Carta Musicada [Import]

1. Vai La, Vai La

2. Nosso Fogo

3. O No Da Gravata

4. A Voz Do Brasil

5. Sem Segredo

6. Palavara De Rei

7. Carta Musicada

8. Nos Quitais Do Mundo

9. A Bahia Te Espera

10. Frasco Pequeno

11. Brasil Nago

12. Curticao Da Galera

Tracks:

Paradigm Shift
Osmosis
Kindred Spirits
The Stretch
Freedom Of Speech
Chris And Kevin's Excellent Adventure
State Of Grace
Universal Mind
Three Minute Warning
Three Minute Warning
Three Minute Warning
Three Minute Warning
Three Minute Warning

Amazon.com

Over-wrought, self-indulgent, bombastic--hurl every clichéd prog-rock epithet you can think of--this group will suck 'em in and spit 'em right back in a deafening flurry of notes plucked, struck, hammered, and slapped. Without question, these guys ( Dream Theater's drummer and guitarist Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci respectively, keyboardist Jordan Rudess, and bassist Tony Levin) are masters. And they make no apologies for having recorded an album of intensely virtuosic instrumental hard rock. Armed with chops, taste, and panache, LTE groove seamlessly from the lightning-fingered metalfest "Paradigm Shift" to the comical drum & bass duet "Chris and Kevin's Excellent Adventure"; from the full-throttle jamming on "Universal Mind" to the house-crushing mayhem of "Three Minute Warning." Throughout, the staggering speed and technique of both Portnoy and Petrucci consistently grab center stage. It's a riveting work from start to finish and a scorching testament to the power of musical inspiration and collaboration. --Michael Mikesell

Customer Reviews:

No way 4 musicians could do this!!!.......2007-06-03

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. This jam session absolutely shreds! I bet someone in the studio just hit the red light and said 'play'. This is madness, absolute madness! A prog-metalhead's dream come true.

A great buy for any lover of this band.......2007-03-28

A great buy for any lover of this band

Phenomenal Instrumental Prog.....Dream Theater Side Project!.......2006-10-13

For those of you not in the know, Liquid Tension Experiment was a side-project of Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci, Dream Theater keyboardist (as of 1999) Jordan Rudess, and bass player supreme Tony Levin. This album, the first of two they did, is all instrumental prog and is simply jaw-dropping.

Dream Theater, as I'm sure any of you know, is a legendary prog band comprising of 5 virtusos, each one a master of their instrument (or voice, in James Labrie's case). The LTE side-project is also made up of virtuosity. Simply stunning.

The songs range from short and sweet like Osmosis, Chirs and Kevin's Excellent Adventure, and State of Grace to prog EPICS like Paradigm Shift, Universal Mind, and the 30 minute ALL IMPROVISED Three Minute Warning. These guys just go from strength to strength, and if an album made up of all instrumental prog sounds like it's going to be boring or lame, you couldn't be more wrong. This is an album that stands up to repeated listens no problem.

From Mike Portnoy's thunderous and acrobatic drumming to John Petrucci's masterful guitar player, Tony Levin's nimble bass to Jordan Rudess' keyboard wizardry, this is an exceptional album any fan of DT or great prog will love. Get this and their second album and just marvel.....

a reply to "geddysciple".......2006-09-09

I agree with "geddysciple" that LTE (and, consequently, Dream Theater) produce incredible music that sound superhuman. However, the seventh track, "State of Grace," is perhaps the most significant piece that the group has put out. It is satisfying in almost every way. Given that the group's standard is powerful, exuberant progressive rock, it is all the more satisfying to hear that LTE can produce a heartfelt, emotional ballad in the form of "State of Grace." John Petrucci's song-length solo is played with such feeling that I cannot for the life of me understand why someone would opt to name this track as "a bit cold and boring."

This is where it went.......2006-08-19

If you've been wondering where Progressive Rock went, give this album a listen.

As the disc was spinning up, a "warning" caught my eye:

"Caution: Three Minute Warning is not for the musically faint-hearted, impatient, or critics of extreme self-indulgence. If you fall into any of the above categories, please hit the stop button on your CD player after Track 8."

So, naturally, I skipped right to Three Minute Warning -- which is a set of 5 tracks totaling 28:31 minutes. While it played, I read the notes in the included booklet.

Yes, this CD package includes actual liner notes, something I used to enjoy Back in The Day, when records were made of vinyl. The notes explained that Three Minute Warning is a 30-minute jam, completely improvised, with not a single note discussed beforehand. What the notes do not mention is that it is TIGHT. This is all-out bashing wailing progressive rock, played by inventive, thoughtful players who enjoy the sounds they can get from their instruments.

The result is a smorgasbord of delightful playing whose parts and instruments fit together seamlessly. It manages to be powerful and dark but still joyful. Levin continues to pull surprises out of his Chapman Stick, and his NS Design electric upright. The organ & keyboard riffs evoke Wakeman's looser, happier moments. The guitar soars and tickles the other instruments along... and the drums are just plain having fun building pulses, pauses and textures.

The album is, by turns, dense and atmospheric, full of unexpected twists and turns. You really get the feeling these guys enjoy playing together.

I heartily recommend this CD.

jmr

Average customer rating:

Worthwhile Leftovers
As good as the first one
A great buy for any lover of this band
More interesting than the first
Even better than the first LTE album.

Liquid Tension Experiment 2
Liquid Tension Experiment
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000J7UT
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

Acid Rain
Biaxident
914
Another Dimension
When The Water Breaks
Chewbacca
Liquid Dreams
Hourglass

Amazon.com

In 1997, neoprogressive rockers John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater joined with keyboardist Jordan Rudess and veteran bass master Tony Levin to create an adventurous and joyously unrestrained musical environment. On volume 2, surging technical brilliance is abundant--and as provocative as it is impressive. These tracks were largely the result of extemporaneous jamming; each piece comes across as a finely crafted and flawlessly executed composition. Also striking are the enjoyably drastic changes of style. "When the Water Breaks" and "Another Dimension" are eclectic journeys, happily unpredictable. Quieter, more atmospheric moments unfold in tracks such as "Hourglass" and "Chewbacca." Petrucci, Portnoy, and Rudess effortlessly master intricately explosive rhythms and unleash astounding solos. Levin displays his wonderful eccentricities, particularly on the playfully wicked grooves of "914" and "Liquid Dreams." --Mark McCleerey

Customer Reviews:

Worthwhile Leftovers.......2007-07-15

If You LOVE LTE 1; you are a confessed gear freak, guitarist that does not wince when people know you Love Prog??? This a must purchase. It is a shame that it seems like maybe scheduling prevented these guys from putting together a continuation or extension of this project that lives and breathes as well as the first...buy it cause nothing else like this exists.

A true Gem with Petrucci/Rudess is the Solo Piano/Guitar disc that is on Vai's "Favored Nations" Label...absolutely worth the effort and every penny.

