Electric / Blue is a progressive effort from Joe Deninzon with a combination of classical and fusionish foundations showcasing Deninzon's electric violin work. The composition contains some complex tonality and arrangements that venture into outside harmonization with mixed results. But, on the track "An Evening Nap in the Afternoon Sun" the group gets the elements to all work together with good effect. This track centers around a subdued, bittersweet theme that features exposition notably by the electric violin, piano, and guitar that trade off soulful exchanges. The contrast of tones, voicings, and feel of the different instruments works well and is well-integrated, though they are distinctly widely varying in character. This track was of such fine caliber that it justified the entire album for me. Some of the other tracks were hit or miss for my tastes, but all tracks were bound by a common thread consisting of progressive tonality and thoughtful arrangements striving for originality.

Some listeners may find the use of electric violin in the instrumental fusion format to be unusual. Listeners new to Deninzon's musical vision may require some adjustment or may just not latch onto it at all because it is different. But, it is a good thing in my view to have new and different perspectives to be brought into the stream of progression for modern instrumental music. If you haven't heard Deninzon before and have an interest in eclectic instrumental music, you should at least check him out to get a bearing on his different perspective.

~ Christopher Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris Ruel's Monthly Spotlight

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