rogressive guitarist/composer Harry Kapeliaris releases his debut CD titled Journey
To Light, which features ten original tracks by this Greek-born (his real first name
is Haralabos) musician, who is clearly knowledgeable in many phases of both
songwriting and his instrument. Flanked in the studio by keyboardist Christo Mpasios
and drummer Hapis Mpoitselakis, who are both very comparable musicians in their own
right, create an inventive fusion/jazz sound that frequently sounds like more than
only a trio of musicians.
As a guitarist, Kapeliaris touches upon several styles and influences, without
stepping too far out into the spotlight as to overtake the sessions. In tracks such
as the opening title cut, "Ride On" and "Hipnosis," Harry takes a more fusion/rock
approach ala' Joe Satriani or perhaps Eric Johnson. Yet on other tracks such as
"Entropy," "Nice Nine" and "Friday Morning" both Mpasios and Mpoitselakis get into
the act more prominently. Christo offers some beautiful piano phrasing in the
aforementioned "Nice Nine,",while Hapis creates crisp and well-accenting high-hat
work on several tracks. However, another aspect that jumps right out at this
reviewer is the tasteful use of midi-guitar and programming to produce a full, rich
"bass" level throughout. I actually had to go back and re-read the liner notes to
make sure I wasn't missing a full-out, electric bass player in the mix. Although a
Panagiotis Argyris is credited on bass in one track.
Overall, Journey To Light offers some finely crafted musicianship that, although not
straying too far from the norm (creatively speaking) of this genre, is surely an
enjoyable experience of jazz/fusion rock.