As good as the first one.......2007-06-13

Well. Another effort that demonstrates the talent of these guys. This cd is as good as the other liquid tension releases. Sheer power and great pieces. Highly recommended for people who appreciate virtuosos and instrumental rock. If your a Dream Theatre fan, you'll probably like it. If not, it is still a great CD to listen to.

A great buy for any lover of this band.......2007-06-13

A great buy for any lover of this band

More interesting than the first.......2007-03-27

I've been a pretty big fan of the first LTE for years, and only just now laid ears on vol. 2. I find it a much more satisfying listen, the overall approach seems a bit looser, resulting in a more raw and less-produced sound throughout. The main difference I noticed right from the first couple notes, is that the band takes a much more stylish and contemporary approach. While the first album had a sort of cheezy, new age-esque bent to it, this one is much funkier and more compositionally minimal. Don't get me wrong, the dizzying sequences of time shifts and rhythmic mayhem are out in force, but the compositions overall are more abstract. Rather than the almost orchestral approach of LTE 1, this record aims more for good old-fashioned riffing, as well as some really incredible experimentalism from Petrucci and Rudess. The whammy-pedal workout in Acid Rain in particular grabbed my attention. There are bonafied head-nodders throughout, with Petrucci and Levin laying down huge slabs of classic rock riffage. Because the tunes are more spacious in general, when someone cuts loose on a solo, it has even more impact. Petrucci's wild antics are more enjoyable for me over an edgey groove than the walls of keyboard strings and rhythm guitar that was common to LTE 1. They haven't toned down their virtuoso flurry-of-notes technique at all, but they have placed it in a slightly different context that makes the whole project much more interesting and enjoyable for me. LTE 2 overall feels more dynamic and creative, with a wider sonic palette, more like listening to a live band. My only disappointment is the last track, which I would've much preferred be a crazy 8 minute shredfest than the slow piano-driven "Hourglass".

Even better than the first LTE album........2006-10-27

*************this is a re-print of my review from Epinions.com under the user name alan-smithee)*************************************************

Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental progressive rock super-group of sorts that consists of John Petrucci (guitar) and Mike Portnoy (drums) from Dream Theater, Jordan Rudess (keyboards) of Dixie Dregs & solo fame and the legendary Tony Levin (bass & Chapman Stick) who has played with almost everybody under the moon but is most well known for his work with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel.

They released the first LTE album in 1997 on the progressive rock Magna Carta label. The first release was literally written and recorded during a single weekend. As a result, even though the album was most technically impressive, the extremely short writing and recording time made the album come across as extremely haphazard to me.

The band got back together in late 1998 to record the 2nd LTE album that was to be released in 1999. They had a considerable larger amount of time to make this 2nd album of over-the-top instrumental rock and it definitely shows. The ideas and most importantly the arrangements and songs themselves have a much better feel and don't feel to be flying all over the place at any and every given opportunity like on the first CD.

People should be warned that this album is unapologetically complex and is progressive rock with a capital "P". Being a musician myself, it is quite satisfying listening to this album and hearing musicians of this immense playing caliber just ripping it up. But a lot of people will be surprised at how well thought a lot of the ideas on this album actually are. While there are a few improvised jams on the album, there are also a lot of moments where it is extremely apparent that a lot of thought and hard work went into the tracks.

------------------------------------------------------------
The CD itself runs a couple of seconds shy of 74 minutes and here is a breakdown of each of the 8 tracks:

1)Acid Rain: This opener which runs 6 minutes 35 seconds in length starts out the album with a bang. Very fast, very aggressive with some extremely complex riffing and guitar & keyboard interplay from Petrucci and Rudess. Tony Levin gives his Chapman Stick (a 12 string instrument played completely by 2-handed tapping) a workout as well with some very creative doubling of some of the insane sections. I particularly liked the breakdown section near the middle where Petrucci does a blistering solo over a killer groove laid by Portnoy and Levin.

2)Biaxident: My personal favorite track of the album. Lasting 7 minutes 40 seconds, it bursts with some shimmering and beautiful keyboard work by Jordan Rudess. The track starts out very tranquil and peaceful in a sort of way that kind of reminded me of the progressive rock group Marillion at times. The song really gets cranking about a couple of minutes in and the tone of the song gets heavier before backing down into a really interesting section that plays out in sort of a swing feel. Rudess does an amazing piano solo that is very well thought out. Some very tasteful drum work by Portnoy throughout rounds out an extremely strong track.

3)914: Starts out with an extremely heavy (and grooving) bass line laid down by Tony Levin on his Chapman Stick that is doubled with some solid drum work by Portnoy. The song is kind of deceiving as it actually features no guitar on it since Petrucci's wife was in labor during some of the sessions and he had to be by her side leaving Rudess, Levin and Portnoy time to jam. This whole track is completely improvised according to the liner notes. Rudess lays down a very quirky but cool sounding keyboard part using some shimmering tones on his synthesizer. This track is one of the shorter on the album coming in at only 4 minutes 1 second.

4)Another Dimension: This 9 minute 50 second track starts out with some very eerie solo Stick work by the master Tony Levin. A keyboard pad then joins into the mix before a guitar joins doubling Levin's odd-time bass/stick line. This track kind of reminds me of ex-Dream Theater keyboardist Derek Sherinian's band Planet X especially with a lot of the tone choices that Jordan Rudess uses to play a lot of the lead synth lines. A very heavy and dense song that gets weirder and weirder as it goes along. Ends with some delightfully atonal swooping by Petrucci and Levin doubling each other. Not the most accessible song on the album, but definitely one of the most interesting.

5)When the Water Breaks: Here we come to the first "epic" of the album. Bursting at the seams with a really long running time of 16 minutes 58 seconds, the track starts out with the cries of a newborn baby before Rudess enters with a very gentle sounding keyboard part that initially sounds like a mobile in a baby's bed/crib. Things quickly begin to heat up with some very complex riffing by the band. This track goes all over the place and features a truly stupendous section that Tony Levin refers to as the "reggae/accordion" section in his comments in the CD's liner notes. Levin plays a stick throughout most of this song though I did notice some traditional bass work in a couple of spots. Petrucci's wife was in labor at this point and he had to leave the writing sessions for this track to be with his wife. The band marks the exact point in the writing process when his wife's water broke, hence the title of the song. (They do this by punctuating the song with a baby's cry right in the middle of the song when she actually gave birth). The song goes on a bit long in some spots but overall boasts a lot of rich and very musical ideas. Tons of fantastic stick and bass work by Levin makes this song one of my favorites (as I am myself a bass player).

