Morgan Reid - "Terran" ALBUM REVIEW (Instrumental Prog Metal)

by Dean Wolfe, Prog Dog Media  [Album Released Nov. 25, 2022] 

I remember back in the day when guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were raising the standard of electric guitar playing to god-like levels. This had a dual effect of inspiring a new generation of guitarists but at the same time discouraging new musicians from even trying. 

Thankfully the current generation of guitarists dropped any inclination to hide their secret sauce from the masses and opt instead for the transparency of teaching lessons online for anyone willing to give shredding a shot. After all, it all boils down to at least some natural inclination, invested time and discipline.

Morgan Reid is a Toronto born guitarist of notable ability, who is releasing his first solo instrumental prog metal album. He is a member of UK-based Bloodshot Dawn. On his new overall 'heavy' album he performs as well as produces and composes. He even plays piano one track. 

I'm happy that this new album Terran is more substantial and creative than I had originally expected. I might be forgiven, considering Reid's obvious prowess as a speedster around the fretboard. I had needlessly worried the music would be secondary and just serve as a platform to endlessly show off. 

I am a fan of traditional prog rock from the 70s, but have been actively learning to appreciate prog in all its forms, old and new. 70's prog this is definitely not, but despite that, I did detect hints of Steve Hackett compositional style (Genesis/solo) in parts. I won't lie- hearing how classic prog still has an influence 50 years later, no matter how subtle, is reassuring. 

It's a well-produced album, being pleasant and balanced to the ear throughout, except track 9 seemed overly bright (small complaint). 

The album starts off running, and as a listener I found it a bit like trying to get into the door of a moving street car- you kind of have to already be moving forward to catch your ride. The bass stands out on a few of the tracks more than the rest, but is generally pat down in supporting role along with the drumming which is quite technical overall, with modern style 16th bass kick notes throughout the album, familiar to the modern prog metal genre. 

'March On' is the spot where I felt some Steve Hackett vibes. 

'Goliath Online' is very djenty, and shreddy and having grown up through the old school days was reminded of Steve Vai and van Halen with the screaming fast playing and heavy squaks. This song more than any other did feel more like a showcase for the guitar playing rather than a composition for melody's sake, but that's fine- as the whole album is not like that, and frankly, plenty of guitarists want that. 

'Djinn & Juices' has a middle eastern vibe- it's fun and has great bass parts. To me it's very Yngwie Malmsteen- a bit masculine, maybe macho even, with a melodic chorus and fascinating guitar harmonies. 

'Terran', the title track, maintains a Steve Vai level of amazing-ness.  It gets interesting compositionally speaking, and has lots of innovative textural shredding. I found it motivational. You will shake your head at the incredible speeds and wonder how he does it.

In 'A Formless Icon' Reid shows off some amazing fanning technique work. The track has a cool symphonic vibe. It has 'cool dips'- sorry, that's the only way I can describe it. This song marks the first easing off at the gas pedal for the album, if only briefly. This track as some exceptional synth textures. 

'Chimerism' is my fave. Finally some messing around with the time sigs in weird and affecting ways! Super wonky, time-bending and tricky, with heavy synth- again recalling a bit of Steve Hackett.  

Up next is 'Grand Champ' (featuring distinguished cellist Friedrich Thiele) is probably the catchiest song on Terran- the 'hit single' if that was necessary. It's got an immediate catchy chorus. The descriptor 'trimphant' comes once again to mind.  As I listen through this album I'm impressed by how much work went into it. We are introduced to a stunning cello section that adds so much to the overall character of the album. It feels like a natural fit.

'Obsidian Interlude' is a short and lovely piano composition, not played by a guest musician, but by Morgan Reid himself, reminding us that he is a gifted musician. It brings balance to the album so far, and is a perfect breather/break.

In 'Bending Light' we return to the slammin' and great big feeling vibe, and the only track on the album with a less then perfect mix or mastering job (It's too bright). 

'Intrinsic Code' features a very exciting and cool descending riff. It's more of a 'song' song. I can almost imagine a singer wailing away on this track unlike all the previous tracks. It's got a very likeable and melodic chorus. Stated simply, it got me head boppin'. I wonder at this point, where does Reid get his energy? What a wonder!

'Sirsasana' is a quick tone poem where Reid solos with himself playing lead over a clean guitar. Id like to hear more minute-long pieces like this in the future!

