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Gayle Ellett & the Electromags are back with a vengeance and a vibrant, hard rockin’,road-trippin’, tail-pipe busting, monster of second album. A follow-up to their guitar-focused, Shiny Side Up, this sophomore offering is a tour de force of global Prog stars dubbed Friends.
“I wanted to capture that feeling of hanging out on your deck, playing music with your friends under the stars all night long”, says Ellett of his lockdown inspired desire to jam with pals. Only Ellett, the acclaimed Prog musician of Djam Karet, took the “Friends” concept one step further, inviting pals from all corners of the globe to make music together, virtually.
Still based on the core group of Ellett (guitar), Craig Kahn (drums) and Mark Cook (bass), Friends features twenty-two guest musicians including members of BARAKA (Japan), Minimum Vital (France), Aisles (Chile), Electric Swan (Italy), Shylock (Germany), Edhels (Monaco), and California Guitar Trio (USA). The result is a late-night jam session full of fire and passion.
The track “Via Valencia” features 5-time Grammy Award winner Alfonso Rodenas on guitar, bass and Rhodes piano creating a stately, flowing, cinematic piece of music. You can almost see the coastline, and feel the warm sea breeze in your face on this excellent song.
On “Splitting Hairs” award winning Blues guitarist Dudley Taft (with four #1 Songs on the HIT TRACKS TOP 100 Chart) brings to us some really high powered wailing guitar solos, as Ellett holds down the fort with his massive Hammond B3 organ. Guitar City” features Paul Richards from the California Guitar Trio, but on this track he turns in his acoustic guitar for a rare chance to fire up his electric guitar, and the results are amazing.
“Maximum Connection” with it’s bouncing keyboards played by Thierry Payssan from the group Minimum Vital (France) is another real treat, and includes contributions from high school friend Bill Polits and Topanga local Aquinas Magaña playing tasty guitar solos.
Issei Takami and Shin Ichikawa, from the Japanese band BARAKA, are featured on the track “TransPacific Highway”. Says Ellett, “I met them when my progressive group Djam Karet was head-lining a 3 day festival held on thebeach in France about 15 years ago. They are amazing players and really nice peopleoo! That is also where I met the guys from Electric Swan (Italy) and Aisles (Chile) whodeliver killer solos on the track “Sons Of Sebastien”.
When asked how Ellett rounded up so many greats for one album, the musician points to his 50 year career in recording. “Some of these folks I met back in the 1980’s while networking with bands from other countries: asking them to trade me their lists of DJs, distributors, and local music magazines. Others I met in high school and college, and some are my neighbors here in Topanga Canyon (Calif.).” He goes on to explain that his process was straight-forward, “After I composed these songs, we then recorded my rhythm guitar and Craig’s drums, and Mark recorded his bass at his studio. Then I
would send those basic elements along to my friends, and they over dubbed their parts
at their own studios.”
Now that the album is finished, Ellett says he’s proud to have achieved his goal, “I
always wanted to get all my friends together to play. And even though we didn’t get to
be in the same room, when I put on this album, it’s like we’re all playing together under
the same late night sky.”
For maximum enjoyment, try Friends with headphones!
FreeForm Radio thanks Gayle Ellett for providing us with a promo copy of this release.
All music composed, produced, mixed & mastered by Gayle Ellett
Album cover photography by Carl Weingarten
Recorded between in Topanga, CA., and Arlington, TX., and at numerous studios
throughout the world.
Gayle Ellett: Electric & Acoustic Guitars, MiniMoog, Hammond B-3 Organ, Rhodes
Electric Piano, Mellotron
Craig Kahn: Drums & Percussion
Mark Cook: Bass
And 22 Guest Musicians are: Ted Price, Brian Chapman, Alfonso Rodenas, Marc
Ceccotti, Joee Corso, Issei Takami, Shin Ichikawa, Dudley Taft, Thierry Payssan, Bill
Polits, Aquiles Magaña, Carl Weingarten, Walter Whitney, David Udell, Barry Cleveland,
Paul Richards, Lucio Calegari, German Vergara, Juan Pablo, Alvarez Ortega Bianchi,
Jim Crawford & Frederic L’Epee.