5)Chewbacca: Another really long song at 13 minutes 35 seconds. After a very abstract opening with some really strange sound effects, the band starts cranking out a really heavy mid-tempo riff that features some great wah-wah guitar work by Petrucci. Portnoy goes nuts on the drums during quite a few breaks in the song. This is generally regarded as the weakest track on the album, which it is. But that doesn't make it bad since I've actually become somewhat enamored of the song over time. Tony Levin does some very funny and creative things on his Stick that make this song extremely quirky (it sounds like he's trying to mimic the sounds that the Star Wars character the track is named after makes in the movies). Somewhat repetitious, but still has some great moments as well as being the 2nd heaviest song on the album behind Acid Rain. Some very screwy solos by Petrucci on guitar round out this very odd but grooving and sometimes tribal sounding track. Extremely abstract and weird, but endearingly so.

6)Liquid Dreams: Another long one at 10 minutes 48 seconds but this song just is stuffed with great ideas. Another one of the trio songs as Petrucci wasn't present when this song was written and his guitar parts were added on after the fact. As a result, this track really shines the spotlight on Jordan Rudess' amazing and technically proficient keyboard work. I particularly liked the bass line laid down by Tony Levin on this sort of mid-tempo and very atmospheric rocker. Has a really great groove and I kind of wish they would have made it a actually a bit longer. There is a really neat breakdown section of sorts during the last few moments that features some very unique sounding bass (or is it Stick?) along with some very jazzy keyboard work.

7)Hourglass: A big change of pace for this band, this is basically just 4 minutes 26 seconds of some beautiful acoustic guitar and keyboards. While winding up the album in uncharacteristically quiet fashion, this track is extremely strong and basically just a beautiful piece of music.
------------------------------------------------------------

and there you have it! This album really had to be heard to be able to truly appreciate what these guys accomplished on this album. It is truly a lot better than their first album and a side-by-side comparison will reveal that this 2nd album is just a whole lot more relaxed sounding and much more well thought out. There are plenty of moments that showcase each of the individual musicians and they seem to blend in together a lot better on this album as well.

As a side note, Jordan Rudess ended up replacing Derek Sherenian in Dream Theater not too long after this album was released. Petrucci and Portnoy were so impressed with how easy they could write music with Rudess that they immediately offered him the keyboard chair in the band in which he accepted. They had wanted Rudess earlier in Dream Theater back in the mid 90's when their original keyboardist Kevin Moore suddenly quit the band in 1994. Rudess was tied up with the Dixie Dregs so Dream Theater ended up getting Derek Sherenian to join the band instead.

As a result of Rudess joining Dream Theater, we probably won't see anymore Liquid Tension Experiment CD's as they are essentially 3/5's of Dream Theater now. But what they accomplished with this side-project (and especially with this album) was some very nice progressive rock that shows that true musical proficiency is still alive and well and that it isn't a problem to be technically proficient on your instrument of choice.

Fans of complex progressive rock like mid 70's Yes will especially like this album as it kind of takes that angle and adds a much heavier feel to it. There are some moments where a couple of tracks get a bit long-winded, but overall this is truly great stuff. This is progressive rock made by progressive rock fans specifically for progressive rock fans.

Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

You can't hate this album.
Fairly decent but.......
When will Amazon let us choose 6 stars ?
How does this guy keep doing it?
Happy to hear this stuff!

Major Impacts, Vol. 2
Steve Morse
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001BUBZW
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Wooden Music
Where are you?
Errol Smith
Cool Wind, Green Hills
Organically Grown
12 strings on Carnaby St
Zig Zags
Abracadab
Tri County Barn Dance
Air on a 6 String
Motor City Spirit
Ghost of the Bayou
Leonard's Best

Album Description

This year has been a busy one for rock guitar virtuoso Steve Morse. In addition to his heavy touring schedule with Deep Purple and his own Steve Morse Band, he found time to record "Major Impacts 2", a successor to his stellar Magna Carta debut, 2000's "Major Impacts".

Widely hailed as an innovative alternative to the more standard tribute album, Morse's "Major Impacts 2" concept sees him paying tribute to his influences -- not with direct covers but with original tracks that recall the style of his heroes, filtered through his own interpretive sheen. Not only does it showcase his incredible versatility and inventiveness as a guitar player, composer and interpreter, it also provides a window into how he became the guitar player he is today.

"When Magna Carta came to me with the idea, I liked it immediately because it was such a challenge," Morse recalls. So many people do tribute albums where they simply cover the songs, but this was so totally different: I didn't want to fall into the trap of being derivative, so I tried to come up with a few things that would identify a style and what that artist or composer has meant to me."

In deciding whom to pay homage to on the record he deliberately avoided targeted research, choosing instead to rely purely on his long-term musical memory. As such, we hear flavors of bluegrass and Cajun music Morse heard as a teenager in Georgia (he even plays his grandfather's fiddle on one track, "Ghost of the Bayou"); the swinging '60s sound of The Yardbirds and The Hollies ("12 Strings on Carnaby St."); Bach counterpoint ("Air on a 6 String"); guitar interpretations of Keith Emerson's organ playing ("Organically Grown") and Steven Tyler's distinctive vocal style ("Errol Smith").

Like its predecessor, "Major Impacts 2" features the guitarist's regular collaborators and Steve Morse Band members: bassist Dave LaRue and drummer/percussionist Van Romaine. Morse, who also played all keyboard parts and violin, produced the album, his third on Magna Carta.

Founding member of the fusion rock band, Dixie Dregs, and a member of Deep Purple since 1996, Morse adheres to the notion that his approach to playing and writing hasn't changed over the years, despite the many hats he wears and style bases he covers. Indeed, it's his chameleon-like musicianship that is captured so perfectly on the multi-faceted "Major Impacts 2".

Customer Reviews:

You can't hate this album........2005-09-06

Even if you're not a rock fan, this album is a really good asset to almost any collection. I think this is especially enjoyable for guitar players who can appreciate the brilliant playing involved.

I can't pick favorites but I really love Air on a 6 String. It's a guitar solo in the style of Bach and you can tell. I printed out a tab to this and it's a lot of fun to play and a lot of fun to hear. You can even play it for your grandma.

I even really like the Tri County Barn Dance, and I hate country and I'm not a fan of blue grass.

The track called "Where Are You" is one that really sticks out to me as being one that he really hit the nail on the head as far as trying to sound like a band. That sounds like the lost Who song to me.

I'm going by memory here because I don't have the cd with me but another I remember thinking was great was "Motor City Spirit," impacted by Nugent, Deep Purple, and Spirit. Even before I read the sleeve on the inside, I recognized that lead as a tribute to Ritchie Blackmore playing Highway Star. The guitar solo on Highway star wasn't that impressive to me but I don't think Blackmore is that good. But Steve made the style awesome.

Just an over all great album. I can really relax to the slow songs and drum my desk to the hard rock ones. Just buy this album and listen to it any time you want.

Fairly decent but..............2004-07-12

As a guitarist/teacher, I've been a Steve Morse fan for a long time, mostly from the Dreggs. He is still quite the musician, but this cd lacks backup players, lacks material, and mostly lacks ENGINEERING!! It is poorly recorded for the most part, no sizzle, no punch, and drums that sound like they were recorded in a garage....certainly no challenge for any stereo system. I thought Magna Carta was a much better company that this production proves. The cd is borderline listenable....with a few decent tracks mixed in. C'mon Steve...you can do MUCH better than this!! You are still THE MAN....even though this cd doesn't prove it.