During the last track 'CRISP' it happened. I did a record-playing equivalent of a double-take. Who knew Morgan Reid was holding anything back after 11 tracks? "Let's hear that track once more," and I hit repeat. I'm impressed when the best is saved for last. This is a damn high level frenetic energized track. There's some unique disconnected-sounding riffing and some fine compositional work including some bold dissonance. The bass sounds great in this track. For a third time that word comes to mind: triumphant. Plus elation. It's crazy fast. There's some interesting multi-tracked hammer ons in the back ground. The last moments of this album feel like an archicteurael cupola- or crown on a beautiful, functional building. I dare say Morgan Reid should feel proud of an album WELL DONE!

https://morganreidguitar.com/

Watch the interview with Morgan Reid HERE

Capermote - "Echo Chamber Puppeteers" ALBUM REVIEW (Instrumental Prog Metal Guitar)

by Dean Wolfe, Prog dog Media   [album released August 14, 2022]

I've been a fan of instrumental guitar-based music since the 80s. Guitar Player Magazine Hall of Fame member Steve Howe (of Yes) is one of my faves. He has an extensive discography of such pioneering guitar-based albums dating back to 1975. The one and only missing thing I pined for from Howe's works were more modern guitar distortion tones. 

Enter Capermote (a tasteful solo project of Tom Pearce) and his 2022 EP release Echo Chamber Puppeteers. As this album unfolded before my ears, I felt flashbacks to my favourite Steve Howe instrumentals as if they were being transformed into contemporary creations. 

I'm not comparing Tom Pearce to Steve Howe as a guitar player per se, as much as comparing the 'complete package': a lovely balance between being a player that doesn't play fast just for fast's sake, and is also a serious and creative song composer. 

Despite the EPs limited size compared to a full LP release, it's surprising how far and wide the landscape of sound varies. Pearce enlisted the help of guitarist James Ivanyi to co-produce Puppeteers, and clearly they work well together. The 3 songs of this EP are focussed yet spacious, and the vision is solid.

Pearce's compositions deliver subtle tensions, glancing beauty, and sweeping hugeness with plenty of tasteful synth awesomeness and tight drum production. With his guitar being the main featured 'voice' on the album, he has plenty to say, and it's melodic, expressive, clear and confident. There's a conservative amount of shredding (of course!), but it's all song-driven. His guitar-ego, if he has one, is kept in check. There are multitracked tasteful guitar backing parts as well- string pinching cleans, airily picked reverberating cascades, octave pedal use, and toying with some odd time signatures. 

It would be cool to hear Pearce pull out the acoustic guitar here and there, as Howe is known to do. Or maybe on future releases he would dare re-employ his old violin which he played when he was younger- to broaden the palette of sonic colours even more. 

I immediately hit 'repeat' at the conclusion of every listen to Echo Chamber Puppeteers, and look forward to hearing more from this Adelaide-based Australian guitarist. 

The Prog dog score is 4.5 / 5 .   Take note of Capermote...Tom Pearce knows how to strike beauty and tone both as a composer and a guitarist. 

I interviewed Tom recently on a Prog Chat linked HERE 

https://capermote.bandcamp.com/album/echo-chamber-puppeteers

MAGMA - "Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh - M.D.K." ALBUM REVIEW (French Prog Rock, 1973)

by Dean Wolfe, Prog dog Media  [album released May 6, 1973]

(French translation below)

Hang on tight. Magma is supernatural. Magma plays by its own rules. It is an unusual, rocking and intensely powerful music. 

Is it everyone's cup of tea? No, but that didn't stop Rolling Stone from pronouncing it #24 in a Top 50 list of the greatest progressive rock albums of all time. 

Since the purpose of this article is to review the album called MDK by this revered French band and not to give a history lesson, I'll direct you, the reader, to a definitive documentary on the band and its founder Christian Vander called To Life, Death, and Beyond - The Music of Magma. https://vimeo.com/219457248. 

M.D.K. features a large swath of instrumentation and is quite orchestral. It features plenty of soft and gentle moments but more vigour and loudness.  Most unique is a very sizeable group of female and male 'lead singers'- vocalists who collectively head the songs instead of a traditional single lead singer. The drum kit is played by the founder and beating heart of the band- Christian Zander. He figuratively and literally drives the music forward with great force.  

There is an electric bass, capably and creatively played- at times as complex as any Chris Squire Yes parts- and speaking of Yes, there are hints of Topographic Oceans 'weirdness' on this album- including brief moments of destructive bass-chords. There is an acoustic piano- a key element to the sound, at time playing catchy parts in odd time-signatured 'loops' that remind me of composer Philip Glass. There is rock organ. There is a powerful horn section. There are strings...I think. That's a plus about Magma's music on this album- it's quite varied and changes up from section to section. I hear marimbas and other tingly tinker instruments- like xylophones maybe. I hear electric guitars- Santana-esque at times, at others clean and melodic. I hear woodwinds- and some Celtic lilts at times too. Then there's those strong but subtle undercurrents of jazz occasionally spilling to the surface. In fact at around the 11 minute mark on side 1 it sounds like Pat Metheny Group would sound at least a decade into the future. 

