ny fan of great electric fusion should be online ordering this cd! As this cd represents a few important points of interests for the fusion scene. One, is the fact that guitar great Shawn Lane leaves one of his last studio efforts on this cd since is untimely passing. Another fact is that this cd is signifying a new upstart label LNR(Liquid Note Records), establishing themselves as a label that is dedicated to artist integrity, allowing musicians the freedom to express themselves in a very personal way, which is how most fusion fans prefer! A third fact is that this cd simply puts it out, full on, in your face jazz/rock at it's very best. While many of the fusioneers are awaiting the next Elektric Band release, they would be making a huge mistake by missing out on this cd.
Well, who are these guys? A fair question indeed. Let's start with the man who's name is on the cover - Richard Hallebeek, born in the Netherlands, Richie ultimately ended up going to Musicians Institute and studying with Scott Henderson, Brett Garsed, and TJ Helmerich, obviously Richard was a great student of not only his mentors, but of the great fusion scene itself, and his playing and creative compostional sense are proof of that. Helping out with compositions is keyboardist - Lale Larson, a Swedish sensation, who at one time turned down an offer to audition for the progressive metal giant - Dream Theater, Larson has all the chops, and on this he really shows his aptitude for technically challenging fusion, right on the same standard as Chick Corea & Scott Kinsey. He really is amazing.
Not to be overlooked are the pair of Sebastiaan Cornelissen - drums, and Udo Pannekeet - on basses. While not household names, both are a fantastic tandem for an intense rhythm section, particularly one that requires such a dynamic and demanding type of musician to pull off, they provide both delicate and provocative performances all throughout this cd, and will impress the most hardened fusion critics out there. Of course as a bonus, as if this band isn't talented enough, you are treated to some additional guitar playing by Shawn Land as well as Hallebeeks old friend - Brett Garsed. Both are sensational and do great playing on their spots, but this cd certainly didn't need those two to make this a great disc, as the core group of musicians are everybit as impressive.
The music takes the very best of artists like Elektric Band, Tribal Tech, Vital Information, and infuses that with the compliment of each musicians own identities, making this one of the most solid fusion recordings I have had the pleasure to hear in years. I am excited about the prospects coming from the LR camp, they have a great core group of musicians, and there are some interesting projects in the making, for now you owe it to yourself to check this new cd out by Richard Hallebeek, it's highly recommended to the fans of any and all artists mentioned in this review.
ny fan of great electric fusion should be online ordering this cd! As this cd represents a few important points of interests for the fusion scene. One, is the fact that guitar great Shawn Lane leaves one of his last studio efforts on this cd since is untimely passing. Another fact is that this cd is signifying a new upstart label LNR(Liquid Note Records), establishing themselves as a label that is dedicated to artist integrity, allowing musicians the freedom to express themselves in a very personal way, which is how most fusion fans prefer! A third fact is that this cd simply puts it out, full on, in your face jazz/rock at it's very best. While many of the fusioneers are awaiting the next Elektric Band release, they would be making a huge mistake by missing out on this cd. 