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Here are some splendid additions, to kick the New Year off:

 

 

The legendary German Prog band Eloy returns with a new recording, after many years in musical limbo. Led by guitarist Frank Bornemann, who also writes the band's music and lyrics, the band has now four decades of music-making in its credit, most of it quite excellent. Although this new release does not bring forward any surprises or unexpected turns, the music is still well made and continues the established model for most Prog / Neo-Prog albums, with plenty of instrumental work and long melodic themes. The band's many fans will find the album a familiar turf and no disappointment should be expected. Those not familiar with the band's previous recordings will have a splendid opportunity to get to know them and perhaps investigate backwards.

 

 

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Here are some splendid additions, to kick the New Year off:

 

 

7^th album by the brilliant Canadian ensemble Miriodor, one of the most consistently excellent contemporary music makes and proud representatives of the RIO movement, which manages to re-invent itself with every new release. The music is a mixture of Jazz, Rock, some contemporary Classical and other influences, all mixed up and stirred is a unique way, which leaved the listener completely stunned. Funny, dazzling and excellent as ever, this is some of the most invigorating and refreshing music recorded in the gloomy period of little musical achievement in the first decade of the 21^st Century. It's good to have this veteran band to bless us with some true music every now and then and hopefully they won't stop any time soon. Wholeheartedly recommended!

 

 

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Here are some splendid additions, to kick the New Year off:

 

 

11^th release by the extraordinary Belgian ensemble Univers Zero, surely one of the most innovative, revolutionary and prophetic music makers in contemporary music history, which presents for the first time archival material of previously unissued live recordings. These recordings capture the last two lineups of the ensemble in the mid-1980s, before the band's long sabbatical: the quintet which recorded "Uzed" in 1984 and the septet which recorded "Heatwave" in 1986. The bands unique ability to combine contemporary classical influences with Jazz, Rock and Improvised Music is a momentous testimony of music's cross-genre validity and conceptual pollination. The ensemble's leader and principal composer drummer Daniel Denis is blessed not only with exceptional talents as a musician, but also with the persistence and feeling of apostolic urge to "spread the gospel" against all odds. Although the music of Univers Zero is primarily known only to a tiny group of music connoisseurs around the world, its true significance is colossal and it will undoubtedly stay in the Pantheon of everlasting musical achievement. A true classic!

 

 

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Here are some splendid additions, to kick the New Year off:

 

 

Great album by an obscure US Prog keyboards trio Castle Canyon, which was active in early 1970s but never released the material they composed and recorded at the time. As far as one can figure from the liner notes, parts of the material were recently recorded and re-recorded by the band’s leader / keyboardist Erik Ian Walker, but basically it does not matter, as the original 1970s sound is still there. Walker, who composed all the music, is surely a gifted player and his control of the many keyboard instruments is beyond reproach. Bassist Fred Chalenor and drummer Paul Elias support the leader flawlessly and the entire effort is a heaven on earth for keyboards fans, bringing fond memories of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Nice and other memorable keyboards based ensembles. Considering the fact that not much of interest is happening, finding lost gems from the past is always a pleasure. Go for it!

 

 

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Here are some splendid additions, to kick the New Year off:

 

 

Excellent debut album by Polish Prog band T.A.O., comprising of vocalist / guitarist Adam Jurewicz, keyboardist Kamil Urbanski, bassist Lukasz Adamczyk and drummer Robert Sztorc, which includes some great music, quite different and unique in comparison to most other Prog bands. Although somewhat influenced by Prog Metal bands like Dream Theatre, the band goes deep into the Prog history and uses phrasing developed earlier by groups like Gentle Giant and the Canterbury movement. Some heavy guitar riffs do appear occasionally, but the group is definitely at its best when playing quiet, often acoustic music, with splendid piano work by the keyboardist. The music is full of surprises, tempo changes and nice “eccentricity”, often synonymous with the best Prog heroes. Some slight Jazz influence is also present, making the entire musical experience an interesting musical journey. So far there is no sign of a follow up, so this might be their solitary effort, which would be a pity. In the meantime, this is definitely worth investigating, the sooner the better!

 

 

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

 

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CD

 

Here are some splendid additions, to kick the New Year off:

 

 

Excellent debut album by US Prog outfit Edensong, fronted by singer / guitarist / composer James Byron Schoen. Strongly based in the classic Prog vein, the music has also a strong classical influence with appropriate instrumentation (violins, cello and flute) in addition to the electric instruments used. Beautifully melodic and full of excellent ideas, this album is quite a surprise, considering how little of such high quality music is being created these days. The album achieves a great balance between the acoustic and electric elements, and although mostly pastoral and intimate, it still holds plenty of eruptive moments and occasional crescendos. There is plenty of great music here, mostly for the Prog and Art Rock public, but any sensible music lover will find something to love in this album. Definitely worth investigating!

 

 

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Here are some splendid additions, to kick the New Year off:

 

 

Humi is a duet comprising of legendary British composer / bassist Hugh Hopper and Japanese singer / keyboardist / composer Yumi Hara Cawkwell. Although Hopper's illustrious career is full of groundbreaking achievements, this is surely one of his boldest statements. Redefining the role of electric bass as a leading instrument and combining it with electronic devices, Hopper and his partner create a series of musical voyages, partly composed, partly improvised, combining Jazz, Ambient, Prog and Avant-Garde music into a cohesive whole. Although intended for serious music listeners, the music flows fluently and can be enjoyed by most open minded connoisseurs. Sadly this is one of the last recordings by Hopper and his recent demise creates a huge hole in the fabric of British Jazz / Canterbury music scene. Warmly recommended!

 

 

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