etan@tellab1.UUCP (Nate Stelton) (05/16/84)
Permit me to blab on some previously mentioned subjects:
Percy Jones:
I read a few weeks ago in some music magazine (I forget which) that Percy
was already in the process of producing an LP with his new group. There
was no mention of Keith Emerson.
Neil Schon:
Yes I like Neil's playing, but I don't care much for Journey. I first
heard of him when he and Santana appeared on a Luis Gasca album about
1970. I was not impressed then, but he has come a long way. By the way, I
highly reccommend "Vital Information" by Steve Smith--good fusion.
What ever happened to:
The Gentle Giant people? I know Gary Green moved to Peoria, Il, started a
family, and joined a local rock band; but what about the rest? Anyone out
there know?
Mini reviews:
Yellowjackets - Mirage `A Trois
Snatch it up! To the semi-attentive listener the first spin might smack
of Jeff Lorber (gag!), but this goes far and beyond in terms of harmony (in
both composition and arrangment) and polyrhythmic texturing. The
Yellowjackets have the jazz sophistication of Weather Report, but with
more accessable melodic ideas.
Pat Metheny - Rejoicing
This album reminds one of the 80/81 and Bright Size Life facet of Metheny.
Jazz. More Ornette Coleman compositions. The charts are less adventurous
than those on the two aforementioned LP's, but the soloing is HOT. Billy
Higgins on traps and Charlie Haden on bass make this a trio album, except
that Pat overdubs himself in quite a few spots.
Passport - Man in the Mirror
I've always been a Passport fan of sorts, but I was dissapointed by this
new offering by Doldinger & Co. The tunes are lame and the soloing trite
and boring. The energy of Sky Blue and Garden of Eden is missing here.
King Crimson - Three of a Perfect Pair
I'm still not quite sure what to think about this. The effects are
superb. Parts of the album bring me back to the Starless and Larks era
(their middle period), except this time you could dance to it. I like it!
Simon & Bard Group - The Enormous Radio
These guys display a unique blend of styles. Fred Simon (keys) has an ECM
aura about his writing and playing ala Beirach, Lande, John Taylor, etc.
and seems most comfortable with acoustic piano. Michael Bard (reeds) on
the other hand is more poppy and electric, featuring much lyricon. He is
able to make his lyricon scream much like a good high-energy fusion
guitarist (and he knows it). This album features guest-artist Larry
Coryell, who contributes some fine acoustic guitar and some electric as
well.
tellab1!etan