The lead vocal- usually sung collectively- do give the music a rock opera vibe but without any hint of vaudeville schmaltz, or hokey Jesus Christ Superstar-ness. It remind me of Zappa sometimes (though I'm no Zappa expert yet). And the singers are singing in the invented Kobaïn language that Magma is apparently known for. At the start of the record it sounded kind of German.  There's something about singing in a made up language that frees the singers from all convention- and they do let it rip, sometimes to near ecstatic and passionate heights. 

The album feels like one long song though it is technically seven tracks. It has tension; it has funk; it has groove; it has madness; it has ecstasy; it has moments of sheer joyfulness.  All of these quantities and qualities flow around each other like so many white capped waves on a single ocean...Refreshing? Yes! but be warned: at times you will feel you're clinging onto a raft in a raging storm.  

FRENCH VERSION (google translate)

Critique d'album - MAGMA - Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh -M.D.K. (1973)

par Dean Wolfe, Prog Dog Media

Accrochez-vous bien. Le magma est surnaturel. Magma joue selon ses propres règles. C'est une musique inhabituelle, rock et intensément puissante.

Est-ce la tasse de thé de tout le monde ? Non, mais cela n'a pas empêché Rolling Stone de le classer n°24 dans le Top 50 des meilleurs albums de rock progressif de tous les temps.

Puisque le but de cet article est de passer en revue l'album appelé MDK par ce groupe français vénéré et non de donner une leçon d'histoire, je vais vous diriger, le lecteur, vers un documentaire définitif sur le groupe et son fondateur Christian Vander appelé To Life , La mort et au-delà - La musique de Magma. https://vimeo.com/219457248.

M.D.K. dispose d'une large bande d'instrumentation et est assez orchestral. Il comporte beaucoup de moments doux et doux mais plus vigour et de volume. Le plus unique est un groupe très important de «chanteurs principaux» féminins et masculins - des chanteurs qui dirigent collectivement les chansons au lieu d'un seul chanteur principal traditionnel. La batterie est jouée par le fondateur et cœur battant du groupe, Christian Zander. Au sens figuré et au sens propre, il fait avancer la musique avec une grande force.

Il y a une basse électrique, habilement et créativement jouée - parfois aussi complexe que n'importe quelle partie de Chris Squire Yes - et en parlant de Yes, il y a des notes de "bizarrerie" de Topographic Oceans sur cet album - y compris de brefs moments d'accords de basse destructeurs. Il y a un piano acoustique - un élément clé du son, jouant parfois des parties accrocheuses dans d'étranges «boucles» rythmées qui me rappellent le compositeur Philip Glass. Il y a un orgue de roche. Il y a une puissante section de cuivres. Il y a des cordes... je pense. C'est un plus de la musique de Magma sur cet album - elle est assez variée et change d'une section à l'autre. J'entends des marimbas et d'autres instruments bricoleurs, comme des xylophones peut-être. J'entends des guitares électriques - Santana-esque à certains moments, à d'autres propres et mélodiques. J'entends des bois - et parfois aussi des rythmes celtiques. Ensuite, il y a ces courants sous-jacents forts mais subtils de jazz qui remontent parfois à la surface. En fait, à environ 11 minutes sur la face 1, on dirait que Pat Metheny Group sonnerait au moins une décennie dans le futur.

La voix principale - généralement chantée collectivement - donne à la musique une ambiance d'opéra rock, mais sans aucune trace de vaudeville schmaltz ou de hokey Jesus Christ Superstar-ness. Cela me rappelle parfois Zappa (bien que je ne sois pas encore un expert de Zappa). Et les chanteurs chantent dans la langue inventée Kobaïn pour laquelle Magma est apparemment connue. Au début du disque, ça sonnait un peu allemand. Il y a quelque chose dans le fait de chanter dans une langue inventée qui libère les chanteurs de toute convention - et ils la laissent déchirer, parfois à des hauteurs proches de l'extase et de la passion.

L'album ressemble à une longue chanson bien qu'il soit techniquement composé de sept pistes. Il y a de la tension; ça a du funk ; il a une rainure; il a la folie; il a l'extase; il a des moments de pure joie. Toutes ces quantités et qualités coulent les unes autour des autres comme autant de vagues coiffées de blanc sur un seul océan... Rafraîchissant ? Oui! mais attention : vous aurez parfois l'impression de vous accrocher à un radeau lors d'une tempête déchaînée.

