Endel Rivers sets out to compose a multi-flavored, strictly instrumental effort on his CD Hardbite which he heads up on guitar and keyboards. River's music is centered around a diversity of musical ideas that deploy aggressive, hard-edged themes and riffs balanced by more soulful musical motifs that all provide a backdrop for his lead guitar work that is the focus of attention. Endel incorporates a number of different stylistic elements primarily from progressive rock and fusion influences, as well as from jazz and blues influences. His playing integrates some speedy runs, gutsy, well-placed phrasings, interesting harmonization, and accessible themes that provide a gravity that the music revolves. The composition on this album is coherent with well-developed musical ideas that are executed with a driving vision.

The soundscape across the album is interesting because it integrates many different flavors of tonality. The album opens with a fusion-ish track, "Klue Res Pate", that transitions through some nice, jazz-oriented progressions with Rivers' tactfully arranged fusion phrasings following the movement closely. The third track, "The Empress" deploys some eastern melody lines that are Middle-Eastern in flavor, but balances this with some European classically influenced piano sections. The contrast achieves the targeted effect, but the two divergent and contrasting elements work well together in the cohesive manner that Rivers integrates them. The fifth track, "Swim", is built around an unwinding, ascending melodic theme that Morris extemporizes around with fluid legato runs. This smooth theme is contrasted by a second theme that is founded in more abrubt rhythms and confrontational phrasings. The sixth track, "Pup", takes another change in direction into a more funk-based groove is worked with funky, melodic, contrapuntal phrasings that are articulated like a conversation. The ninth track, Olympus, diverges on another unexpected path with a symphonic sound and feel similar to "Fanfare for the Common Man." The diversity across the album is pleasing and disarming at the same time because of Rivers' broad scope.

In addition to the impressive compositional frame, Rivers and his accompaniment demonstrate a good sense for musical voicings to achieve the musical vision, both in the application of different instruments and different tones. Rivers has assembled an impressive lineup of talent, each of which make a polished, crafy contribution. The production that the effort is bundled is first rate facilitating unobstructed conveyance of the musical vision and execution.

Fusion fans that enjoy thoughtful composition and skillful, polished playing that is geared towards conceptual realization of musical vision should check out this CD from Endel Rivers and company. Though Rivers is a highly entertaining player, don't expect the onslaught of overwhelming speed and extreme technicianry you might get with some of the world class fusion masters, such as Frank Gambale or Scott Henderson. But, even so, the caliber of composition and playing on Hardbite still merit due consideration. And, I am only saying this to adjust expectations accordingly and put the effort into a broader perspective to help readers understand where the CD sits in the musical spectrum. But, don't let this disuade you from any potential interest in this CD because this is a truly impressive effort that Endel Rivers has put forth. Fusion fans should check this one out!

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

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