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MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION
Longing For The Dawn
(2022 - Blue Serene Focus - UK)

https://mysteriesoftherevolution.bandcamp.com/album/longing-for-the-dawn

Truly a successful reimagination of the golden power jazz fusion of the 1970's, but added is a more relaxed method and by musicians who know what they want and how to make it happen.  At times outfits like The Mahavishnu Orchestra got quite congested, or overly so at times. Mysteries of the Revolution keep from doing such a thing. I found a more world and  often Scandinavian approach to this sophomore release, which is a huge compliment. The contrast between busy and more laid back are appealing. And the tasteful compositions are smart enough to keep yourt attention. This well balanced wisdom speaks for itself. It is the mingle of so many styles that capture the ear. In short, the musicians here give a person room to absorb and breathe. I applaud them immediately for that alone.

This long awaited (14 years) followup by duo (always aided by fine backing members) Daniel Biro (born in South Africa) eventually moved to the UK after being a "world citizen" and visiting all over Europe and BB Davis is a treat.  Both Daniel and BB are producers, and it should be noted that BB is a fine artist who did the cover art for this fine album, as well as selling paintings all over the world. Be sure to check out the Limited Edition CD with signed art package on the Bandcamo link I provided above the review.
 
The full line up on "Longing For The Dawn" is :

- Daniel Biro / keyboards, all programming
- BB Davis / drums & percussion, flute, beatbox, voice
With:
- Vincenzo Lamagna / guitar
- Andy Alexander / bass
- Don Stuart / flute (5)
- Russ Parker / guitar (5)

While the promo sheet does say all instrumental, the new album (like the 2007 debut) does have voice, which brings about one more of the band's unique characteristics. The classic fusion bands of the 70's is heavily pushed, but I quickly picked up shades of Finnish great Pekka Pohjola (RIP), Dutch influences like the funky jazz rock of Spin,  Rick Van Der Linden's Ekseption, and the more mellow Solution. Of course it was the purpose of MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION to put their own stamp on the music. And the fusion bands they list are in fact very stable sounds (Weather Report, Chick Corea -RIP,  Herbie Hancock, etc), but you hear wonderful attention to greats like Soft Machine (in their 1975-1981 era) , and some beautiful melodies along the way. A couple of other sways would be Italy's Perigeo, and France's Transit Express (some may remember the American violinist David  Rose -RIP- who was a member, and did a fabulous  solo "Distance Between Dreams" in 1977).  'Pharoah's Scribbled Phantasms' (last cut) is a knock out with a more aggressive march forward killer in the Soft Machine 'Land Of Cockayne' mode but the music morphs into another dimension, then to a space cadet part with spoken word, which scores as a big favorite and one helluva ending.  The artists are fine musicians and have decades of experience. Make sure to recognize all these comparisons are this author's observations, and take them as a starting point to see what all you hear. I assure the audience a pleasure in discovering old feel- good vibrations to fresh takes in a superior genre.  I certainly await a third album from this band.

©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 6 - 18 - 2022
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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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