Record Reviews

FROGG CAFE ~ NOODLES (LIMITED EDITION) NOT ON LABEL ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2004 Although not a formal release, this album by the excellent US Prog band Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist is a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of music making. It includes excerpts form a 4 hours live in the studio improvised jam session. The ideas are developed spontaneously and flow all over the place, but there is a coherency and great taste prevailing at all times, which turns this music into a unique experience. This is the last recording featuring the band´s founding member, guitarist Frank CamiolaFind albums by this artist, who unfortunately had to leave the band due to health reasons. Bill AyasseFind albums by this artist on violin and Nick LietoFind albums by this artist on keyboards and trumpet provide the additional lead voicing, supported by the creative rhythm section of Andrew SussmanFind albums by this artist on bass and James GuarnieriFind albums by this artist on drums. For the many fans of the group, this is an absolute must on all accounts, but every Prog fan should find this stuff interesting, especially those more inclined towards the Jazzy / Fusion side of the genre. This highly atmospheric and challenging music is definitely worth investigating and returning to repeatedly.

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FROGG CAFE ~ THE SAFENZEE DIARIES 10T 10024 (Barcode: 634479468711) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2006 Released: 2007 4th album by the excellent US Prog band Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist and their first live recording compiled from various performances and live in the studio recordings made over a period of two years. The band was expanded to a sextet, adding John LietoFind albums by this artist on trombone, and features the new guitar player Steve UhFind albums by this artist, who replaced the band´s founding member, guitarist Frank CamiolaFind albums by this artist. Bill AyasseFind albums by this artist on violin and Nick LietoFind albums by this artist on keyboards and trumpet provide the additional lead voicing, supported by the creative rhythm section of Andrew SussmanFind albums by this artist on bass and James GuarnieriFind albums by this artist on drums. Frogg Cafe was always primarily a live band, touring extensively, and their performances are always inspired and uplifting. Expanding the studio album tracks into long, full of improvisations, expanded pieces is what they do here. Half of this album´s tracks exceed the 10 minutes mark and are a delight to follow, the other half being just slightly shorter and all as good. Several new tunes are also heard here for the first time. This album marks a transition for the band from the Prog past into a more Jazz-Rock Fusion direction, emphasized by the long solos and complex rhythmic structures. The many faithful fans of the group will not be disappointed and this is an absolute must on all accounts for them, but every Prog and Fusion fan should find this stuff interesting. This is definitely a prime example how contemporary challenging music should be played.

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