Getting there
wux laroux | DC via NY | 11/06/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The tag from Amazon was "Imagine a composite of Allan Holdsworth's stunning legato chops and advanced harmonic language with Mike Keneally's exacting virtuosity and Frank Zappa's fiercely uncompromising "difficult music" and you're getting close to where this visionary new talent is currently operating." I may be showing my age, but I recall fusion as Coryell and the 11th House, Johnny Mac and Mahavishnu, as well as Al DiMeola's guitar work with Chick Corea and Return To Forever. In the 90's the great late Shawn Lane provided some excitement. Machacek's ['sic"] aspires to greatness but somehow it sounds like so much of what is being played today, instead of bringing forth something truly unique. I urge listeners to buy this opus and then listen to it back to back with Industrial Zen (McLaughlin) or Traffic (Coryell White and Bailey). Bozzio fans should hear his work with Frank and/or Jeff Beck. The masters still have a lot to teach the kids."
Excelent 'Holdsworth & zappa influenced music'
Speedy | Fl, MO USA | 06/15/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you liked those fast runs of bass, vibraphone, keys and guitar in unison, then this is filled with that zappa-esque styled jazz-rock-classical-avant kind of music. Machacek also brings something new to the table with his own vision and very well thought, detailed, compositions, AND let's not forget his incredible playing technique...really no one to compare him with. There are 3 trio tracks which are a bit more in the jazz side of things which are also mind blowing. Don't miss it!"
What a Gift!
Irfan A. Alvi | Towson, MD USA | 04/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Are you ready for virtuosic fusion from the year 2020, but available today? This masterpiece delivers on all fronts.
The musicianship is of course impeccable. Alex clearly has chops to spare, and having Terry Bozzio on drums speaks for itself.
But this album is by no means simply about technical display. The real joy comes, as it should, from the compositional excellence, which has it all: fresh creativity, stimulating complexity, unexpected twists and turns, layers of detail and nuance, plenty of soul, and humor and wit to boot.
And last but not least, the recording quality is fabulous, with crystalline clarity and transparency.
Very strongly recommended for any fan of fusion, especially guitar fusion!"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1