Anchoring the supremely prolific the Samurai of Prog project, Shuker bass player Marco Bernard is always a pleasure to listen to, providing a powerful low end to all the tracks he rests his nimble fingers on, a perfect foil for the peerless Kimmo Porsti on everything percussive. Though a solo album, it nevertheless maintains the hearty recipe as well as the personnel used on the Prog Banzai charge. I recently received a signed CD unannounced from Kimmo and signed by Marco, which made my heart flutter, an irresistible bundle with the expected stunning artwork from Ed Unitsky as well as a bonus second disc of celebrated prog covers! With a title like Moby Dick, we all immediately understand that we are boarding the Pequod, a whaling expedition where Captain Ahab steers the ship into perilous adventure and daring , a Herman Melville classic that still has a global following in academia.
Also very glad to see keyboardist Alessandro Benedetti, as he is one of my storied icons, always impeccably tasteful and creative, showcasing his composing talents on the masterful 10-minute opener ‘Loomings’. Guitarist Carmine Capasso is rapidly become one of the most talked about musicians, and one can hear why throughout this piece and album. Marco partners up with drummer Riccardo Spilli in setting the sails for the grand voyage ahead. Besides Ale’s deft piano ornamentations, the flute (Giovanni Mazzotti) adds a tinge of attraction, but Capasso steals the
show along with American vocalist Michael Trew (he of Moon Letters repute), both deliveries are phenomenal and most convincing.
Holding the wheel on ‘The Quarter Deck’, the rhythm section remains in place with a new set of musician/sailors: Two members of Jinetes Negros: Octavio Stampalia on the keyboards and the vocals handled by Marcelo Ezcurra. Finnish guitarist Tony Riveryman (Toni Jokinen) and Steve Unruh on his mercurial violin to the mix. The overall sound, the mood and instrumental work are different, perhaps a tad more accessible, it’s pretty obvious that a constantly revolving crew is what Marco had in mind for this escapade. Case in point, ‘Fastfish, Loosefish’ a fresh Swedish team of seafarers (the Brighteye Brison contingent) now man the deck, Linus Kase on keys, Sonja Kase on acoustic guitar, Johan Oljen on lead guitar and Erik Hammarstrom on the percussive kit. Once again, since each track is written by a different guest, it’s only normal that the style varies in each chapter. These two are great tracks but still not as expressive as the longer ones. Go figure!
As the ship nears the equator, anxiety kicks in on ‘The Quadrant’, it becomes palpable for its entire 10-minute navigating time. The carousel of players alters one more time, bringing in keyboardist Mimmo Perri (Floating State) , as well as perennial drum companion Kimmo Porsti , with both Trew and Mazzotti coming in for another harpoon stab at the mammoth white creature. Both Michael Trew features are highlight tracks here , of that there is little doubt. This is another tour de force, thrilling both lyrically and instrumentally. Porsti shows why he is held in such acclaim, working beautifully with the Shuker bass of Marco Bernard.
The epic track is ‘the Chase’, the culmination of the seek and destroy mission Captain Ahab has obsessively undertaken. Marco Grieco is the featured composer and keyboardist, with Riveryman coming back for another rampaging effort on his fretboard , Steve Unruh providing the grisly vocals, with Hammarstrom bashing away on his kit like there is no tomorrow. The stormy conditions are skillfully portrayed, the pursuit utterly desperate, the harpoon armed and ready, eventually finalized by a sinking ship, swirling synths mimicking the massive currents that pull down the hull into the cold dark abyss. The unusual duet of piano (David Myers and our man Marco on his trusted bass finish of the story and the album.
‘Undercover Deux’ is the bonus CD and its chock full of covers , some pretty bold and others over the top, with a slate of classics that will surely blow a few fans away: Rush, Led Zeppelin, Zappa, Boston, UK, Al DiMeola, PFM, and a Michael Manring / Marco Grieco track are offered here. I generally do not venture too deeply into cover song explanations as I choose to see them as added candy , especially in a live setting where its all about entertainment and not analysis. They are all expertly and tastefully rendered , doing justice to the initial glory. I found the Di Meola piece particularly riveting as its quite the complex jazz-rock classic.
An exciting package, to be enjoyed just like I it was concert setting. You decide how much you want to applaud and scream for more. Well worth the adventure (without the tragic ending) .
4 floating castaways