Available for sale (CD & Digital Download) at:
www.GayleEllettTheElectromags.bandcamp.com/album/friends
Youtube Video: “The Many Moods Of Morgan (Featuring Brian Chapman)”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xtRJ0dsuq0
Youtube Video: “Via Valencia (Featuring Alfonso Rodenas)” www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Q8bwydjVa-A
TRACK LIST for the Electromags album Friends (TOTAL TIME 52:06):
1 Viewer Discretion Advised (Featuring Ted Price) 3:53
Ted: Hammond organ
Gayle: electric guitar, minimoog, mellotron
Mark: bass
Craig: drums
www.soundcloud.com/TedPrice (USA)
2 The Many Moods of Morgan (Featuring Brian Chapman) 4:53
Brian: electric guitar
Gayle: rhythm guitar, minimoog, rhodes, hammond, mellotron
Mark: bass, soundscapes
Craig: drums
www.GreenhornBrothers.com (USA)
3 Via Valencia (Featuring Alfonso Rodenas) 3:46
Alfonso: electric guitar, rhodes, bass
Gayle: rhythm guitar, mellotron, hammond
Craig: drums
www.TheBlueDolphins.net (Spain)
4 It’s all San Andreas’ Fault (Featuring Marc Ceccotti & Joee Corso) 4:15
Marc: electric guitar (first & last solos) & synthesizers
Joee: electric guitar (middle solo)
Gayle: rhythm guitar, minimoog, hammond
Mark: bass
Craig: drums
MarcCeccotti.bandcamp.com (Monaco)
www.JoeeCorso.com (USA)
5 TransPacific Highway (Featuring Issei Takami & Shin Ichikawa) 3:11
Issei: electric guitar
Shin: bass
Gayle: rhythm guitar, minimoog, hammond
Craig: drums
www.BARAKArock.com (Japan)
6 Splitting Hairs (Featuring Dudley Taft) 4:42
Dudley: electric guitar
Gayle: rhythm guitar, minimoog, mellotron, hammond
Mark: bass
Craig: drums
www.DudleyTaft.com (USA)
7 Maximum Connection (Featuring Thierry Payssan & Bill Polits & Aquiles Magaña) 3:34
Thierry: synthesizers
Bill: electric guitar (first solo), EBow
Aquiles: electric guitar (last solos)
Gayle: rhythm guitar, mellotron, hammond
Mark: bass
Craig: drums
www.Minimum-Vital.fr (France)
www.Facebook.com/Bill.Polits (USA)
8 Three Parsecs from Tucson (Featuring Carl Weingarten & Walter Whitney & David Udell) 3:55
Carl: electric guitar
Walter: synthesizers, percussion & gongs
David: electric guitars
Gayle: rhythm guitar
Mark: bass.
Craig: drums
www.CarlWeingarten.com (USA)
9 Maria’s Lakeside Drive (Featuring Barry Cleveland) 3:20
Barry: electric 6 & 12-string guitars, bowed and bowhammered electric guitars
Gayle: rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, minimoog, mellotron, hammond
Mark: bass
Craig: drums
www.BarryCleveland.com (USA)
10 Guitar City (Featuring Paul Richards) 4:36
Paul: electric guitars
Gayle: rhythm guitar, minimoog, mellotron, hammond
Mark: bass
Craig: drums
www.CGTrio.com (USA)
11 Sons Of Sebastien (Featuring Lucio Calegari & German Vergara & Juan Pablo) 3:05
Lucio: electric guitar (first solo)
German: electric guitar (second solo)
Juan: synthesizers (third solo)
Gayle: rhythm guitar, minimoog (intro & outro solos), hammond
Mark: bass.
