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

NARROW PASS / A ROOM OF THE FAIRY QUEEN'S

Narrow Pass is the project of Italian multi-instrumentalist Mauro Montobbio’s, and joining him on this CD, another multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Valeria Caucino. Their music is a mixture of rock/ambient/celtic and new age. Mostly sounds like a fusion of Marillion, Camel, Pink Floyd and Irish folk songs.

The CD starts with the song “Earth”, with a smooth sax intro in an ambient environment, then comes the voice speaking in French (I am searching for life, it hides in the dreams…time will help find it etc. were the words I was able to catch). The sound of harp mixed with percussions builds up a more medieval sound. Which is pretty cool. The Irish atmosphere intensifies with “A Room of the Fairy Queen’s”, and Valeria’s vocals really fit that.

A switch in genre begins with “The Lord of the Headline”; with Alessandro CORVAGLIA’s (I am assuming that is him on vocals because I was not able to find detailed information about the other musicians involved) vocals. His voice is pretty interesting, somewhere between Phil Collins (Genesis) and Fish (Marillion / The Company). The song reminds me of Marillion’s albums in the 80’s, but then again it also has strong Camel influences.

Going back to Celtic lands with “The Lake” with the sounds of the pipes and flute, and you can almost smell the rain falling on the lake. This instrumental piece ends with the thunder. Another instrumental song follows it with a more Marillion-like sound. This is a very short one, only 1:47 minutes long, and has a sudden, unexpected ending. Next two songs carry traces of early Genesis, Camel and Marillion, especially “Wake Up”, sounds very much like it could have been on “Misplaced Childhood”.

The CD ends with a beautiful duet. It is called “Into The Light”. The parts sang by Corvaglia are like soft, slow rock ballad while Valeria’s parts are new age/folk. The musicianship is great, and although English is not their mother language, I think the lyrics they wrote are pretty neat too. You can purchase this album at:www.narrowpass.net

STEPHANIE BUTLER