When will Amazon let us choose 6 stars ?.......2004-06-18

One of the really fun things about Major impacts 1& 2 is seeing your guitar hero as a 'fan' .. seeing him as a guy who is humble enough to look at someone else's innovation and talent, and recognise it as such; to be able to picture him at the front of a gig doing all the stupid things we all do when the mood takes us.

Steve Morse is humble enough to make more than a passing nod to his influences. Major Impacts is not "Oh, I listened to a great deal of 'Howling Racket' when I was younger" and the implication being, "and of course I have left them far behind in the phosphorescent wake of my own talent". With Steve, we have someone who pays true homage to his heroes and influences, and not just lip service in order to win 'brownie points'.

The style of this album, as is noted elsewhere, is very much unresearched ... it seems to come over without a plan .. a bit like our own record collections and memories, and is all the better and fresher for it.

As for the music, from the first bars of Wooden Music, it was clear that Steve has put more energy and an even higher level of compositional skill into this second batch of influences. There are only a few moments of "typical Morse", and that, to me, is a REAL bonus ... let me explain.

The problem with instrumentalists and instrumentals is that over the course of 15 or so albums, the repeating of any phrases, tones and chords sequences is going to be noticable .. much more so than in a song, where words and lyrics take the place of the solo instrument. Whilst Steve has created more diversity and innovation in his music than most other players out there today, over 15 or so albums, there is always a tendancy to say "oh, that is the same phrase as "Marco Polo" or " thats the same riff from "Battle Lines"

Not so with this record, and HUGE credit to Steve for that ...

If anyone has a rack full of Steve Morse records ( going back to the brilliance of "What If" ) and has any sort of sympathy with the feeling, "Well, I have 15 Dregs/Morse records, perhaps I can give this one a miss" ... DON'T.

From Bach ( sheer brilliance ) to the Bayou, this record is fresh, energetic, exciting and represents just about the pinnacle of Steve's innovation and writing skills.

I would love to meet this guy .. my true 'hero' and an inspiration. Thanks for putting the effort into becoming this brilliant at what you do.

How does this guy keep doing it?.......2004-05-15

I've been a fan of Steve Morse since 1978, when I first hear the Dixie Dregs' "What If" on a 8-track my cousin had. This guy is absolulely amazing. "Major Impacts 2" is no exception to his tradition of musical excellence. The Hammond B3 patches on "Organically Grown", the CSN vibe on "Wooden Music", I could go on and on but he captures everything he attempts perfectly. Yeah, he's a monster guitarist, one of the best electric guitarists ever, but he also is an excellent composer. Listen to the interplay of instruments on his records versus some of the other "shred" guys. Oh, they can play fast, but few, if any, musicians who just happen to play guitar can touch Steve Morse.

Do yourself a favor. Buy this CD, turn your stereo to "11" and prepared to be amazed!!!

Happy to hear this stuff!.......2004-04-17

I've been a SM fan since 1980. I've got everything he's done including (what I consider to be)the ill-fated Kansas stuff. So, like any fanatic, I've got to get the latest. And this is the GREATEST! The subtlety and strength is amazing. I'm a keyboard guy green with envy. Not to mention that Steve covers most of my main influences. Steve, artistry in the age of Britney is not rewarded other that by my abject praise. Keep it up. History, if not the market, will reward you.

Average customer rating:

Needs editing
Percussive gumbo stew!
ALL FUNKED UP!

Super Heavy Organ
Robert Walter
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000ALCG56
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

Adelita
Kickin' Up Dust
Spell
El Cuervo
Criminals Have A Name For It
34 Small
Don't Hate, Congratulate
Poor Tom
(Smells Like) Dad's Drunk Again
Big Dummy
Hardware
Cabrillo

Album Description

On Super Heavy Organ, Robert Walter is in able company as he constructs what he calls "soul jazz". For one thing, there's the rhythm section, culled from the finest of the New Orleans old and new guards: Johnny Vidacovich and Stanton Moore, respectively. Although they don't join up on these tracks, they do perform together frequently under another banner. Then we have Tim Green, James Singleton, and Anthony Farrell, as competent as it gets on sax, bass, and vocals. But they deliver more than competence here. It's more of a hardiness, a rollicking funk, done up in contemporary New Orleans style.

Customer Reviews:

Needs editing.......2006-02-26

Robert Walter's funk-jazz album is pretty good, but ultimately would be better with two or three of the weaker songs lopped off. The drumming seat is filled by either Stanton Moore or Johnny Vidacovich. Both of these can guys can play a funky drumbeat. "Kickin' Up Dust" is a highlight. Unfortunately, some of the songs are just flat.

Percussive gumbo stew!.......2006-02-03

For lovers of Hammond B3 music this album is highly recoomended. Walter also manages to get some clavinet, piano and melodica in there as well,as well as adding more percussion. The album is highly percussive with not only Stanton Moore but Johnny Vidacovich adding drums,cymbals and percussion to a variety of the tracks. Its driven along by James Singleton on Bass and some splendid, often tortured Tenor Sax work from James Singleton. To add to the variety Anthony Farrell, described as 'a special guest' is quoted as providing vocals on tracks 3,5 and 7, but if you find them please let me know! Recorded in New Orleans in January 2005 the tracks seem to have been recorded in a relaxed manner, with a lot of studio backchat. There are a variety of styles 'Criminals have a name for it' has a tricky percussion led intro which builds to a strong finish. '34 Small' is a much more moody effort whilst "Don't hate, congratulate' together with 'Big Dummy' are my current favourite tracks. One further point, the sleeve notes note that it is "enhanced" and certainly the difference between playing it on the in-car stereo and letting it rip on my domestic system was marked. I hesitated before purchasing and I really do wish that I'd had the foresight to buy it on its release.

ALL FUNKED UP!.......2006-02-03

With drummers Stanton Moore and Johny Vidocovich on board you can always expect some funky stuff. Walter's organ screams over some of the slickest N.O. drumming grooves anywhere. Solid tunes played by top guys who know how to make their instruments sound loose and happy.

