune Records label owner and producer Leonardo Pavkovic, to record a on the spot totally spontaneous album in a local studio (NK SOUND STUDIO, Tokyo, Japan) on  March 3, 2020, with Gary Husband (Fazioli F212 Grand Piano) and Markus Reuter (Live Electronics, Touch Guitars® AU8), became reality. The timing was special in many ways. First to find a studio open and able to create this jewel, and second to actually make the performance as impactful as it became. This recording not only shows focus past what was happening outside, but spawned an intimate occurrence that reflects their professional state of mind and platitude of artistry, in what has to be a pinnacle of soothing, calm, collected and inventive imagination from the pair.

In the ambient or meditative genre, also reflective and expansive, the music moves through stages of both inner and outer emotions, all in the moments of creation. For all these people knew, it could be their last will and testament, as how cruel or deadly this virus could be, was only a spec of guessing on the part of our entire world at that time. I cannot speak to the state of mind of anyone involved, but the music does truly speak for itself. Throughout the entire album, both Husband and Reuter are tuned into not only each other, but the atmosphere of that "time". Four months later, as one listens to the recording, you can feel all the delicate fears and renderings, subtle doubts and great expectations. These improvisations are remarkable. The beautiful Fazioli Grand Piano that Gary commands, and the way Markus sculpts his magic around the waves of heartbreak and possible hope, is something to behold.

In the music, while a huge dark cloud hovers, bits of sunlight leak through and frame the sky like a solar eclipse. On 'Across the Azure Blue' Reuter pushed forth a more pronounced presence. Deep and attentive listeners will grasp the conflict of silken flow against electronica and jagged rocks. The title cut is the most animated, as if by this time, the two musicians are facing the reality of all the questions they may or may not have answers for. It is lively and suspenseful as the development occurs. In this session, they even create a piece dedicated to Allan Holdsworth (RIP) titled 'White Horses'. What a beauty it is. And so nice that they thought of him at this time.

'Music of Our Times' is as real and instantly honest as any set of musical works can be. I honestly did not think it would be THIS good. It surpassed all expectations and even surprised me with its hypnotic and captivating possession. The end track 'Illuminated Heart' is extraordinary. This release is on a  plateau perched so high, that I got the repeat feeling these guys thought they might be making the last recording of their lives.  Yes THAT GREAT!  

 ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 6 - 26 - 2020
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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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