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MANNA/MIRAGE
Face
(2020 - New House Music - USA)

https://www.mannamirage.com/store

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Tv9Ti5KrUM

The most concentrated, partly intense, equally playful, and perfectly laid out recording from Dave Newhouse's Manna/Mirage project, this being announced as the 3rd and final release of said ensemble (which by the way always rotates and adjusts to what is needed at the time of Mr Newhouse's blueprint), it is to be cherished. Nothing is less than amazing with a sweet ambrosia of experimental, Canterbury worship, tactile jazz fusion, hypodermic flurries of out music, and all the blessed classic invention nods that one could hope for.

The album contains a very meticulous set of compositions including performances by Guy Segers - bass (Univers Zero,  Uneven Eleven, Eclectic Maybe Band and a library's worth of others), Sean Rickman - drums (Quite Sane, Diratz, Steve Coleman), Mark Stanley - guitar (The Muffins, Diratz, Chainsaw Jazz, Spy Machines), Jerry King - bass and brass (Moon Men, Cloud Over Jupiter), Bret Hart - guitar (Moon Men, solo), William Jungwirth - drums (Moon Men), Forrest Fang - violin (electronic and ambient solo artist), Rich O’Meara - mallets (Colla Parte, Silent Orchestra, Katarzyna Mycka and a huge collection of more guest spots) , Nick Prol - vocals (The Proletarians), Greg Segal - percussion (Diratz, former Manna/Mirage recordings), and George Newhouse - drums (Manna/Mirage, Diratz, 3 Quarter View). The cover art is by the Italian painter Serge Serghejev (RIP).  Dave befriended Serge on Facebook in the last months that he was alive. Easy to see why the album is dedicated to him. Like the former recordings, this is also limited to 300 physical compact disc copies. At 38:21 for 7 songs it might be short in duration, however the quality of the music removes any thought of time.

With new twists thrown in, such as a hybrid eastern/Scottish bagpipe/Irish accordion ditty, the listener gets a huge platter of 'anything can happen' at any moment delight. Each time I listened I could not believe how great this was (and is). From Stravinsky-like rhythms to Soft Machine pathways, the speakers (if you still listen on large stereo like I do) will produce vivid rock in opposition gemstones that not even the biggest music grouch could ignore. Newhouse uses his multi-instrumentation to create a constantly roving paradise of unbelievable landscape. One example of the varied concoctions is 'Island of Dr Noreau', that brings up beautiful memories of the absolute masterpiece of the 2nd ZNR album ('Traite De Mecanique Populaire' - 1978). 'Tunnels and Domes' kicks into an abyss of convulsive fusion, quickly followed by a quirky bubbly wind soaked fanfare that only a corpse could frown at.

I keep thinking how many people will beg or demand Newhouse to make a 4th release of Manna/Mirage. Raising my hand. The last song is the sole track with vocals, by the superb Nick Prol titled 'Fly Away', which is out of this world and a type song to make you jump to your feet, clapping your hands for an encore. I am positive a call for a duo album of Newhouse and Prol will be asked for. Once again raising my hand high. That would be one of the biggest anticipations of the true creative music world EVER. As for 'Face', this is hands down a crowning achievement. It makes my TOP CHOICES of 2020 list without hesitation. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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LAST MINUTE UPDATE: I was just informed by Dave Newhouse that he decided to make a 4th release after all, and in fact, (his words follow) "I’m about 1/3rd of the way through the next one. Manna/Mirage 4 is currently being called “Man Out Of Time”. No one knows about this yet, but you can mention it I’d you like."   So HOOOOORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!  Something to look forward to for sure!  

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 7 - 11 - 2020   
 
  
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A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
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This magazine exists on kind donations and music related advertisements (although the ads are limited and in no way accepted for favors in reviews). All funds are used to pay for website, domain, and the endless hours of work that is required to keep the reviews and various information  in process. Any donation is extremely appreciated. Thank you.
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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