|
THE
SYN |
|||
Most
Yes fans knew close to nothing about 60s pop innovators The
Syn until 2004 when Steve Nardelli reformed the band with original
Syn members Pete Banks and then Chris Squire. Following the release
of several Syn albums with Squire and Banks and a DVD of the January
2006 Syn tour of the U.S. with Squire and Yes drummer Alan White on
board, Nardelli went back to the drawing board and the result is the
2009 CD release of what converts are calling the greatest Syn album
of all, Big Sky. In contrast to the Yes flavored Syn reunions
of 2004/2005, Big Sky features Nardelli with the latest Syn
lineup featuring ex-Yes keyboardist Tom Brislin and guitar
hero and Big Sky producer Francis Dunnery. Also on board
are Ecolyn members, guitarist Bret Kull (credited in the CD
liner notes with engineering, mixing and mastering) and Paul Ramsey
(drums) as well as the backing vocals of renowned vocalist Dorie
Jackson. Top musicians with solo careers of their own, both Brislin
and Dunnery sound remarkably in sync with Nardellis latest mod-prog
vision for the Syn. With one killer track after the next, Big Sky
features some of the most inspiring music recorded to date by
any Syn lineup. Rock driven in it's own unique way, the ten track
Big Sky nevertheless stands tall alongside both 2004s
The Original Syn and 2005s Syndestructible. For
Big Sky, Nardelli replaces some of the colossal prog-rock edges
of Syndestructible with a kinder, gentler guitar driven sound
that tastefully mixes prog with pop. Dunnerys nimble touch on
acoustic / electric guitars yields some amazing sonic results while
Brislins electronic keyboards lays down the finishing touches.
Also of note on Big Sky is the sultry vocals of Dorie Jackson,
here backing up Nardellis lead vocals. Daughter of Van der Graf
Generator founder David Jackson, and an artist with a budding solo
career, Dories elegant sounding vocals clearly enhances Nardellis
sage, Dylan / Lennon inspired insights. Modern prog with a solid 60s
edge, Big Sky will appeal to fans interested in the Syns
Yes connection but, with a distinct musical personality all it's own,
Big Sky is a sonic delight for music lovers interested in knowing
where progressive rock was and where its going now. www.SynMusic.net |
|
|||
|
||||
CD Reviews | Feature | Reviews & Features Archive | Photo Archive | Contact | MWE3 Home |
Email: Info@mwe3.com |
Copyright ©2000-2009 MWE3.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved |