And Now... - Revolutionary Ensemble

Advantages: First true orchestral outing since 200 Motels
Disadvantages: Slightly Muddy sound, Early synclavier sounds

...Dress, Love Story and Jonestown and Outside Now Again all highlight different strands of Zappa's work on the Synclavier. More about this later. Some will decry me for saying this, but on this particular project, I feel that the Ensemble InterContemporian have produced a rather lackluster performance. Perhaps the twin attack of M. Boulez and Mr. Zappa during rehearsals ground their enthusiasm down. Zappa himself says that he used to berate "classical" ensembles having difficulty with his compositions by telling them that "my rock groups have no problem playing this." One can only imagine what that does to the ego of an Internationally acclaimed musician in one of the leading ensembles in the world! The pace of both Perfect Stranger and Dupree's Paradise are just to slow here. Instead of making the pieces sound languid, it has the effect... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A good range of music is presented here
Disadvantages: Not so good for new Reich fans

...The main piece on this CD is Triple Quartet, a work written as recently as 1999. It has a strident and pungent sound but features Reich's famous driving, pulsing rhythms that are really captivating. Unlike his earlier works, the harmonies are stronger and less lush and there is a constant sense of drama and a surprisingly high level of passion. It took me some time to warm to the piece but now it is very high on my list. The slow movement is particlarly beautiful. Next up is a reworking of Violin Phase for electric guitar. An odd concept but it does work. However i prefer the original, its hard edge tone may not be to everybodys liking. Music for a large ensemble follows next and flows along at fast pace with interlocking patterns. There were moments when the mix seems to lose its way, and some of the textures seem to collide a little... Read review

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Advantages: Powerful songs and voices
Disadvantages: Not enough pictures on the CD cover!

...The Welsh musical tradition has come a long way since singing hymns to drown out the sounds of the English invaders. The Storys are a proper working band, not a manufactured group. They've been doing the hard work for years, and have produced an album with depth, charm and some amazing voices. Not a generally cheerful album, but uplifting and lots of good toe-tapping songs. Don't be put off if you don't like Elton John - yes, they toured with him, but the music couldn't be much more different - this is real earthy, twirl your guitar round sort of music. The music draws upon a whole host of influences - some of it sounds a 60s folk guitar ensemble, and some of it's like Radiohead. Lead singer Steve Balsamo has a startling voice with a great range, despite his moody poses, and the overall sound is intoxicating - lots of light and shade. I... Read review

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