UK -"UK" ALBUM REVIEW (Classic/1978 Prog Rock)

By Dean Wolfe, Prog dog Media  [album released May, 1978]

That fateful day 40 years ago is still vivid in my memory, when I held this album in my hands at the record store but decided against buying it. Imagine passing up this classic! 

The reality was, in those days as a 12 year old, cash was not flowing. With my earnings from picking fruit in the orchards across the Welland canal opposite from my hometown of St. Catharines Ontario (birthplace of Neil Peart) or with some birthday money, I had to weigh with great care my album purchases (Later on I went through the torturous process of deciding whether I should even buy Yes' Going for the One because several of the songs on it were already on the Yesshows live album we had at home. Imagine missing out on Awaken? or Turn of the Century?).

So when I had a chance recently to buy this on vinyl, I snapped it up. At last, I had my opportunity for redemption as I've been on semi-holiday from prog rock music since the mid 90s more or less.

First, some general impressions: There is a hint of ELP intensity in this album. But no other prog bands come to mind as far as comparableness. It's unique. 

I'm amazed with every listen how Bill Bruford's distinct sounding drum kit and playing style brands every song with his unmistakable presence.  I love how he moves in and out of juxtaposing parallel rhythms opposite the rest of the band while flawlessly keeping the tempo afloat. He always exercises restraint in his playing- keeping it nimble like a more traditional jazz drummer. Still though, he's no 'rock' drummer. Nevertheless, he fits right into a rock group setting- kind of an enigma!

And then there's Allan Holdsworth. It's hard to trace back and find any guitarists as hopelessly unique. His super quick slurs of notes and brain twisting chords pepper the album. 

John Wetton has that familiar and husky sinewy voice. He's a weighty songwriter, a storyteller of substance. I think he's similar to Sting or Geddy Lee, as a bassist and singer combo.

When not playing timeless and exceptionally tasteful keyboard parts Eddie Jobson steps out from the keyboards and plays some mean violin - on full display in songs like Alaska, Time to Kill. He is so adept that at times I thought I was listening to Holdsworth on guitar rather than Eddie furiously bowing the horsetail hair over his plexi transparent violin- the first of it's kind secured in time to use on this album. 

Track one, In The Dead of Night, is not a surprise to me: I'd heard it back in the day and loved it, but I didn't realize what I'd heard on the radio was just one part of three sections plus a reprise. It has an iconic 70s feel- almost like the Rocky movie theme done in prog rock style- with plenty of testosterone and fist pumping excitement- a great welcome mat for the rest of the album. 

Of all the tracks, Thirty Years reminds me the most of my familiar 'One of A Kind' album by the Bruford band, an album I played to death as a young new prog jazz fan. In fact that would be the album that solidified it for me.  Some of the bass tones on this song sounded pleasantly familiar- just like Chris Squire's bass on his classic solo album 'Fish out of Water'. 

Nevermore is a treat: listening to Holdsworth on acoustic steel string for the intro- don't think I ever heard that before! Not surprisingly its' one of 2 songs he holds a songwriting credit. It features some of those Holdsworth trade-marked demented brain-twisting chords. Also something I've never heard before: Holdsworth's soloing being mirrored by Jobson on the keyboard. There's also some cool ambient segue's and transitions. I was even reminded of Pat Metheny as Wetton vocalized through some dizzying jazz chord modulations. Good stuff!

The introduction to Alaska reminds me of Saga's intro on a track released in 1980 called 'Careful where you step', and one of my faves off the Silent Knight album. It's obvious they were inspired by UK. 

Mental Medication is a cheering piece, a happy number to me. The band's charm shines through. There's some great soloing from everyone, and Bruford feels a bit lighter and more whimsical than usual on this track. There's some nice mild and relaxed moments in the intro, with some subtle violin and wispy Holdsworth chordings, opening the way for some Wetton jazzy vocal calisthenics, and some complex riffing. For the instrumental interludes we hear Wetton break out sweet hot bass lines, thumping and plucking away. We are even treated to Holdsworth going all-out Queen a la Brian May, on some seriously melodic multitracked thickness (also in Nevermore).  

But be warned! You may not get this album all at once. I had to return to it a couple times to ingest all the songs as a whole. I couldn't be happier now that I've put in some listening time- it's a rewarding and satisfying album rife with melodic creativity and captured chemistry between a cast of high caliber musicians. 

Bands that Dared to Cover "YES": The Prog Dog Compilation

You either have to be a fool or gifted musician to undertake covering one of the most unique and legendary prog groups in the world. In this video compilation you get to hear and see some of the best YouTube has to offer. 

