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... more

NICK BARRETT

Our current interview guest is Nick Barrett of Pendragon. He took the time out from his busy schedule to answer our questions...more

MIKE KENEALLY / BRYAN BELLER

On May 18, 2009 we had lunch at the Flat Top Grill with Mike Keneally, Bryan Beller and his wife Kira Small in Peoria, IL right before their guitar clinic. The duo was on the road again for Taylor Guitars, after a 3 year break...more

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

PAT FLYNN / reVision

Pat Flynn, the former New Grass Revival singer/songwriter, released his second solo album titled “reVision” in March 2007. Like his first solo album “reQuest”, it is not possible to put this album in any category. He is traveling through folk, country and blues, bringing old and new sounds together in a professional way. The first thing to notice on this album is Flynn’s vocals. He sounds bluesier than ever. The second thing is the diversity of instruments used: percussions, dobro, harmonica, accordion, concertina, flute and whistles along with the primary instruments of bluegrass. The difference in genres becomes very clear in songs like “Better Let It Go Now” that brings back memories from the 50’s rock and roll with a touch of swing; “National Defense Blues” that takes you to the 60’s blues era with harmonicas; “Father Time”, a nice slow folk song written by Flynn and Tim May that catches you with the harmonies and “King of Babylon”, again written by Tim May, a Gospel tune with amazing harmony vocals.

However, there are more treats on this album for the listener. Flynn, who is a big Bob Dylan fan, covers two of his songs. The opening song is “All Along The Watchtower” on which his old band mate John Cowan joins him on bass guitar. There are also two other names here whose styles are very distinctive: Luke Bulla on fiddle and Noam Pikelny on banjo. You will recognize these two musicians formerly from The John Cowan Band. Flynn’s vocals especially are a real treat to the ear. Having these progressive bluegrass legends come in for their parts really liven it up. The song starts slow with Bulla’s fiddle and Pat’s guitar, and then takes off with Pikelny’s banjo. The second Dylan cover is “Highway 61”.

“Wayfaring Stranger” is another song that will hit the listeners with the harmony vocals and different instruments. This song was performed over the years by many musicians; however, Flynn’s approach to it is a little different. It will take you from folk to ambient in just seconds and end up Celtic with the flutes, whistles and percussions.

Every New Grass Revival fan will without a doubt recognize “This Heart of Mine” written by Steven F. Brines and Jim Smoak, because it was performed by the band on their “Fly Through The Country” album. John Cowan’s harmony vocals will surely take the fans back to those days. The addition of Luke Bulla on fiddle and Noam Pikelny on banjo creates the perfect combination on the album. Flynn kindly dedicates the song to the New Grass Revival past and present.

If you think Flynn will stop experimenting with different genres on just one album, you are in for a nice surprise. Because, one of the most interesting tunes on this CD is “I Want To Know”. It stands alone genre wise, with the feel of Latin Pop-Jazz, another song written by Flynn on which he plays not just guitar but mandolin as well. You just have to listen carefully to hear it in the background. Another remarkable instrument used here is concertina, especially on the second part.

A tribute to late Steve Goodman who passed away from leukemia in 1984 comes with the 9th song “Looking for Trouble”, originally written by Goodman as a folk/blues tune but became even bluesier with Pat Flynn’s interpretation; kind of like the late 60’s and 70’s blues. Flynn’s singing fits perfectly with the lyrics: a man who’s seen it all. Especially pay attention to the part where he says: “your throat gets dry”.

Overall, this is a great album coming from one of the pioneers of the progressive bluegrass music. It blends contemporary and traditional sounds as well as different genres and instruments. Flynn’s vocals and the outstanding harmonies from 9 different musicians are very moving. His interpretations of the covers and new takes on his old songs should not be missed. You will not even feel like skipping a single song while listening to this CD. From beginning to end, everything is done professionally. Pat Flynn wrote great songs during his days with the New Grass Revival, and in his solo career today he shows us he still has a lot more to offer. Definitely can’t wait to hear the next album of this trilogy.

Hande BURDG