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WINGFIELD REUTER SIRKIS

Lighthouse

(2017- MOONJUNE RECORDS – US)

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https://markwingfield-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/lighthouse-24bit-88-2khz

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A powerhouse performance, that as difficult as it may be to believe, the music was composed and performed on the spot with only a slight bit of discussion, some basic ideas of chords, perhaps a visual drawing, and/or suggestion of atmospheres. The chemistry and interpretations are incredible. While not totally what one would call free improv, this is one of the finest examples of masterful circa-improvisation your ears will ever witness.

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Many will know and compare ‘Lighthouse’ to a previous MoonJune release ‘The Stone House’ but one change is the bassist Markus Reuter, bringing a wider range with TouchGuitars (which combine both guitar and bass for a prismatic result). While I truly miss Yaron Stavi, who did brilliant bass work on ‘The Stone House’ as well as a top 2015 pick of mine ‘Proof of Light’ (also with Wingfield on MoonJune), I had no fear or problem welcoming the entrance of Reuter for ‘LIghthouse’.  Just as a bit of trivia, the recording of ‘Lighthouse’ was made in Catalonia, Spain on February 18th, 2016. This was actually before ‘The Stone House’, but both were done in a six day gathering in this same time frame. According to Leonardo Pavkovic (executive producer, MoonJune label owner) there is enough music from that week long session to make yet a third release, so that is something to look forward to.

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The listener will soon discover a bit more edge, Crimsonesque progression, and slightly distortion laden exploration. Wingfield burns bright, Reuter brings on the intensity, and I’ve never heard Sirkis play drums like this. The trio are ferocious with a more progressive rock /jazz fusion posture than anything Wingfield has originated before (except of course the connected ‘The Stone House’). For the sake of references, fantasize combining King Crimson (the heavier side), Richard Pinhas (Heldon, solo), Stick Men, David Torn, and Dark (with Mark Nauseef). ‘Lighthouse’ is an all instrumental set of seven profuse and shrewd compositions. A gathering of three strikingly prolific musicians proves to be legendary once again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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Reviewed by Lee Henderson  12 – 5 – 2017

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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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