Search - Jim Matheos :: First Impressions

Gorgeous, meditative.

Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 04/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jim Matheos is best known as the chief songwriter and guitarist of the metal band Fates Warning. This 1993 release reveals another side of Matheos' deep well of talent. First Impressions is a beautiful album of nine instrumental, new age style tracks consisting solely of acoustic guitar, violin, and cello. The most standout feature of this recording is its incredible "prettiness." All of Matheos' songs drip emotion, and are sure to be arresting for anyone with an ear for mellow, pleasant music. It's sort of like Jim Brickman for guitar. The songs generally capture intimate feelings and romantic imagery, although more specific qualities vary from song to song. For instance, "Silent Snow, Secret Snow" is a shivery piece that evokes someone alone in his cottage without a fireplace. The opener "Remembering Rain" is both sensual and mournful. For me, as I listen to this album, images are roused such as a walk in the forest, the bloom of spring, consummated romance, a sunset, and cats sitting on a fence. This album is extremely relaxing, in any case. Play this album while you get a professional massage -- it will be heaven, I promise you. Beat out the stress of losing money in the stock market, an Econ759 exam, or being attacked by Vikings. The only real problem is that it's quite a short album. At just about 38 minutes, it leaves you aching for more. Fortunately, Matheos does have another solo album in the same vein called Away with Words. It adds drummer Mark Zonder to the mix, greater song diversity, and some more energizing melodies. Both First Impressions and Away with Words are very, very highly recommended."

Metal rules...hehehe...

Mark J. Pescatrice | Fort Misery, FL | 04/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had to laugh. A few years ago I had heard that Jim Matheos had released a solo album, and being a long time follower of his full-time gig with Fates Warning (a progressive heavy metal band), I had to find the cd. I searched high and low, and couldn't find him. I was looking in rock and metal sections. A database search revealed, to my utter amusement, that it was listed under 'new age'. I had to laugh, not at Jim, but the label it was released under: Metal Blade. I never thought I would see a Metal Blade artist listed in the new age section.This isn't really new age. It's beautiful acoustic guitar, with violin and cello accompaniment. It is a phenomenol album. Jim ranks right up there with the venerable Michael Hedges. Anyone familiar with Jim's work with Fates Warning will recognize the musical genius in this music.I remember the first time I played it for my girlfriend, a classical musician. The music caused her to break into tears. Truly powerful stuff. This music will affect you, in the best way."

Acoustic Lovers Take Note!

Dave French | Northfield N.H. | 02/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With my first listen to this cd, I was completely mesmerized. Beautiful, powerful and original, would not be strong enough words to describe this masterpiece. Easily one of my favorite instrumental acoustic albums of all time. BUY THIS DISC!"