ail Japan! Another great export coming from the land of the rising sun. Kelly Simonz unleashes a fury of neo-classically influenced songs, hard-edged rockers and some beautiful ballads. Simonz, an ultra talented musician, handles all instruments and vocals on this release. His voice is smooth and polished and aptly suited to his musical vision. Heavily influenced by players like YJM and fellow countrymen Akira Takasaki and Norifumi Shima. Simonz combines the best of neo-classical guitarstyling with great melodic melodies and catchy song structures.
Kelly has a blazing guitar technique that will be sure to please the neo-classical crowd. Simons is equally comfortable ripping off over the top arpeggios on guitar and keyboard. One of his greatest strengths lies in his awesome keyboard playing that accompanies many of the tunes on this CD. At times his keyboard / guitar interplay reminds me of Tony MacAlpine.
There are numerous moments of greatness throughout this CD:
The CD opens with some nice textural keyboard playing before it jumps in with the fast paced hard rocker "Eternal Flame".
The title track "Sign of the Times" is a neo-classical storm bringer with awesome classical influences and superb keyboard / guitar exchanges. Serpent in Pain also makes great use of the Neo-classical format with a galloping rhythm and great soloing.
Solitude is a day dreamy classical ballad with superb acoustic guitar. Cry for you is also a ballad with some very heart felt, emotional playing, once again featuring Kelly's guitar and keyboard talents.
There are several other cuts on Sign of the Times that contribute to its overall greatness. Not since YJM's "Trilogy" have I enjoyed such a masterfully put together musical statement.
Kelly Simonz might just have put out the "Best CD" of 2002!
ail Japan! Another great export coming from the land of the rising sun. Kelly Simonz unleashes a fury of neo-classically influenced songs, hard-edged rockers and some beautiful ballads. Simonz, an ultra talented musician, handles all instruments and vocals on this release. His voice is smooth and polished and aptly suited to his musical vision. Heavily influenced by players like YJM and fellow countrymen Akira Takasaki and Norifumi Shima. Simonz combines the best of neo-classical guitarstyling with great melodic melodies and catchy song structures.