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Ecstasy In Numbers: Spellbound
1998, Ecstasy In Numbers, SR9801
CyberHome: http://www.ecstasyinnumbers.com

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.

Players:  
Guitar Mike Mattingly
Bass Dean Schmidt
Drums Garey Williams
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

~ Christopher Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com ~ October 2003



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