Consider The Source ~You Are Literally A Metaphor

 

There is no doubt that this band, Consider The Source, has some talent. There are 3 members in this band. They are Gabriel Marin on Fretted/Fretless Guitar/Guitar Synth, Dombra and Balta Saz. Also, John Ferrara on Bass, Banjo Bass, Custom Taurus Pedals and Slapstick Piano, & also Jeff Mann on Drums & Percussion. They all do their job & do it well. There are 9 songs on this album & most of them are upbeat. They remind me of a later King Crimson with some of the sounds that I heard. All of the songs are instrumental, so don’t wait for any vocals, just get lost in the music & be happy. I really liked the song “When You’ve Loved And Lost Like Frankie Has”. There is no keyboards in the making of this album. These guys can really play & I think you should give this a listen. I give this 4 out of 5 Music Guru Stars. Possibly more if I listen more.

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Roine Stolt’s The Flower King ~ Manifesto Of An Alchemist

 

You’ve heard Roine Stolt’s many incarnations in quite a few bands. This time, he’s back, sounding like the band that put him where he is today. The Flower Kings were a new progressive rock band that had a sound similar to Genesis. Genesis were new & fresh when they came out, and so were the Flower Kings. This new album by Roine Stolt (the leader of the Flower Kings) seems to go back to that wonderful sound. Roine is a bit more experimental with the music, and it all sounds great. There are 10 songs on this album with the longest song being 12 minutes and 32 seconds. That song would be “High Road”. This song really having that Flower Kings sound. This would probably be my favorite song. “The Alchemist” seems to strive for a more jazzy feel with a sax playing along. This is not one of my favorite songs, as this is more of an improvisation song. “The Spell Of Money” is another great song that once again has that great Flower Kings sound and also finishes off the album. There are 4 short (about 4 minutes or less) that went by very quickly, but, were very enjoyable. Roine plays guitars, synths & lead vocals on this album. The other musicians are Marco Minnemann on drums, Michael Stolt on bass & vocals,  Jonas Reingold on bass, Rob Townsend on sax, Max Lorentz on Hammond B3 & vocals, Zach Kamins on Moog synthesizer, Hans Froberg & Nad Sylvan on vocals. Once again, Roine Stolt has hit a home run with this release. I give this 5 out of 5 Music Guru stars.

Suzi Quatro ~ No Control

 

A new album from Suzi Quatro? A classic star from the 1970’s, who has been absent from the music world during the late 1980’s & came back in the 1990’s. She also played Leather Tuscadero as an actress on Happy Days. This new album from Suzi is really a good album. For me, it started off weak, but, not too weak. The strong songwriting was there. The bass was very pronounced in the first few songs. As the album continued, the bass was less pronounced & the songwriting gets even better. I really like the songs “Easy Pickin’s” “Bass Line” & “I Can Teach You To Fly”. “Strings” was really good as well. One of these songs should be a single. This is the first studio album from Suzi Quatro since 2011. I give this album 4 out of 5 Music Guru stars. With more listening, it may get 5 Music Guru stars. It’s nice to know that Suzi Quatro kept her sound throughout the decades.

Dream Theater ~ Distance Over Time

 

Another fine album from Dream Theater. This one is not a concept album like the previous one. The band sounds fine, as always, but there doesn’t seem to be anything new to the Dream Theater sound. That’s OK, as their sound is great, but, maybe something new would be a welcome change. The musicians, as always are in fine form. James LaBrie’s vocals are better than ever on this album, John Petrucci’s guitar work is always excellent. John Myung’s bass really gets to stand out on “S2N” as Mike Mangini’s drums are right there keeping pace with the mesmerizing bass playing, as well as throughout the whole album. Of course, Jordan Rudess does his wonderful keyboard playing throughout the whole album. The album is hard & fast paced. My favorite song on the album is “Barstool Warrior”. This song starts off a little slower then picks up hard & heavy, as Dream Theater do what they do. The song, then backs down a notch, which really worked for me. I give this album 5 out of 5 Music Guru stars. The band should make “Barstool Warrior” their next single. The album cover is great as well. Go out and buy “Distance Over Time”.

Phil Keaggy, Tony Levin & Jerry Marotta ~ The Bucket List

 

This extraordinary band features 3 musicians with a vast history of playing with the greats. This album merges fusion with a bit of new age to make a wonderful sound. Whether you’re driving in your car, or relaxing on your sofa, you will be loving the music on this album. Having the rhythm section of Peter Gabriel along with the wonderful guitar work of Phil Keaggy, who has been making great guitar work since the 1960’s. Tony Levin, top notch bass & stick player has played with King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Yes, and even John Lennon, and of course, Peter Gabriel. Along with Levin, Marotta also played for Peter Gabriel as well. The album starts off with a new age feel, then turns more into fusion as the album progresses. All music is instrumental & very enjoyable. I give this 5 out of 5 Music Guru stars.

Tim Bowness ~ Flowers At The Scene

 

Once again, Tim Bowness owns his stock. When I listen to this album, I hear the Fripp – Bowie albums. At times the singing sounds like David Bowie during that era of his music. The album is very laid back. This album features stunning performances from an extraordinary cast of players including Peter Hammill (Van Der Graaf Generator), Andy Partridge (XTC), Kevin Godley (10cc), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Jim Matheos (Fates Warning/OSI), David Longdon (Big Big Train), co-producer Brian Hulse (Plenty), Australian trumpeter Ian Dixon, and drummers Tom Atherton and Dylan Howe. Each of Tim’s albums features great performances by different people. My favorite track is “Not Married Anymore”. This song had a little more flair than most of the others. I give this 4 out of 5 Music Guru stars.

Rosy Vista ~ Unbelievable

 

This all female band has everything that should make a great rock band. They have great melodies & music. The vocals are good & the harmonies are as well with the exception of 1 song. The album starts off with a great riff while the lyrics are “Crazy”. These women are a mixture of Led Zeppelin & the Runaways. My favorite song is “Too Much Feeling” which starts off as a ballad then goes and opens up into a rock song. At the end of the album you get a cover of Steppinwolf’s “Born To Be Wild”, which isn’t bad. Not quite Steppinwolf, but a pretty decent cover. This album could’ve been made in the 70’s or up, it is that fresh & new. I give this 5 out of 5 Music Guru stars, and I look forward to hearing more from Rosy Vista.