Craig: drums
www.ElectricSwan.it (Italy)
www.AislesProject.com (Chile)
12 Bueno Sanga (Featuring Alvarez Ortega Bianchi & Jim Crawford) 2:59
Alvarez: electric guitars (first solo)
Jim: electric & slide guitars (second solo)
Gayle: rhythm guitar, hammond
Mark: bass
Craig: drums
LosPencales.bandcamp.com (Argentina)
www.JGCrawfordMusic.com (USA)
13 1960 Ocean Front Walk (Featuring Frederic L'Epee) 5:28
Frederic: electric guitar
Gayle: rhythm guitar, rhodes, mellotron
Mark: bass
Craig: drums
www.FredericLepee.eu (Germany)
Gayle Ellett & The Electromags: Friends
Official Release date: October 27th 2023
Licensed & Distributed by: PeacockSunrise Records
Catalog #: PSR-1-011
Contact: Gayle Ellett
Address: P.O.Box 1421 Topanga, CA. 90290 USA
Email: Info@GayleEllettAndTheElectromags.com
Website: www.GayleEllettAndTheElectromags.com
Label: www.PeacockSunriseRecords.com
by Prog Nick
Ignorance is not bliss – not in Progressive Rock, at any rate. I must confess that until I was requested to do this review, I had failed to give German Progressive Rock band Subsignal the proper amount of attention. This was a shortcoming that changed in a major way when I began listening to their 2023 release, ‘A Poetry of Rain’. Now I find myself hurriedly trying to get my hands on everything that Subsignal have released, so impressed have I been with this album.
With one line-up change since 2020 (Dutch bassist Martijn Horsten for Ralf Schwager), Subsignal also comprises vocalist Arno Menses, guitarist Markus Steffen, keyboardist Markus Maichel and drummer Dirk Brand. An impressive line-up it is too, since every one of these performers is clearly very highly accomplished – a fact that becomes immediately apparent on listening to the record. Presenting a brand of Prog that is powerful and driving and at the same time highly melodic and emotional, Subsignal’s latest release absolutely hits the sweet spot.
The title and opening track is a melancholic meander that eases the listener in with a wave of acoustic melody. It is a deceptively ethereal introduction to the album, because within seconds, ‘The Art Of Giving In’ launches with gusto and bite, and declares in no uncertain terms that the listener is in for a mighty experience indeed. Driving and strident, the track is hugely engaging, with melodies that immediately demand attention and a complex, granite under-bed of odd-time bass and drums that will defy anyone to turn a deaf ear. Menses’ voice is superior, and the instrumentation is complex indeed. An outstanding start.
I am not a fan of programmed drums, therefore I was a little underwhelmed by the first bars of third track ‘Marigold.’ However, as partisan as this made me, so too was I very soon won over by the track’s melody and emotion. Outstanding vocal harmonies and a great guitar solo will do that to you. Excellent human drumming (Brand playing a superb tom-pattern with mallets) kicks in after one or two bars in any event, and the track rapidly reaches a place of defiant melodic polish.
‘Silver (The Sheltered Garden)’ has already been released as a single, and quite deservedly so. It restores thunderous Prog with staccato thumps of bass, drums and guitar that simply cannot be ignored. There is a doom-laden middle break that reveals this band to be as versatile as any out there, and Brand’s powerful patterns and complex ghost-notes are followed in tight unison by the rest of the band – especially Horsten’s solid work at the low end. Powerful and impressive, ‘Silver’ ensures that the overall album will by now command your ultimate attention.
‘Impasse’ is a solitary and sad melody built around Menses’ beautiful enunciation and Steffen’s endearing acoustic guitar. When the electric lead comes in, it quite unbelievably takes the track to an even more emotional level, and the track soars on the wings of heartbreaking melody – absolutely glorious.
‘Embers Part II: Water Wings’ allows Maichel to spread his wings with aplomb. His understated keyboard parts provide the foundation for a very fine track indeed. While the other members may generally be more prominent in the mix, this excellent keyboardist reveals himself to be an integral member of Subsignal and declares that he is not in any way to be underestimated.
Brand’s fast drum patterns and precise fills continue to impress in ‘Melancolia One’. He really is a master of syncopated, driving percussion. This song is an upbeat keyboard-based rocker in odd timing, and reveals Subsignal at their strident best. Jerky, angular rhythms literally ‘fill the empty space inside’ (as the lyrics state) and solid melodic Prog of the very best quality is the order of the day. The vocals and guitar solo are pre-eminent. At first listen it will feel as if the song deserves better than a fade-out ending, but on subsequent listens, the fade will make absolute sense to you. Filled with syncopation, starts, stops, breaks and surprises, ‘Melancolia One’ is a song intended for more seasoned Proggers. Classic Dream Theater fans take note – this one is top drawer and is right up your alley.
