DAYS BETWEEN STATIONS

Days Between Stations is the creative partnership between guitarist Sepand Samzadeh and keyboardist Oscar Fuentes. The duo came together in Los Angeles in November 2003, and named the band after the 1985 novel by Steve Erickson. The band’s sound – Samzadeh calls it “art-rock,” Fuentes labels it “post-prog” – reflects their varied influences, as well as a shared disregard for stylistic boundaries... more

BILLY SHERWOOD

We are much honored this month to have Billy Sherwood (CIRCA:, former YES) as our interview guest. He just released his new CD titled "At The Speed Of Life". Currently, beside his solo projects he is one of the members of the band CIRCA:, formed by ex-YES members Tony Kaye and Alan White, along with Jimmy Haun. They released their first solo album in 2007, followed in 2008 by a live DVD. They are currently in the studio working on their second solo CD...more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

ANTON ROOLAART / DREAMER

Imagine if you will. As far fetched as it may seem, dig deep into the resources of your creativity and conjure up the image of a hip school of progressive rock music. Now venture beyond the doors of this lofty institution and surprise yourself with the best teachers on the planet. Jon Anderson is there teaching his class on proper phrasing and creative melody writing. Peter Gabriel & Steve Howe share the instruction on musical dramatics & tasteful blending in compositions. Steve Hackett lectures in the room next door, today he has special guest Joe Satriani enlightening the more advanced students on not sacrificing technique for accessibility. Roger Waters throws the text books out and bestows the gift of absence in music on his impressionable audience. Training the young musicians that sometimes it is the notes that you DON'T play that bring the music to life. Finally, what may seem like an odd course to the outsider, for the graduating student is David Bowie's class on bringing all of the education home in order to craft music that the masses would enjoy.

Now picture the valedictorian, his name is Anton Roolaart. Graduating at the top of his class, he is brought up to the pulpit to give his crowning speech. However, the school administration stripped him of his honors as an example to all the other hopefuls. They simply sent Anton on his way with only one explanation "now that you have learned all that we can teach you, you must go and find your own way"...

...and that's exactly what Roolaart did. He learned from the best, watching every move, every structure and every piece of advice that could be consumed by our prog greats. Then he took those lessons and spent all the time needed to make the music his very own. With patience, blood, sweat and tears the hours turned to days and the days turned to years. What we have now is the music we didn't know we were waiting for. Music with such a creative spark and freshness that you will wonder how you got along without it.

Simply put, Dreamer has made it's way past my "review" pile and comfortably sits on a cycle of frequently listened to discs. I lost the CD once as it made a seemingly harmless trip from my studio to my car. It was only absent for a day, but it was a day of panic. I cant be without this album, I'd buy it again and again if I ever did lose it. Very, VERY few CDs hold the same honor.

Anton's arrangements are both tasteful and technical. Not an easy thing to accomplish. I found myself discovering new things in the music each time I listened. Like digging a new hole in the backyard only to discover treasure. The opening track takes you on a journey you cant help but fall victim to. With the gardenesque piece that transitions the beginning, it's as if I was swept away to be brought inside the foyer where Anton performs the piano interlude. Moments like these are rampant through the whole CD. It's also interesting to note that Roolaart will change the meter not just for progressive reasons, but with INTENTION. Every note is paid attention to, not one passage is wasted. The songs individually are works of art, put together the entire CD is worthy of meaningful appreciation. Roolaart's mind didn't stop with the music, even the CD insert is intriguing in it's layout.

Here's my only complaint... lyrics... Obviously the words are very personal to Roolaart. Although his voice is at times lacking, he has complete control over it. He knows his limitations and his strengths, maintaining an appealing charm to every vocal phrasing. He has put thought and invention into all aspects of this CD, but what happened to some of the lyrics? Did he run out of time, did it not matter, do the lyrics mean that much to him that the thought of changing them was simply never allowed to be considered? Mind you, not all the lyrics are this way. Symbolism and deeper meaning are evident with songs like Near or Far, On the Afterglow & Dreamer. But Anton seemed to drop the ball with Scary Monsters when he wrote "the empty feeling now baby" & "just hang on a little tighter now". Even Mid Summer's Day suffers from elementary lyrics as does Manon with it's trite "Cool cafe's, we walked the night away". However, this CD is still amazing and it's few lyrical problems is the only reason it lost half-a-star on my rating.

I get the overwhelming sense that I'm witnessing something extraordinary with his music. Roolaart crafts his rock with focus and mindful scope of its entirety. Not just simply writing filler to build up to a keyboard highlight (which he is incredible at) or building up parts just to support a ripping guitar solo (which he also excels at). Chock full of memorable songs, Dreamer is certain to hold a place in prog rock history as the standard for musical pursuit in this fine genre.

Anton's myspace page: www.myspace.com/antonroolaart

Anton's Website: www.antonroolaart.com

Dale JUDAY