Average customer rating:

Ozric Tentacles - 'The Floor's Too Far Away' (Magna Carta)
Sounds more like their older music
I can't stop listening to it!
Holy "Whole Lotta S*** Going On" Batman
Ozric Tentacles- The Floors's too far away

The Floor's Too Far Away
Ozric Tentacles
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Erpland
Ozric Tentacles - Live at the Pongmaster's Ball

ASIN: B000G1R4HA
Release Date: 2006-07-18

Tracks:

Bolshem
Armchair Journey
Jellylips
Vedavox
Spacebase
Disdots
Etherclock
Splat!
Ping

Amazon.com

Although Ozric Tentacles is the bridge between 1970s space rock and 1990s techno, they've never quite crossed that bridge themselves. They remain suspended in an approach that sounds like it could've come straight out of the recording sessions for Gong's You and Steve Hillage's Fish Rising albums from the mid 1970s, a decade before they were formed. With Ozric, you strap yourself in and hold tight as the band careens through sequencer patterns spinning like rotor blades, slicing up the real fusion drum grooves that remain the engine of their sound. As kinetic as techno, but full of syncopated rhythms that shift through complicated time signatures, Ozric layer synthesizer swirls, deep-throb bass lines, and serrated guitar forays from founding and only original member Ed Wynne. In fact, Wynne plays a lot of the instruments and programs the entire album. With the departure of flutist Champignon, part of the sonic palette is missing, but Wynne and his wife, keyboardist Brandi, make up for it in electronic colors. Much of Ozric's music is about morphing forms, as stuttering voices evolve into a gurgling lead synth line that's chased by a guitar that morphs into an explosion. The Floor's Too Far Away breaks no new ground for the psychedelic travelers, but it is more tightly arranged and a cogent distillation of a sound that's been fermenting for 23 years. The tea is definitively steeped. Have a cuppa. --John Diliberto

Album Description

Ed Wynne has solved the mystery of time travel. As the keyboardist/guitarist/chief programmer/creative mastermind of the band Ozric Tentacles, Wynne traverses the ages through his primordial yet distinctly modern, mind-bending music. The Somerset, England, resident is a citizen of the world: his art knows no boundaries in time or space.

"Recently we have been playing the four corners of the world and it seems the audiences like the combination of techno rock, strange rhythmic grooves, stomping bass line, and the quasi ancient and ethnic music," Wynne says.

Wynne jokingly refers to OT's music as "ethnological forgery", but Ozrics' new Magna Carta release, "The Floor's Too Far Away", is far from bogus. Recorded in Wynne's home studio in Somerset, England, the nine-track, all-instrumental CD is a musical reflection of Wynne's centrifugal creative vision - a vision synthesized into a spiraled, multifaceted tapestry of butt-moving, trance-inducing ethno-techno space rock. "I've always been interested in Eastern music." Wynne says. "But none of the scales I use are official, traditional Eastern scales. They are just snippets of what I have picked up over the years from traveling to different places and keeping my ears open."

In many ways "The Floor's Too Far Away" is a signature Ozrics record. Rife with incessant intergalactic grooves, the new record offers a satisfying, near state-altering listening experience. "We took a bit more time in coming up with the proper track listing for this," admits Wynne.

Customer Reviews:

Ozric Tentacles - 'The Floor's Too Far Away' (Magna Carta).......2007-03-01

Wasn't aware these guys had a new, 2006 CD release out. 'Floor's Too Far' is a rather good neo-progressive piece of work as most of us have come to fully support the Ozrics for. Tracks that make this disc a keeper are "Armchair Journey", the quirky "Vedavox", "Spacebase", the full-blown space tripper "Disdots" and the prog gem "Etherclock". I could actually see these tunes being great to perform 'live'. I noticed, however that Ed Wynne plays everything on this CD - synthesizer, bass, guitar, programming, drums and and sampling. Ed, you REALLY need to get Rad, Zia, Seaweed, etc back in the band. It simply isn't the same.

Sounds more like their older music .......2007-01-04

My first experience with OT was the Spirals In Hyperspace CD, which I really liked. I tried some of the older stuff, but really didn't care for it as much. This CD reminds me of their older sound, so I'm a little disappointed. Long-time OT fans may like it, however.

I can't stop listening to it!.......2006-11-10

Distinctive, rythmic, and entirely original, the Tentacles have taken some deep grooves, mixed in an extraordinary set of sounds, and created a breathtaking array of pulsating soundscapes. The drumming is very good. Every track is unique ... there is no filler and not one clunker! This is as refreshing a progrock instrumental release as I've heard in years. I found myself GLAD that there are no vocals ... the instrumental material stands on its own, allowing the listener to conjure one's own stories to overlay the music.

Holy "Whole Lotta S*** Going On" Batman.......2006-11-10

Good grief, talk about your techno,rock,new age on acid with a few doses of fusion jazz and classical jazz!! this CD defies description. It is startling and gorgeous and furious and all that! Pink Floyd meets Eleventh House with Larry Coryell. One of the most interesting and technical CD's I have ever heard. With all that is going on-synths and overdriven guitars and percussion galore; this a feat for the ears. Get ready, not for the faint of heart. A true musical journey. Have to listen to it 6-7 times just to "expect" any of the musical twists and turns. If you like avante garde rock you will love it, if you like hard edged fusion, you will love it. If you like music that you cannot memorize, you will love it. WOW

Ozric Tentacles- The Floors's too far away.......2006-10-29

Excellent techno, psycheldelic, prog rock, I love all Ozric!

Average customer rating:

very original with righteous La Villa cover
Prime time!
It's Steve. What else can I say?

Prime Cuts
Steve Morse
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Major Impacts, Vol. 2
Bloom
Major Impacts
Split Decision
Live in Baden: Baden Germany March 1990

ASIN: B0009CTVDQ
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Heightened Awareness
Prognosis
La Villa Strangiato
The Clap
Quantum Soup
Busybodies
Led On
Air On A 6 String
Wooden Music

Album Description

A collection of Steve's finest work from his Magna Carta sessions Bonus: 11 minute video interview with Steve. Steve Morse performing with Terry Bozzio, Dave LaRue, James Murphy, Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Van Romaine, Jordan Rudess, Billy Sheehan and Mark Wood.

Take almost anything Morse does on these compositions, whether it's the ever-darting, constantly modulating ostinato on "Heightened Awareness", or the thematic line from "Busybodies", or perhaps the dense layers of "Wooden Music". You will notice that melody always takes precedence. Mind you, you' ll also get a good dose of speed and heightened articulation: Perhaps this is what happens when a left-handed player turns the guitar around and plays it the "right" way. It places his stronger hand on the neck, promoting dexterity—and adding a certain "meat" to the tone. Morse's lines don't whither or trail off. Of course, this is very much a conscious effort and has much to do with his right hand picking virtually every note—not a lot of slurring going on! Also key to his unique sound is the design of his instrument, one that has evolved from the early years when he employed multiple pickups to catch every string nuance.

Steve wears his southern influences on his sleeve. While his tone speaks of the blues greats, it also twangs of the country. Listen to the way he handles the Yes standard, "The Clap". No question, Morse can hang with the likes of Albert Lee any day.

Aside from deep country and that Dixie funk, Morse exhibits a huge variety of guitar influences, from Steve Howe to John McLaughlin, the latter who seemed to define for a generation the proper ratio of jazz to rock. Then there's this pervasive baroque thing, almost Mozart like in its staccato phrases and Bach like in its serenity—evidence, perhaps, of Steve's classical studies in Florida (check out "Air on a 6-String" or the figure that begins around 00.50 on "Prognosis"). No wonder he used to typify his work as "modern chamber music"!