Ora Cogan - "Dyed" EP REVIEW (singer/songwriter, shoegaze EP)

by Dean Wolfe, Prog dog Media   [EP released October 21, 2022]

[Video version of this review HERE]

Singer-Songwriter Ora Cogan is a musical explorer, and a fearless one at that. But her sense of adventure is not one of selfish ambition. She's seems to be a purposeful observer- a reporter intent on sharing the musical truths she is uncovering while being the transparent object through which it is expressed. 

Listening to Ora Cogan's new EP Dyed is like crawling into a warm and cozy luminescent cocoon. The songs are both familiar and strange, textural, sublime. 

Her singing is endearing: fragile and gentle, even with childlike chants in parts. The production is generously awash with balmy reverberations and echos. The song structures are at times traditional, at other times indecipherable. Overall she's a melodic composer, and the first track 'Dyed' has a chorus that is almost hooky.

She always has her electric guitar in hand- usually playing finger-styled patterns rather than block-strummed chords. Sometimes her riffs are almost like Indian ragas. If I'm correct, there are some acoustic guitar parts adding to the prettiness of the albums first track. The overall vibe is airy but often gently pinned down by a lightly played drum kit. 

With news of a new EP, I was excited because her music is always beautiful, diverse and unpredictable. I bought her last album Bells in the Ruins on vinyl and have listened to many of her previous recordings on YouTube. I have not been disappointed by this latest release. 

As far as categorization, her own bandcamp page describes it well: Alternative, drone, folk, psychedelic, shoe gaze, singer-songwriter. I would add that at times she has an earthy/ lo-fi vibe. I'd love to get my hands on the lyrics as I usually get lost in melodies and probably don't pay enough attention to specific context. 

I'm aware Ora was present at the recent Fairy Creek blockade/protests as an independent journalist and photographer. She is currently touring Europe promoting her music. Ora resides on Vancouver Island, BC Canada. 

http://www.oracogan.com/

https://oracogan.bandcamp.com/album/dyed-ep

How I got into recording/ audio engineering

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[originally published September 2014]

I've always enjoyed the process of recording my music as much as I do writing it. 

It started with reel-to-reels and cassette tape recorders in the 70s. Then Tascam's revolutionary 4 track Porta-Studio One in 1984, up to a Yamaha's magnetic tape-based 8 track, and eventually 16 track digital in the late 90s (Roland's first VS-1680). Since about 2005 I've worked on however many tracks I need on my laptop - having hopped over to Logic from Pro Tools.  

As a kid in the 70s, the recording process seemed both simple and magical. I loved making comedy skits, radio plays, commercials, dramas on tape- in a word: 'content' according to today's usage. 

My brother Greg and I made a new audio James Bond movies. As the bad guy, Greg would act all tough -at age 12 or so- stealing memorable lines like: "What's your name?" [reply James Bond]..."Name's for tombstones, baby"  while a huge piece of hard candy loudly clattered in his mouth- very professional! 

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And I loved DJ-ing as a kid too. Once I set up a walkie talkie next to my kiddie record player that I picked out from the 'Towers' store. It was painted in a swirly psychedelic fluorescent green. 

From the second floor bedroom I'd 'broadcast' with my best cheesy AM radio DJ voice to my brother who prolifically produced amazing art in the basement. I had some of my own LPs (long-playing albums)- like Saturday Night Fever, Sgt. Peppers and the Blue album by the Beatles, and played mom's '45's' (singles were played at on a different speed on the record player) like "I can help" by Billy Swan ('74) which was a very radio-station-y song that Greg complained I overplayed. 

My mom also had Gordon Lightfoot's shipwreck classic. But my longstanding fave was the Lady Madonna single by the Beatles.

My first stab at multi-tracking was taking two Radio Shack tape recorders and bouncing tracks by recording on the first then playing it while I played a new 'track' - both being recorded to the second tape recorder. If you do too much of this the recording gets muddy. 

First I did a low piano line, then I lifted up the piano's lid and plucked the strings for an interesting intro. Then I played this back while recording on the second recorder- but also played my guitar and thereby bouncing the 2 tracks onto the second tape. Then i could repeat by playing the double recording while playing a bass borrowed from my brother's friend- effectively making the deck a 3 track machine. I was about 10 years old.

I was really piqued by Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells'. I never lacked amazement that one guy could play all the instruments and layer an entire album that way. Nowadays this would not seem such a feat. But in the analog days of recording it was a complex and even risky proposition because you were working with magnetic tape that can stretch, wear out etc before you finished recording all your parts.  Nowadays he could have done the album out of his own bedroom on a Macbook Pro with Logic or similar software, a few microphones and input box.