TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Shawn PHILLIPS

At the kick off of his 2010 tour Shawn Phillips sat with us at a 24 hour diner in Davenport, IA to grant us a very special interview. At his insistence, it would be very informal. One should not expect otherwise from this splendid human being.

The hours prior to this meeting over midnight breakfast were now a recent memory, but...more

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

KEVIN BARTLETT / SONGS FOR THE BIG KABLOOEY

First, came the release of a 5 song EP which took us by surprise, because it was quite different than anything else he had done before. If you have heard Kevin Bartlett's first 2 solo albums "Near Life Experience" and "Glow in the Dark", you know why John Diliberto called him the "mutant guitarist", but this time, Bartlett has lyrics, he is singing and as always, playing all the instruments himself. The EP got a lot of radio airplay all over the internet especially in Argentina.

Unfortunately, he made his fans wait for a long time but finally, the full length CD is being released on July 12th, 2011 from Bartlett's own record label "Aural Gratification". It includes 12 songs reflecting Bartlett's rock roots but spiced up with prog moments a la Pink Floyd and Steve Hackett. As a song writer and producer, Kevin Bartlett always has a lot of different projects going on at any given time, including, but not limited to commercial work and movie soundtracks. Add to this the musicians he is producing in his studio, he is exposed to many different genres. This CD brings out the rocker in him. However, get ready for a shcok with the opening track "Cool Thing" which will wanna make you get up and shake your bootie. He has Machan Taylor's high pitch screams on the track (if you think her name sounds familiar maybe Pink Floyd,Sting or Sade will ring the bell?) and Kelly Bird (Happy Rhodes) on background vocals. The counter melodies and layered vocals at the end of the song are a real treat.

"Hold You" and "Dear In The Headlights" are sounding more like 70's or 80's classic rock but the album as a whole has more of a late 70's early 80's prog rock feel with psychedelic injections. Because Bartlett, who is capable of creating the most unexpected sounds with his guitar (just think of the ectophiles' description of his guitar sound: ecto-sound is what they call it) this time hits us with crunchy solos that will go straight to your veins.

Just like you were hearing his rock influences on his new-age/ambient solos albums (I guess if we have to put a label), you will hear his ambient sound on this rock album on songs like "Somehow", "Here's Looking At You", "The Big Kablooey" and "100th Monkey".

One of the things that always amazes me about Bartlett as a producer is his natural instinct of weaving the lead vocals with layered background vocals in the most appealing way. Just look at some of the musicians he produced for example: Janet Robbins, Happy Rhodes to name a couple. He does just that on his own CD in a somewhat theatrical way like on "Everything", which brings Peter Hammill to mind. This is his first album with his vocals and yet he sounds very soulful and genuine, with a believability that can only come from a seasoned vocalist. And speaking of weaving, the whole album is woven with details that will reveal themselves intermittently with each listen.

The mutant guitarist has been quiet for a few years but it's been in anticipation of "Songs For The Big Kablooey" to make its big splash. Which it has. If you are longing to hear a good quality rock album, do yourself a favor and visit his CDBaby page and purchase this CD. You'll be glad you did!