Customer Reviews:

very original with righteous La Villa cover.......2007-05-10

If for no other reason, buy this strictly for the La Villa Strangiato cover. It is obvious to me that Steve uses this song as a warm-up; for he effortlessly shreds this composition from top to bottom in a truly unique and fresh way. I never thought it possible to improve on this song; but somehow Steve's guitar aggressively explores a new dimension - all in the spirit of the Rush original.

Aside from this cover, almost all other songs layer creative and fresh musical compositions that both sound good and demonstrate Steve's amazing musicianship.

Other talented guitarists aim to prove their worthiness by cramming a bazillion sixty-fourth notes into each passing measure. Steve knows better.

Prime time!.......2005-11-14

I just bought "Prime Cuts" and "Rapture of the Deep" by Deep Purple (featuring Morse on guitar). Both albums are enjoyable in different ways. "Prime Cuts" shows off Steve's guitar work on this instrumental disc. "Rapture of the Deep" shows Steve blending in with the other musicians of Deep Purple. A powerful rock album.

"Prime Cuts" = 4 1/2 stars
"Rapture of the Deep" = 5 stars

It's Steve. What else can I say?.......2005-07-08

While not the best way to get started on your collection of Steve Morse's music, for those of us who have everything else, it is a way to hear a cut or two you may not have.

I didn't have the RUSH tribute cut in my collection, for example.

Any Steve Morse cut is worth having.

By the way, I just got to see Deep Purple again and that may be another way to add to your collection of Steve's music. All of their material from the last 10 years is heavily laced with Steve's influence.

Average customer rating:

Interesting
Mike Portnoy's Prime Cuts
The name guaranties perfection...The label no honor
mike portnoy's prime cuts???

Prime Cuts
Mike Portnoy
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra
Systematic Chaos
Prime Cuts
Drum Nation, Vol. 2
Systematic Chaos

ASIN: B0009UC7IY
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

Mad March
Freedom Of Speech
Acid Rain
Endless Enigma
Chris & Kevin's Excellent Adventure
Working Man
By-Tor And The Snow Dog
Another Dimension
Three Minute Warning Edit

Album Description

"Mad March", Mike Portnoy accompanies Dixie Dreg's bassist Andy West. The drummer comes up from underneath, firing off barrages of double bass drums in challenging patterns that seem to complexify and invert themselves, injecting urgency into the apocalyptic vision. We don't get far into Liquid Tension Experiment's "Freedom of Speech" before we're lighting up the wooden matches, especially as Petrucci's first guitar solo nears its peak! This is romance-epitomized and, for Mike Portnoy, his finest hour. His drumming is built for the arena. Rapid-fire sixteenth notes on closed hi-hats are the showers in "Acid Rain", the pitter-pattering echoed by Levin and Petrucci at various junctures. "Endless Enigma" alternates from gentle to chaotic. The church-like cadence around the 2:00 point is a clever device, providing sanctuary and calm. A drum roll sets us up for "Chris and Kevin's Excellent Adventure". Mike's rollicking half-time shuffle is the perfect jaunty groove to complement a light-hearted, whistling theme. "Working Man", from the Rush tribute album of the same name, is as heavy as heavy gets, a musical migraine spiked by Lee's seamless scintillating guitar. Portnoy chooses his spaces, filling them with double bass drum/tom clusters. All the while, he forges ahead with the heavy touch of his mentor. "By-Tor and the Snow Dog", another hats off to Rush, evolves into a screamer (at least once the vocal takes over) that is equal parts Geddy and Ozzy. Note the drum solos, ever increasing in intensity, interspersed between ensemble themes. "Another Dimension" is an effective Gage remix in which chattering snippets of instrument voices and atypical snare drum timbres provide a haunting backdrop. The Vapourspace remix introduces a steady stream of unusual undulating tones, then slowly pulls them back, dissolving them into a mist of white noise. "Three Minute Warning Edit" begins as a funky, organ laced jam, and graduates through various movements in the same key until it winds down—perhaps due to a warning that the two-inch tape is at the end of the reel! Portnoy's opening contribution is joyfully bouncy, while his handling of the various transitions is brilliant. Such freedom, such compositional latitude! It reminds us why Mike Portnoy is the envy of the working drummer who enjoys no such free reign.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting.......2007-07-05

Title says it all: "Interesting" ( takes a drummer to understand that statement typed about 'Prime Cuts' ) A keeper here though!! :-)

Mike Portnoy's Prime Cuts.......2005-08-03

Mike Portnoy shows his stuff on this album. Great collection of tunes, showing musicality and taste. I recommend to anyone!

The name guaranties perfection...The label no honor.......2005-07-23

When I first came across this CD, I was confused. If you do not know yet, Mike Porntoy, when recording his DVD, asked permission to include some LTE and Dream Theater songs in it. Elektra Ent. gladly said yes for DT, but Magna Carta (Prime Cuts label)told him he had to pay them royalties for Liquid Tension. Unbelievable! Portnoy said that Magna Carta would never make another penny with his name, but apparently, they managed to do so with this CD. I would also like to point out that in Porntoy's website, Prime Cuts is not in the discography.
Despite the fact that this label has no respect to such a drum god, the CD does fulfill expectations, the majority of songs being from Liquid Tension Experiment. The first song, which was a project of Andy West (Dixie Dregs) called Rama 1, was recorded when Porntoy was initiating to have issues with the label. Once the rivarly began, Mike told Andy not to include his name on the cd, thanks to MC.
The two Rush covers and one ELP is Portnoy at his best, respecting the work of the two legendary drummers, but giving it his special signature.
The rest of the songs of LTE are masterpieces, with unsurmountable performances from Portnoy, Petrucci, Rudess and Levin. Although the Another Dimension re-mix is horrible. The original song is a classic, but the mix is dull, you can barely understand what you're listening to. The only low-point of this album.
******Bottom Line******
-If you are interested to know this prodigy's work, buy it. It's a good place to start. Although I should recommend also buy the Liquid Tension cd's, and check out from Dream THeater Scenes From A Memory and Images and Words.
-If you are a die-hard fan, and are familiar with all his work, it's your call. You've probably heard most of what's here; nevertheless, I remind you that Magna Carta has no shame, no honor...they're only interested in making money for themselves, not even the musicians.

mike portnoy's prime cuts???.......2005-07-22

I give this cd 5 stars only because it's MIKE PORTNOY!!! A good mix of songs (original and covers) performed by top players in music.You might be better off making your own mix of Mike's performances instead of this one,but otherwise a decent purchase.Also,NOT ENDORSED BY MIKE HIMSELF.SHAME ON MAGNA CARTA!!!