‘A Wound Is A Place to Let the Light In’ presents a more straightforward slow ballad groove that is no less fulfilling, due to its excellent melody. The first part of the song is not the Proggiest moment on the album, but soon some fairly elaborate arrangements are included and the subtlety of the keyboard work impresses again. The song has a classic melodic Prog breakdown that contains a superb riff, the likes of which King Crimson or Genesis would be proud.
Maichel continues to make his statement in the opening bars of final track ‘The Last of Its Kind’, which develops into an elaborate piece that demonstrates Subsignal’s proud Dream Theater and Fates Warning influences. This is heavy and brooding stuff, interestingly juxtaposed with a sax solo that really should sound out of place, but somehow does not. The track also actively demonstrates Mense’s versatility – he is as comfortable in heavier territory as he is in the more acoustic melodic material. As a band, Subsignal draw together on this track to provide a cohesion of the Prog Metal that they do so well – almost as a synopsis of all the album’s heavier stylings. Eminently impressive.
There is a bonus track named ‘A Room On the Edge of Forever’ which is a heart-rending acoustic guitar and vocal piece. This song, it turns out, was released as a video in 2021, having been recorded before the other tracks on the album, which were done in 2022. In it, Steffen demonstrates through beautiful Flamenco expressions that he is one of the classiest guitarists around. I am glad that this very beautiful bonus track was included, since it rounds the album out in the best way.
‘A Poetry of Rain’ was intended to be a counterpoint to previous album ‘La Muerta’, and it is therefore somewhat more Progressive than the latter. However, regardless of the album’s complexity and interesting arrangements, the band’s clear affection for accessible melodies and catchy refrains remains apparent throughout. Rich and lush in production with just the right balance of attack and refrain, ‘A Poetry of Rain’ was produced by RPWL’s Kalle Wallner and Yogi Lang, both of whom are real forces in German Progressive Rock. The artwork, which is reminiscent of Picasso, was designed by vocalist Arno Menses.
Progressive to its core, the album includes elaborate arrangements, soaring vocals, sophisticated melodies and sheer Progressive weight and crunch. It is punchy, complex, forceful and melodious – very often all at the same time. With ten songs and a total running time of about 50 minutes, this record will no doubt leave you wanting more.
Until now, I had no idea how good Subsignal were, but ‘A Poetry of Rain’ has made me very much aware. The band have described their music as ‘progressive, melancholic, cutting edge [and] emotional, blended with a good portion of melodic heaviness.’ Spot on, Gentlemen, and I would add the word ‘excellent’. I, for one, shall ignore you no more.
Release on Sept. 22, 2023 on Gentle Art of Music
1. A Poetry of Rain (Instrumental)
2. The Art of Giving In
3. Marigold
4. Sliver (The Sheltered Garden)
5. Impasse
6. Embers Part II: Water Wings
7. Melencolia One
8. A Wound is a Place to let the Light in
9. The Last of its Kind
10. A Room on the Edge of Forever*
*CD Only
Line-up / Musicians
Markus Steffen / guitars
Arno Menses / vocals
Martijn Horsten / bass
Markus Maichel / keyboards
Dirk Brand / drums
credits
FreeForm thanks Raffaele Pezzella for providing us with a promo copy of this release.
REVIEWS
Ver Sacrum
www.versacrum.com/vs/2023/10/jeton-hoxha-vowel.html
Gonzo Circus
www.gonzocircus.com/vowel/
TOP LIST on Luminous Dash
luminousdash.com/portfolio-items/het-beste-van-2018-patsker-omaer-beguin-recensent/
Merchants of air
www.merchantsofair.com/albums/jeton-hoxha-vowel?fbclid=IwAR18V9TA_xpovhav0S32LJpHz6wn2G7k09Rao6XYuycnDtzHNd1A6idYUzk
Chain DLK
www.chaindlk.com/reviews/?id=10702
Avant Music News
avantmusicnews.com/2018/10/21/amn-reviews-jeton-hoxha-vowel-2018-eighth-tower-records/
Rosa Selvaggia
www.rosaselvaggia.com/recens.dischi_02_19.htm
Mastered by Raffaele Pezzella (Sonologyst)
Artwork by RhaD
zerok.bandcamp.com
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