Search - Jim Matheos :: Away With Words

A treasure for everyone.

Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 03/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It doesn't matter if you have no idea who Jim Matheos is...this is an album that will be a welcome addition to anyone's collection. (Well, _almost_ anyone. If your listening schedule is 100% Cannibal Corpse, stay far away! >:-|) Matheos is the guitarist/songwriter for the progressive metal band Fates Warning. However, other than his sterling songwriting and musicianship, none of his work with Fates Warning hints at what this album sounds like. Musically consisting of acoustic guitar, violin, drums, and bass, Away with Words is gorgeous instrumental album, very meditative and beautiful. Yet, it remains engaging enough that it doesn't induce sleep. Sometimes the violin will pick up for some furious playing, as on "A Way with Words" and "Astronomies". The compositions are absolutely stunning, exuding atmosphere and/or emotion with grace that belies Matheos' history playing metal guitar riffs. The violin playing sometimes reminds me of Hugh Marsh. Mark Zonder, also from Fates Warning, plays drums, clearly his performance here proclaims his astonishing versatility. His cymbal work can be peppy or delicate, always conforming beautifully to the music. It's a real tragedy that he's not considered a drumming legend. On my CD (which was imported from Germany), it says, "File under new age/jazz." It's not really either genres, but maybe a combination of the two. The rhythm section is a bit jazzy (outstanding bass playing, too), but the violin/guitar factor is fun & energizing or summery & tranquil.Away with Words is gives me the musical fuel to create images in my mind. "Goodnight, Goodbye" is a gorgeous elegy, where the lugubriously plucked guitar and sinuous violin melodies perfectly paint the picture of a sad valediction. "Tongue Tied" makes me think of a happy festival. "Mumbo Jumbo"...an exotic landscape, perhaps? "A Conference of Clouds" evokes a cold, wintry night (except in the middle, with the fiery guitar solo). "The Last Light of August", as implied by the title, is a cool requiem summoning an image of a lush summer fading into the coppery hues of autumn.A rare instrumental album of perfection. Buy it soon, and First Impressions, Matheos' first solo disc."

A Ravishing Lost Gem

Archel | Sydney, Australia | 02/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jim Matheos, helped by my favourite drummer and fellow Fates Warning member, Mark Zonder, gets a chance to show some alternative aspects of his incredible song writing and guitar playing talents and skills. An utterly beautiful, sometimes meditative, hybrid of classical,light jazz, folk, new age and world music. There are even some sprinkles of country music to provide interesting mood-altering effects (especially on Tongue Tied).Away With Words is generally very light, airy and soothing. It can be appreciated in just about any surrounding, under any conditions, whether for falling asleep, gazing at the moon, sky or ceiling, as a background or something to get fully wrapped in. Matheos plays acoustic guitar only. Zonder's drumming isn't as complex as on Fates Warning releases, but his intricate use of cymbals and his overall finesse are a vital aspect of the unconditionally enjoyable listening experience.Even though this is a guitarist's solo project, it is far from dominated by the guitar. There is plenty of space given to the violin, as well as the beautiful, fluid and clean bass lines by acclaimed fusion bassist Michael Manring. Does anyone need further proof that Jim Matheos is an outsanding musician first and a great guitarist second? Well, after hearing all of FW's albums, try this.I strongly encourage every music fan to discover this ravishing lost gem, created by one of the most talented and most tasteful musicians out there (did I mention that one of the best drummers on the planet plays on it?). Don't make the mistake of relying too much on the samples. The songs must be heard in full before you decide whether you like the approach.No fan of Fates Warning should be without this release. While it has nothing in common with FW apart for two vital members, Away With Words is guaranteed to lift your respect for Jim Matheos to a new level."

Simply excelent. One of the best cd I've ever heard

fsolera@hotmail.com | Costa Rica | 10/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I fully recomend it, specialy for Fates Warning fans and progressive music loves. You can hear a high quality drummer as Mark Zonder and an exelent work done by Jim Matheos, as good as in composition as in interpretation. I could even give it 6 stars"