Average customer rating:

Another Great Album by Steve Morse
Inspired musical gems
More Than a Tribute Album
morse fest
Variety Deluxe

Major Impacts
Steve Morse
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Major Impacts, Vol. 2
Split Decision
Prime Cuts
Stressfest
The Introduction

ASIN: B00004U05A
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

Derailleur Gears
Well, I Have
TruthOla
Migration
Led On
The White Light
How Does It Feel?
Bring It To Me
Something Gently Weeps
Free In The Park
Prognosis

Amazon.com

With Major Impacts, Dixie Dregs/Kansas/Deep Purple vet Steve Morse attempts to give fans an aural portrait of the origins of his wide-ranging style. Rather than merely perform tunes associated with this guitar hero's guitar heroes, he has composed 11 tunes that reflect the styles of his influences. "Derailleur Gears" sets the tone, managing the tricky feat of evoking Cream-era Clapton without sounding like a slavish imitation. Stylists from Jimi Hendrix to Roger McGuinn to John McLaughlin are represented here, and all are readily recognizable. "TruthOla," a tribute to Jeff Beck, Eric Johnson, and Alex Lifeson, falters only in its homage to the original Beck, offering the legato leads of Johnson and the suspended chords of Lifeson, but none of the riding-the-ragged-edge surprise of the Great One. Morse's greatest success, though, is creating a collection of instrumentals that will please even nonguitarists. --Michael Ross

Customer Reviews:

Another Great Album by Steve Morse.......2006-08-14

I don't think Steve Morse gets anywhere near the praise his talent entitles him to. But...Don't take my word for it. Buy it and decide for yourself.

Inspired musical gems.......2005-05-18

I'm not sure if I'm qualified to review such an epic guitar work as this due to my lack of technical skills in the area of string wizardry. But I will say that these original pieces nail down perfectly the feel and sound of the artists that inspired them. "Well, I Have" is a classic sounding Hendrix tune with all the trademark suspended scalar runs and wah-wah touches you know and love about the man. "Bring It To Me" has a thick and raunchy sound that would make Leslie West of Mountain proud. Prognosis features an incredible overlay of picking and strumming melodies in irregular time signatures that are reminisent of Kansas and Yes. But these tracks are just extremely well-written tunes that stand alone regardless of whether or not you are familiar with the artists that inspired them. I prefer Major Impacts I to Major Impacts II simply because it is a heavier sounding rock n' roll album. But Major Impacts II features great Aerosmith and Ted Nugent tributes as well.

More Than a Tribute Album.......2004-02-07

The thing I like most about "Major Impacts" is that the songs stand up even if you don't know Morse is aping the sytles of other guitarists. Everyone knows Morse is a great technician when it comes to playing, but his compositional skill on these tracks is impressive, even when--as in the case of "Derailleur" and "Truth Ola"--I have trouble connecting the sound to Creem and Jeff Beck, respectively. It doesn't matter.

My favorite cuts are probably the last two on the CD, "Free in the Park" and "Prognosis". The first lays down a nice bluesy Allman Brothers groove, and the second is an intricate Prog Rock sendup of (mostly) Yes and (a little) Kansas. Listen carefully, BeBop Deluxe fans, and you might hear one or two Bill Nelsonesque glissandos. Great stuff.

In fact, I wish Morse would have been a little more progressive on this album, he has progressive roots, and Magna Carta is a progressive label. For example, I'd like to see him play in the vein of Steve Hackett when he was with Genesis and wouldn't mind hearing him try something even less commerical, like Alan Holdsworth.

However, the biggest disappointment for me, and to keep it in perspective, it's only one out of eleven tracks, is the Byrds' influenced cut, "Migration". Morse has the jingle jangle rhythmic sound down, but I would have liked it more if he would have played lead in the style of Roger McGuinn when McGuinn was at his peak as a player. The lead in "Eight Miles High" is a good example, but there are plenty of others spread out all over the "Fifth Dimension" and "Younger than Yesterday" albums.

Oh, well, you can't have everything. Fans of good guitar playing and solid instrumental composition will like this one.

morse fest.......2003-12-28

Great,great album. For those who likes guitar, there is the funny game of trying to discover which guitar hero style is Steve Morse playing on each song, but also as always these are great original compositions from one of the best composers which casually plays guitar.
For those who just simply likes good music, this is probably the most easyly accesible album from Steve, but as I said, great guitars and compositions as always.
Great job also from Dave Larue, one bassist which should be more recognised.

Variety Deluxe.......2003-07-02

I have been aware of Steve Morse's guitar ability since the 70s, and I have had the pleasure of seeing him back in the 80s. This CD is great for those who, like me, like variety. To me this is how radio ought to be. It is a cool idea very well done. If you like instrumental rock with taste, this is for you.

Average customer rating:

Very good musician, poor music !
Great Instrumental Album
Eh....fairly Disappointing.
A Three Way Tour de Force!!!!
Spontaneous and Threatening

Black Light Syndrome
Bozzio Levin Stevens
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Situation Dangerous
Flamenco A Go-Go
Liquid Tension Experiment
Atomic Playboys
Double Espresso

ASIN: B000003ZBI
Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

The Sun Road
Dark Corners
Duende
Black Light Syndrome
Falling In Circles
Book Of Hours
Chaos/Control

Customer Reviews:

Very good musician, poor music !.......2007-01-23

I like a lot Tony Levin's work with Peter Gabriel, I knew Mr. Stevens for his work with Billy Idol, I must admit that he impressed me a lot on this CD, he's a top guitar player and Joe Satriani should invite him at his next G3 tour, finally, I know Terry Bozzio is a first class drum player...so you have everything to make a great album...this is not the result here. As another reviewer said, musical performance is top rated, but the emotion is missing, no harmony and music goin' nowhere.

Great Instrumental Album.......2006-10-31

What happens when you throw three lauded musicians together in a studio and let them go at it? The result is a truly wonderful all instrumental album that should please fans of general progressive rock as well as those who enjoy these musicians individual projects. BLS is Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, many others) on bass / stick, Terry Bozzio (Missing Persons, UK) on drums and Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) on guitar. I have been familiar with Levin's work for years, and I was familiar with Bozzio through his work with UK, but the big surprise here for me was Steve Stevens. I had always pretty much written the guy off as another average guitarist working with a well known singer. How wrong I was, this guy can burn on guitar as he does throughout this album. Highlights of the disc include the 14 minute plus "The Sun Road", the acoustic "Duende" and the title track "Black Light Syndrome". Really every thing on this disc is great. Call it prog, fusion, metal, whatever, this album covers a lot of ground. Great stuff and a must purchase for fans of these individual artists.

Eh....fairly Disappointing........2006-08-31

Disappointing in the sense that I really wanted to believe that these 3 guys could put out some good work. I hate spending good $$ on a CD only to have it be mediocre at best.
Sounds rushed, or hurriedly put together as evident from the liner notes of a 4 day recording window. Too bad because such good musicians should have know better than to try and crank something out for the sake of producing an album. Situation Dangerous is better, but still lacking.

