Mark Stanley ventures into
the far reaches of space to dream up the premise for his
progressive fusion effort, Insect Warriors.
The album is centered around the premise of giant insects that
humans must battle for survival after human chemical biproducts
have caused insects to evolve into enormous, mortal enemies.
Though this premise is a little out there, the theme is done
somewhat tongue-in-cheek with a wink at the listener because
Stanley has a host of serious musicians backing up his talented
fusion guitar chops. This all-star lineup includes premiere
fusion drummers Dennis Chambers of CAB and
Sean Rickman who has been know to slap the skins with the likes
of Shawn Lane. Stanley has also brought Mark Egan and Mark Smoot
into his ensemble on bass. Stanley sets out in the
earlier parts of the album to demonstrate his abilities with
aggressive fusion with an emphasis on the rock side of fusion.
Later in the album, he diverges into a more abstract jazz twist
on fusion to prove that he can delve into this cultural faction
of fusion with equal talent. The breadth that his style spans
will surely strike a resonance with fans of fusion at all point
in the spectrum that he spans. Putting the awe of the
lineup aside, Stanley delivers a stunning performance on guitar
that traverses his amazing progressive, fusionistic compositions
with remarkable technique and captivating musical vision. In the
earlier tracks on the album, the driving tempos fuel Stanley's
aggressive guitar riffing, shredding, and melodic domination.
Stanley's playing is at times more raw and less exacting in his
articulation when he is grooving to this more energized form of
fusion. But, the raw energy works towards a good effect in this
case and any lack of precision has more to do with perfection of
finesse in dealing with energized tones while getting caught up
in the spirit of the passages, rather than anything more serious
that might be of detriment to the musical precision. So, Stanley
is well within the boundaries of raw fusion in these regards (and
I think the rawness works in a cool way). In addition to his
aggressive fusion traits, Stanley has a superb sense for
balancing outside harmonization with well-stated, melodic themes
that he is quick to dismiss with towering runs. Besides Mark Stanley's
guitar prowess that is the focal point of the album, his
supporting entourage provides a solid backing, notably Chambers
and Rickman's percussionry provide a subtle distraction
throughout their appearances. Both impart a deft element of class
to the effort with their rhythms that constantly evolve with
innovative variations around the central beat and tempo. The bass
efforts of Mark Egan and Mark Smoot provide fine support for and
interplay with Stanley's cavalcade of fusionistic fireworks. All in all, Insect
Warriors from Mark Stanley covers such a
broad range of fusion with good results, that this album should
find a good home in the ear of most fusion fans. Stanley not only
understands the aggressive side of fusion, but he also has a
grasp on the dark side of fusion... abstraction, outside
harmonization, and inter-galactic exploration. The net sum for
the listener is a digestible auditory buffet with the
intellectual satisfaction of technical depth rolled in. On the
scale of "into it", I rate this one a thumbs up for
Mark Stanley's Insect Warriors!
Mark
Stanley: Insect Warriors
2002, Sir Eel Records
CyberHome: http://www.MarkStanley.com
Players:
Mark Stanley
Guitars
Mark Egan
Bass
Dennis Chambers
Drums
Sean Rickman
Drums
Mark Smoot
Bass
Kyle Coughlin
Sax
Andy Milne
Synth
Megan Stanley
Vocals
Mike Gordon
Voals
Tracks:
1) Our Mission
2) Worms
3) Niphila
4) Smarty p-ants
5) Crickets and Moths
6) Giant Ants
7) Angeldust
8) Blookfluke
9) Marigold
10) The Beetles
11) Garantula
12) We Have Won
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