This Week's Listen

Fragile - Yes (1971)

This intriguing album is probably the most well-rounded album Yes ever produced, and it could easily be labeled one of the best progressive rock releases ever. The band uses a great blend of short and long tracks that really showcase the band's overall range. Shorter tracks like "Roundabout" and "Long Distance Runaround" are probably the most well-known samples from the album, but the long player on the album, "Heart of the Sunrise," truly makes this album shine. Jon Anderson's vocals could not be any better, and Bill Bruford's drumming is top-notch, as usual. Legendary bassist Chris Squire is also in top form, giving many listeners a reason to place this album somewhere at the top of a "best bass albums ever" list (see his track "The Fish"). Steve Howe displays his unique guitar-playing style throughout the album, but my favorite bit is his solo composition "Mood for a Day," which is an emotional acoustic piece that is nothing less than absolutely peaceful. Keyboard legend Rick Wakeman does his thing, which is usually beyond complete comprehension.

A very solid album, and also a great introduction to the prog rock genre for any newcomers. Highly recommended.

Great video that really shows how awesomely bizarre these guys were:

This Week's Listen

Land of the Midnight Sun - Al Di Meola (1976)

One of my most-played fusion albums, Al Di Meola's first solo album is certainly one to remember. All of the material is quite original, and this album shows his level of depth and variety in playing. Di Meola is joined by a superb cast of guest musicians, including Stanely Clarke, Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, and an array of excellent drummers (Steve Gadd, Alphonse Mouzon, Lenny White). This album, along with his second "Elegant Gypsy," are absolute necessities from this Wizard's extensive discography.

This Week's Listen

Black Country - Black Country Communion (2010)


Just listened to this, and I have to say it is indeed quite awesome. The chemistry of this supergroup is simply great. Compared to other supergroups today, I'd say it stacks up to last year's Them Crooked Vultures, and absolutely annihilates Chickenfoot. So who's in the band and what do they play? This all-star lineup is one of the best I've seen, with Glenn Hughes (Trapeze, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath) on bass and lead vocals, Joe Bonamassa (solo) on guitar and vocals, Jason Bonham (various sessions) on drums, and finally Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, solo) on keys. This extremely unique lineup cranks out a whopping 72 minutes of hard-edged blues-rock on this fantastic debut album. I'd say Joe truly shines the most here, producing dazzling solos that demonstrate his talent beyond his usual bluesy work. Hughes is also a highlight because not only is his bass-playing noticeably top-notch, but his voice is also in exceptional form, with possibly more energy and better tone in comparison to his '70s work. Bonham does his thing, which mainly consists of pounding those drums like a true veteran. His father would be proud. And finally, Derek's part in this band seems to have been drowned out by everyone else, but still, he definitely does not take away from the experience.

All in all, this is a very unique release, and anyone into classic '70s blues-rock will be sure to enjoy this. Highly recommended.

Today's Listen

Live at Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado - Dave Matthews Band (2002)

This is one of many DMB live recordings, meaning it only scratches the surface of their massive catalog of music. However, it's a unique listen. It's a great set list, the band is in fine form, and they are joined by a few guests for certain songs, including The Lovely Ladies on backing vocals and Butch Taylor on keys. The set starts off with the epic "Don't Drink the Water," which in my opinion is one of the bands greatest achievements. Next up is sparkling version of "JTR," then the always fantastic "When the World Ends." Other highlights on disc 1 include "Bartender," "Everyday," and "If I Had It All." Disc 2 starts of with an awesome extended version of "Angel" which includes a heavy dose of The Lovely Ladies. I really think this song is now one of my favorite female-vocalist performances ever, which doesn't mean a whole lot since I don't listen to many female vocalists, but hey. The rest of disc 2 is great, featuring some of the bands best known songs like "Digging a Ditch," "Two Step," "Ants Marching," and one of my personal favorites, "Stay (Wasting Time)." Along with The Central Park Concert, this album is easily one of DMB's most essential live recordings, so go get it!

Today's Listen

Wood - Brian Bromberg (2002)

Brian Bromberg's rightly named album Wood features the bassist in stellar form playing his upright bass which happens to be a 300-year-old Matteo Guersam, crafted in Milan in the 18th century. Yes, it's an old instrument, but here it is obvious that it can still sound perfect when in the right hands. It's about 11 PM as I right this, and I must say it's the perfect hour to experience such an album. The album includes a few Bromberg originals as well as a bunch of covers, and all of them are fantastic. His solo bass take on the Beatles' "Come Together" is very interesting, as is his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner." Anyone interested in bass and/or straight-ahead jazz is strongly encouraged to get this.

Today's Listen

Lucifer's Friend - Lucifer's Friend (1971)

Great hard-rock/early-metal with high similarities to bands like Deep Purple and Uriah Heep with an occasional dash of Black Sabbath. Spooky name, spooky cover, and at times the music is a little eerie, but the overall product is a smokin' hot piece of metal. Although the music borders on progressive with its complex arrangements, it rocks really well the whole way through, propelled by darkly heavy guitar, sizzling organ work, and fantastic vocals that often match the talent of Ronnie James Dio. If you like early metal and/or Deep Purple, chances are you'll enjoy this too.

CHECK IT OUT

Today's Listen

Joyous Lake - Pat Martino

My friends, this is fusion. If you're new to the genre and are still unsure about what exactly makes a great fusion album, then this is your answer. This is the real deal. The album has it all, starting with Martino's virtuosic electric jazz guitar flourishes (check out the opener "Line Games"); on top of that, the band behind him (all virtually unknown session men) is in exceptional form. In terms of drums and bass, this is one of the pinnacle albums, and it certainly ranks in my top 5 best rhythm section albums. The keyboardist is also highly talented, and his parts are very dynamic as well, adding lots of beautiful electric piano and effects. Absolutely fantastic stuff, so get it if you can. Let me know if you can't find it anywhere because I bet you won't. If you like fusion at all this is a MUST HAVE!