If you're think of this in the sense of Liquid Tension Experiment forget it. The only commonality is Tony Levin. LTE is light years ahead of this.

A Three Way Tour de Force!!!!.......2006-01-28

Combining the talents of Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin and Steve Stevens indeed was something heaven sent. I've never listened to anything so moving and ambitious at the same time. This was the first time I was to listen to Terry Bozzio. The guy is a prodigy. Tony Levin I was introduced to through Liquid Tension Experiment and learning later on that he was Peter Gabriel's bassist. His lines are so solid and they really stand out. And what can I say about Steve Stevens. He's made a fan out of me now in the biggest way. While only under the impression that he mainly played rock tunes for Billy Idol, little did I realise that the guy can play some stunning flamenco. Truly amazing to say the least. He's up there with Al DiMeola and Paco DeLucia in my book.

The Sun Road is a stunningly gorgeous piece of music on all epic levels. Dark Corners rocks my world with some amazing drum skills by Bozzio. Duende is a lovely acoustic masterpiece. The title track Black Light Syndrome features Levin's bass work heavily. And Stevens' chord play is something to be admired. Falling In Circles is great piece as it also features a stunning buildup towards the end. Book Of Hours is another acoustic adventure and lastly, Chaos/Control closes the album in the best way.

Black Light Syndrome is a sojourn through many auditory landscapes. If you have an expensive stereo setup available turn this up LOUD!!!! You will not be disappointed believe me. So many layerings to enjoy. Something that I recently discovered. This album has been well produced. This is by far one of the best albums I've ever experienced.

Now go and get their followup entitled Situation Dangerous....

Spontaneous and Threatening.......2003-10-07

The moment my senses were stricken by Black Light Syndrome, the world became a better, weirder, happy, eerie place with an elated hope that music could once again be spontaneous and threatening in the best of ways. Spontaneous and alive with a fresh conception of where music can grow if given freedom, threatening the axiom of what "progressive rock" ought to be, Black Light Syndrome is a rare chance for the listener to be entertained and challenged. Terry Bozzio (drums), Tony Levin (bass/stick) and Steve Stevens (guitars) meld together wonderfully in this incredible project recorded over a span of only four days in an environment where each member had equal and unconditional input to its improvisational composition. That freedom is always evident.

Known for their musical efforts with a seemingly countless number of artists, Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons), Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, John Lennon), and Stevens (Billy Idol, Atomic Playboys) bring their influences to the album with a strangely comfortable feel. From the moody opening of The Sun Road, to the raucous noise of Dark Corners, to the flamenco fusion of Duende, Bozzio Levin Stevens introduce the record with a musical prowess that is both unpredictable and daring. The musing, jazzy title track coolly soars into Falling In Circles with an odd yet familiar vibe that crackles with electricity, while Book Of Hours gently soothes the tension afterwards. It is the album's closing track that best summarizes the entire listening experience, appropriately titled, Chaos/Control.

Tracks:

Chewier
Spirals In Hyperspace
Slinky
Toka Tola
Plasmoid
Oakum
Akasha
Psychic Chasm
Zoemetra

Album Description

Psych, prog, trance, electronica, ambient, techno, dance, jam, space. These are some of the musical territories where OT camps out. Based around the inventive guitar work, soundscapes and compositions of Ed Wynne, Ozric Tentacles' history has been one of never paying attention to the fashion of the time. For those music enthusiasts who make it their business to seek out the best and most creative music on the planet, OT have been a source of wonder and joy for more than twenty years.

Customer Reviews:

Intense.......2007-06-14

I like this band very much. They seem to be a mixture of Brand X, Pink Floyd, and Tonto's Expanding Headband.

Spirals in Hyperspace.......2007-04-22

Last 3 cuts - I hear John Goodsall/Brand X, Mahavishnu, Gong's best instrumental sections, David Torn's "Tripping Over God", a more interesting Jan Hammer that doesn't revolve around such a shallow axis, a bit of Soft Machine Vol. 2's tightness and some interesting Ethno influence. These 3 cuts are so good that they make my eyes water and this is the best music I've heard since buying System 7's Water CD late last year ( I'm a bit late to the party). Parts of this CD are a cosmic "dance of Shiva" (Hindu) and are beyond words and I think that perhaps this group could fill the void that John Goodsall's absence has left in me.
I ordered the new Ozric after receiving this one last week; but, I'll take these one at a time because of the letdown of buying a bunch of System 7's after the Water CD.
To date, I have not heard a better utilization of synths, software, and programming with other instruments that lends itself so well to the bizarre and beautiful in such an interesting manner; the mastery of which, is pure genious. It's nice to know that with cut 7, Akasha, Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy can still come up with outstanding input beyond the commercial realm. You can't put a price on this CD. Buy it.
Steve Jernigan
4/22/07

More Music to watch your cat drink Ginger Ale by.......2007-01-14

Now, I don't want anyone to take this wrong - because I own 4 CD's by these guys;Erpland, Afterswish, Jurassic Shift, and Spirals in Hyperspace, so I must like something about them - however, I doubt if I can name one of their songs, or even recognize which CD I'm listening to (which is why I have reposted this almost verbatim from my Erpland review - I wasn't sure which one I had just listened to - but this one seems to have more guitar) It's nice stuff to listen to... if you don't listen to it. Perfect background music for housecleaning or exercising. The problem with their prolific output seems to be that it all sounds like those "demo" tunes hard-wired into digital synthesizers since the 80's. I should know, I have 9 synths... and I bet most people couldn't tell the difference between the demo on my Roland SH-32 (this one sounds more Rolandish than Waldorfian) and anything on this album (I'm thinking maybe their earlier stuff might be exempt due to poorer production values).

They would have impressed me (and many others) more if they could have developed their little "sonic salads" into REAL songs and gotten a GOOD female singer the likes of Annie Haslam, Sandy Denny, or Jacqui McShee... not even that good really... well, just about anybody! I cannot see how anyone could go to a concert by them and maintain their attention span without some "chemical" fortification to pull them through it... and I suppose that's the point. But they've confined themselves to the realm of "so innocuous as to be ignored". The category of "Music to watch your cat drink Ginger Ale by" adequately filled by and forever licensed to Ozric Tentacles.

Sent into hyperspace.......2006-08-25

Take 2 parts Steve Hillage, 1 part Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream), and part Chick Corea style jazz, and what do you get?
Ed Wynn and Ozric Tentacles. If you like etheral or spacey progressive instrumental rock this group is for you. Plainly stated listening to Ozric Tentacles is like spiraling through hyperspace!!

Still Kickin'.......2005-09-05

This is still THE BEST prog-rock band out there. While many have dipped into rap + funk, OzT are still blazing trails. This album stands out from the rest in production and overall sound. From trippy synth to Ed's blazing guitar runs it is way too much fun to describe. If you only heard of this band and not bought anything-check this one out.

International Music:

International Music

International Music