By: M.J. Brady
eal Schon, the long-time guitarist from Journey, also made many statements as a solo artist and sideman. His personal music would show tendancies towards fusion ala Jeff Beck/Jan Hammer. On this particular album however, his compositions are leaning more toward the new age/melodic solo guitar style, somewhat reminescent of ex-Jefferson Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico. Another ex-Journey member also plays a vital role in the overall sound of this CD, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, who serves multiple roles as keyboardist, arranger, producer, etc. Schon is treading into new territory on this CD, as he employs a lot of acoustic, and very laid back, ambiant settings, and coloring melodies that give personality to each song. There are moments where he opens up on his trademark electric guitar, but those moments are few, as the predominant theme is the new age direction he has chosen to follow on the bulk of this release.
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