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JON DURANT

Parting Is

(2018 – ALCHEMY RECORDS – USA)

http://www.jondurant.com

If ever any set of compositions deserved to be the definition of beautiful, it is ‘Parting Is’ by long time guitarist (multi-instrumentalist) and composer Jon Durant. Jon describes this as his most personal solo (and this is all done by him and him alone) yet. He lists his chosen instruments on each song and they include ‘cloud guitar’, electric 12 string guitar, fretless guitar, fretless bass, and electric guitar. The arrangements are paramount.

The cover art brings to mind what could be a ECM release and the music has a heavenly almost spiritual atmosphere. Knowing that the theme of the recording was built around the sadness that Jon felt having to be away (or say goodbye each time) from his family while working on this music really penetrates the listener. When I spoke with Jon he described this as a “sweet sadness” though. The kind only a loving father and husband understands.  Without a doubt ‘Parting Is’ brings forth a meditative state of mind, but never dull or depressing. Nine tracks present a mindful and broad textured canvas. Jon has many years of experience with greats like Tony Levin, David Torn, Michael Bearpark, and Colin Edwin (who Jon made three fabulous albums with under the name Burnt Belief, which I highly recommend).

This 2018 solo has Jon doing a grand job with the kind of perfection that only a disciplined and well-seasoned artist can achieve in their lifetime. The select pieces with fretless bass may remind some of Tony Levin (tracks 3,8) and fretless guitar used much like bass (tracks 2,4,6,7) but a higher register, are fluently placed. The sweet sadness of each note brings beauty. This is not a cookie cutter guitar solo, nor should it be classified as ambient. As a collective, the compositions beg to be referenced, however anyone in love with the more mellow atmospheric works of David Torn or Erik Wollo, would be smart to purchase this. Jon has honed his craft and delivered pristine music year after year. Thus as to why his performance sounds so effortless and sure. Beautiful transcendence indeed. VERY RECOMMENDED.

Reviewed by Lee Henderson  2 – 20 – 18

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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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