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Spellbound
from Ecstasy In Numbers is a progressive / fusion instrumental
release that features the fine guitar work of Mike Mattingly
accompanied in a trio format by Dean Schmidt on bass and Garey
Williams on drums. The musical style that is founded primarily
upon clean and full toned guitar exposition falls somewhere
between the advanced, guitar-centric instrumentalism of Eric
Johnson and Joe Satriani and conventional fusion, such as
Metheny, and maybe even a hint of Holdsworth in places. The
arrangements are involved and complex for certain, though they do
manage to keep the listener's interest because they are grounded
in digestible motifs. The guitar work deploys a wide ranging
vocabulary that spans from pentatonic blues and rock riffing to
more elaborate, complex chordal phrasings that stretch the
progressive instrumental style to the realm of jazz fusion. The
rhythm section accompaniment is of comparable caliber to the
guitar work with interesting meters and constantly changing
rhythms, tempos, and bass lines, giving the trio a solid,
impressive sound. Considering the
complicated arrangements, advanced technique, and polished
execution, the caliber of this effort is at the high end of the
scale. From a broad perspective, the accessibility that the trio
achieves within its pursuit of instensive instrumentalism,
fusionistic musicality, and complex arrangements is a notable
accomplishment. The complimentary interaction between the trio in
their playing is conducted at a mature level that gives the band
a full, whole texture that is not lacking to the listener. At
some points in the music, the groove feels loose with full-toned
themes resounding over the rhythm section. At other points, the
trio is tightly integrated, traversing intricate chordal voicings
in unison with complex rhythms from one section of the
arrangements to the next. Fans of straight-up
progressive fusion should check out this release from Ecstasy In
Numbers. This is a strong debut from a trio of ambitious, up and
coming instrumentalists that are making a bid for world class
attention. The three are all obviously very talented musicians
that have pulled together to push themselves to their limits in
fusion.
Ecstasy
In Numbers: Spellbound
1998, Ecstasy In Numbers, SR9801
CyberHome: http://www.ecstasyinnumbers.com
Players:
Guitar
Mike Mattingly
Bass
Dean Schmidt
Drums
Garey Williams
~ www.ChrisRuel.com
Tracks:
1) Cruisin'
2) Glass Hummingbird
3) Shades
4) Spellbound
5) Rush Hour
6) Spy vs. Spy
7) Hangtime
8) Lisa
9) An Orca's Wish
10) I'm Not A Vampire
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