Record Reviews

JERRY DE VILLIERS, JR. ~ THE TURNING POINT ARCHIVES TIMELESS MOMENTUM 20141 (Barcode: 094393373414) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1994 - 1995 Released: 2014 This is an archive album documenting the music recorded by the Canadian Fusion group Turning Point, led by guitarist / keyboardist / composer Jerry De Villiers, Jr.Find albums by this artist, which also included as a core members bassist Mathieu CormierFind albums by this artist and drummer Magella CormierFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven studio tracks recorded in 1995 and another seven live tracks (three of which appear also in the studio version) recorded a year earlier, all of which were composed by De Villiers. Two of the studio tracks feature a brass section and the live tracks feature keyboardist Gerry EtkinsFind albums by this artist. The music is a typical guitar fronted Fusion setting, with nice melodic themes performed elegantly and with a lot of sensitivity. The rhythm section does a splendid job, moving the music steadily forward but staying unobtrusively in the background, leaving the center stage to the guitar pyrotechnics. Even on the two tracks that feature the brass arrangements the basic sound of the group remains almost untouched and similar to the rest of the tracks, perhaps since the brass is way back in the mix. De Villiers is obviously an excellent guitarist, versatile and elegant, who plays forcefully yet delicately making a point and not dragging his solos forever. His playing is fluid and clearly virtuosic, but not ostentatious or aggressive. As a composer he shows an ability to weave romantic lyrical themes, which are intelligent and attractive. But his up-tempo themes are also great, full of groove and catchy riffs, which make your body swing. This music is definitely too good to be left forsaken and the decision to release this album is fully justified, under the "better late than never" slogan. This is a memorable piece of Canadian music in general and Fusion in particular, that should be out there for posterity. For Fusion fans the world over, this is definitely worth investigating!

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