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 ***

BRYAN BELLER / THANKS IN ADVANCE (Onion boy Records - 2008)

The name Bryan Beller is no stranger to prog listeners as he worked for many years with Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa), Zappa Brothers (Project Z) and Steve Vai and played bass in Adult Swim's Dethklok. "Thanks In Advance", his second solo album was released a few weeks ago from Beller's own label Onion Boy Records.

The first thing you will notice listening to this CD is that this is not a "my solo album, now I get to show off" type of work. Which is a big plus and something that is not easy to achieve as it requires intense focus... or extreme comfort in your own musical skin. He could have been all over it with crazy riffs, in the end isn't it his own project? But instead Beller professionally composed all the songs and yes his presence is obviously there but not "in your face". Yet he steps forward when it is necessary and when he is in the background you can't not notice his flawless playing.

The album is a seamless mixture off many different genres. You will hear jazz, blues, rock, fusion but good luck placing it in any one of these categories. "Love Terror Adrenaline / Breakthrough" is a masterpiece of fusion with a killer guest appearance by Mike Keneally. It is the longest song (over 10min.) and in these 10+ minutes it goes from jazz to prog rock (an even some psychedelic feel too). Mike Keneally not only executes a dazzling guitar solo but he also plays electronic vibes and piano. You will also hear Bryan play rhythm guitar, acoustic piano, percussion, synth and of course bass. One of the best tracks on the CD is actually one of the shortest ones (under 2 minutes) titled "Life Story" on which Beller plays different bass guitars. There are no other instruments. "Thanks In Advance" has a very moving blues/rock sound with jazzy bass riffs whereas "Greasy Wheel" and "From Nothing" have their Zappaesque moments.

He is a graduate of Berklee, his resume is stacked with credits working with legends and he is darned good at what he is doing.... all the reasons for a musician to be spoiled, yet this is one of the most down to earth and soulful albums you could ever hear. It is very emotional, moving and warm unlike many other instrumental albums that float around. The reason why you will feel immediately connected to his sound is because he is not trying to prove anything... everything just flows naturally. If you like well done instrumental music and haven't purchased "Thanks In Advance" yet go to Bryan's website at: www.bryanbeller.com or to www.onionboyrecords.com, it's worth every penny, you won't regret it.

HANDE BURDG