TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

LISA LARUE - TRANSFORMATION 2012

I tend to have a set style when asked to review an incoming CD. I'm not apt to visit an artists website to "get to know them" a bit more before I "understand the music". Because, in my opinion, the proper order of things is the polar opposite of that. Your music speaks to me first, and then (if in fact it speaks to me) I'd like to know more. I share this with you not because I'm important or my style of reviewing is unique, but because Lisa LaRue's music IS. Very few artists are "in tune" with themselves and the surroundings that have molded them to be what they are presently. Lisa, whether subconsciously or in full cognitive grips, has channeled her influences, both in music and in mind. It wasn't until after I sought after the extra information that I saw that in completeness.

Her effort titled “Transformation 2012” is worth your time.

Since the CD's title catches attention (intended to do so I am sure), I'd like to address it: If you're like me, you've caught a late night documentary or two on The Aztecs or Mayan cultures. You've no doubt heard about their mystique and especially the Mayan calendar and prophecies. While it's en vogue these days to excuse the child sacrifices they performed as relative truth or religious allowance in that particular culture, I for one think that when we as a “civilized” people want to elevate these members of history as somehow wise in the scope of antiquity, we are treading on dangerously contradictory waters. That is not to say that the invading Spaniards were in the right and the Mayan's were wrong, but it IS something of an uneasy feeling that we seek knowledge from a society that sacrificed the innocents on bloody altars.

With that being said, Lisa expresses a personal “transformation” and offers this explanation in the liner notes:

“If we see the Mayan Prophecy of 2012 as doom and gloom, that's what it will be. But if we see it as a time for transformation as the Mayan Elders believe, it will be a time for renewal.”

Ok, I'll buy that... let's get into the music now shall we?

The CD starts off as if you just tuned in to a mainstream hit radio station with sound bites and booming announcer voices. It's a little chaotic and interesting. A chanting "American Indian" type voice rises above the audible clutter - drawing you in. Although it sounds nothing like it, it reminds me of Louis Armstrong's style of playing his horn as if to transcend the bustling noise below his sweet melody. It's a unique tool to use musically, and no doubt Lisa has some jazz influence equipping her to execute it.

A baritone voice over dominates with an ominous tale to tell. It's Jeff Straub - you may have heard his voice, he's all over TV and radio. There's even a flute floating in the mix performed by Kerri Lake. The mixing of these layers is astonishingly well done.

The second track continues on the quality production level but is quickly recessed to the back of your mind as you find yourself taken in by the sheer pleasure of the music. Immediately a "not so run of the mill" bass performance emerges from one Marc Nelson. In a cosmic marriage of melody, Tommy Zvoncheck (Blue Oyster Cult, Jon Anderson) walks along side Lisa in a mind blowing musical journey. It's quickly becoming evident that Ms. LaRue knows exactly what she's doing on this CD.

The next song, The Purist, appears to be ALL Lisa, and this being such a brilliant composition, it should remain so. As if only she herself could make sense of what she hoped to achieve in this piece, none other has been permitted to commune, save the riveting narration by a male voice only credited as "Peter". Then, as if in a continuation of The Purist, comes a "Warning". It's an uplifting track that is also strangely eerie. Although it is all keys, I think it would be unfair to dub her a Rick Wakeman> do-over. She is much more at home in her own skin than to be a follower - and her music doesn't just express that, it emits it.

A strong highlight on this CD is one of the most intriguing drum solos I have ever heard. Yes you read that right, a drum solo performed in house and recorded for this CD. It's performed by a relative unknown named Andy Livesay. This isn't the standard "look what I can do" show off performance. This solo is rich with meaning, and it wasn't until AFTER I heard the CD and wrote the skeleton review that I discovered why. You'll recall my explanation of not seeking "extra information" on artists until after I've reviewed the CD... As this disc wrapped up, I found myself saying "of course" and "no wonder" - Of course those voices reminded me of an Indian Pow Wow (Lisa belongs to the Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma). No wonder I got a spiritual kick from Andy's drums (OK Native American with 30 years of experience).

John Payne's (Asia) vocal contribution cannot be ignored and it goes without saying... but I'll say it anyway, what a fantastic voice. Why we're not hearing this particular track on car stereos everywhere is beyond me. I don't say that as if to diminish the progressive nature of this album, but the song writing on this piece, coupled with John's performance is exquisite - very moving indeed.

My favorite track on this album has to be "Beautiful World" which comes off as a collaboration with electric violinist James Sudakow (watch for this guy!).

While the disc is everything a prog fan would want, and definitely worth the time and money invested, there is one minor blemish on the album. And like a wound, it is ever present and you can't help but return to it and find it harder and harder to ignore. Lisa LaRue has borrowed extensively from available programs and digital loops from the likes of Bill Bruford & Sinu Spiral (Studio Profiles & ERH).

While I understand that programming and syncing these borrowed elements is an art unto itself, I can't help but get a bad taste from it. Don't get me wrong, Lisa does it extremely well - flawless in fact - but one is left wondering if a lesser known real-live drummer (like more of Andy!) and a guitarist were employed to liven up the disc if it would have brought this mark to a solid 5. However, dismissing that (although it's difficult), I will be on pins and needles for the next Lisa LaRue project. I wish we had a 4.75 star review to give Lisa, because she deserves a slightly higher rating than 4.5. It is a incredible disc and one that I will be returning to again.

DALE JUDAY

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