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Pontus H. W. Gunve (PHWG)

The Observer

(2013 - self release - USA)

http://www.phwgmusic.com/

Third release by this fine composer (debut was “Great Wall of Sound” 2006 and sophomore was “Movements” 2008) and his most realized to date. All instrumental (except a poem read in ‘Galen’,  track 10 and this will pass you by quickly if you are not paying attention) recording rich with many styles but cinematic in scope and atmosphere.  You’ll find big Middle Eastern influences along with jazz fusion, classical, progressive rock, ambient, and more.  You can imagine a blend of Mike Oldfield, Jean Luc Ponty, and Darryl Way (early solo).

There is a lot to love here.  This could have very well been Oldfield’s following album after “Tubular Bells” and people would think this was monumental.  I found every single moment of “The Observer” interesting, beautiful, broad and brag worthy.  Multi-talented Gunve wrote and produced this minor masterpiece as well as performed all guitar, synth programming and electronics.  His cohorts are Tripp Dudley : Tabla and Darbuka/ Sean Hagerty : Violin/ Joe Renaud : Drums/ Raymond Sicam III: Cello/  and Lorenzo Wolff: Bass. The sound and production is much bigger than the lineup would suggest.

I especially like the smart blend of eastern, classical, and folk with lots of distinct tabla, as well as extensive us of real strings and percussion. The music keeps an epic feel and often soars, alternately floating with giant spread wings. The eleven compositions travel, that’s for sure. The last track (“Damini”) clocking in at 10:45 is by far the most ambient, but leaves the listener with a gentle landing, after such blissful voyages on previous cuts.

To say Gunve is the second coming of Mike Oldfield is tempting but unfair, especially since his first two recordings bear little influence of that artist. No doubt fans of Oldfield will relish “The Observer” and rightly they should. There is plenty more to come which is anyone’s guess as to what direction it may be.  One thing for sure, I will be waiting with open ears. Recommended.

Reviewed by Lee Henderson 02 - 05 - 2015

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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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