ELLA BLAME

ELLA BLAME has an incredible vocal range: her voice covers the entire baritone, tenor and contralto ranges and exceeds the upper limit of the soprano range. She can produce sounds that are very similar to synthesizers, with no effects. Sometimes angelic, sometimes satanic, the many colors of her voice can be described as Billie Holiday meets Bjork and Loreena McKennit… yes these three names together sound very absurd, you just have to hear it for yourself... more

Kevin BARTLETT

This month's interview guest is KEVIN BARTLETT, musician, composer, bassist and guitarist extraordinaire, founder of the record label "Aural Gratification". Most of you know him as the co-producer of 9 Happy Rhodes albums. He lives in Woodstock, NY where he owns a newly built studio. He recently released his second CD "Glow In The Dark" as a follow up to his first album "Near Life Experience" which was released in 2003... 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

THE ESSENESS PROJECT

The Esseness Project consists of Steve Smyth (Testament, Nevermore, Dragonlord), Steve Hoffman (Sweet Leaf) & Atma Anur (Journey, Tony Macalpine, Greg Allman & Greg Howe). Impressive backgrounds from these accomplished musicians to be sure, but don't think for a minute that you can sum up what this album sounds like simply based on their resume. This disc is not only progressive, but a heart felt exploration into the psyche. Hoffman's bass sings, Anur's technique is impeccable and of course Smyth's fret work is flawless.

Three things I am thankful for when listening to this album:

1) It is not called "The Steve Smyth Project"

and rightly so, this collaboration is nothing short of a feature album for all three members. It could've just as easily been the Steve Hoffman Project as the experimentation of bass sounds and styles is seemingly without limit on this disc. Additionally, the dazzling approach to time signatures & complicated yet sensitive beats could have just as well made this an Atma Anur solo release with very special guests.

2) This is an instrumental album with absolutely no vocals!

Why should there be? Steve is a master of expression. It is obvious with every heart wrenching note he bleeds dry from his axe that the strings speak a multitude. He effortlessly portrays sadness, anger, joy, complacency or anxiety with every chord. Smyth is in the league with Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert & John Petrucci hands down.

3) This isn't JUST a rock or metal album

Yes, the shredding guitar work is there, and yes the band's metal roots come out, but this music is so much more than that. At one point a guitar solo kicks off with a jagged knife piercing into full fledge exploration of progressive rock (Afterlife). Then at another turn the group dives head first into a bluesy yet pop groove, even at one point skillfully executing a jazzy jam (It's All In Your Mind). This is in no way, shape, or form a negative reference as the band often returns to a hectic barrage of hard driving rock that is frequently interrupted by an odd metered schizophrenic break.

Have no doubt that this is a progressive album. Steve proves that he is not to be dismissed as a one-trick pony only capable of climbing up and down the fret board with Yngwie Malmsteen style precision. In fact it is his experience in metal that gives his music a sense of urgency and authenticity instead of being heard as self indulgent mood music only appealing to nerds. These guys KNOW their instruments and are constantly pushing them to the brink of their capabilities. They have set out to prove that bass, guitar and drums are not just simply the core lineup for rock. These three elements are stunningly used to orchestrate bombastic classical pieces like on "Just When You Think". As well, Only Time Will Tell is a rock and roll opus that is indeed very classical. You can almost imagine a half-crazed conductor violently directing with his baton.

I wont pussy foot around - this is a must have album if you are serious about your prog.

DALE JUDAY