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!
Guitar and Keyboards |
Endel Rivers |
Drums |
Glenn Roche |
Bass |
Evan Harris |
Piano |
Allan Zavod |
Drums |
Fablan Ricco |
Keyboards |
Roger Nicholson |
Bass |
Robert Meister |
1) Klue Res Pate |
2) The Mad Tea Party |
3) The Empress |
4) Wildberry |
5) Swim |
6) Pup |
7) Troublemaker |
8) Loopenstein |
9) Olympus |
10) Confusion |
11) Beckerson |
12) All the People |
~ Christopher
Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris Ruel's Monthly Spotlight

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