If you want to know what
this album is all about, the liner notes for Progressivity
by the trio Tunnels pretty much tells it like it is. There is a
warning right on the sleave that warns the listener of tonal
nastiness, dissonance, harmonic and rhythmic abstraction,
distortion, etc. This album is not for the faint of heart nor the
fusion novice. No, this album is aimed at hardcore fusion
fanatics that like to see the limits pushed in the areas of
tonal, rhythmic, and structural exploration. Though Progressivity
earns its title as an enterprise in abstract jazz and commanding
fusion, the effort is not without a more rudimentary appeal to
the auditory senses. The novelty of the enigmatic, experimental
sonic excursion compels the listener to become absorb, if not out
of only intellectual fascination at first. But, then the complex
themes, intense rhythms, outside harmonization, and calculated
interplay take hold of the listener in a way that draws them (reluctantly
at first) into the layered grooves until after some time the
listener finds themselves acclimated to the very things the label
warns of.
Though some tracks on the
CD are further out into the reaches of abstract fusion, there are
a few moments of tangible gratification. John Goodsall makes a
guest spot on guitar with a blazing fusionistic solo that should
quench the thirst of most fans of guitar-oriented fusion. Also,
Mark Feldman makes a guest spot on violin, bringing a new
dimension of sound to the effort that, though distinctive, only
serves to augment the experience.
In keeping with the
original spirit of jazz fusion, the unpredictability of the
arrangements keep the listener's attention engaged. Some sections
delve into the depths of abstraction, and other sections strike a
more comprehensible groove, though achieving this while
maintaining the complex exploration that the trio embarks upon.
And, this tenuous balancing of abstraction, complexity, and
cohesion is the distinguishing aspect of the CD that attracts and
compels the listener's attention.
In summary, fans of
hardcore fusion should take note because this album as targeted
at defying your demographic. These guys are out to challenge your
sensibilities with some risky, avant guard exploration into all
technical areas of progressive fusion that puts it to you to get
your mind around. So, if you are a fan of easy jazz that soothes
you in your diatonic comfort zone, it would be best to steer
clear of this one! But, if you like it at the leading edge of
progressivity in the spirit of the Mahavishnu, this one might be
right up your alley! And, if any questions remain, once again,
check out the liner notes... They tell it like it is!
| Players: |
|
|
| Fretless Bass |
|
Percy Jones |
| Midi Vibes |
|
Marc Wagnon |
| Drums |
|
Frank Katz |
| Guitar |
|
John Goodsall |
| Violin |
|
Mark Feldman |
| Voice |
|
Sarah Pillow |
|
| Tracks: |
| 1) Syzygy Incident |
| 2) Wall to Wall
Sunshine |
| 3) Frank's Beard |
| 4) Diabollocks |
| 5) Progressivity |
| 6) 7,584,333,440 Miles
Away |
| 7) Some Things Must
Last |
| 8) Fusionauts |
| 9) Orfeo's Demon |
| 10) High Tea at 49th
and 10th |
|
| ~ Christopher
Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com ~ October 2003 |
