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

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