Hi,
I am listening to Black Jester's CD as I write (for about
the seventh time now) -- I love it! I recently borrowed it from
Michael Backof (thanks Mike!) who said that he thought it was in
the Dream Theater vein. I have to say that I definitely agree.
In fact, it's the closest I've heard any band come to the Dream
Theater sound (much closer than Fates Warning or even Magellan
(IMHO)). They aren't a clone of DT, fortunately -- they have
their own sound, though they probably aren't quite up to DT's level
of musicianship.
But, I love all of the riffing and jamming that goes on,
even while in the background behind the singing. And I especially
enjoy the dynamics, the way they'll be jamming, pause, pick things up,
pause, and go again. Wonderful. That kind of dynamics reminds
me of the best of the old Rush and Yes and, of course, Dream Theater!
The music is generally guitar dominated, but the keyboardist often
provides tasteful harmonies and will also jam right alongside
the guitar -- cool. It's all very tight, with complex rhythms,
time changes, and great dynamics -- the slower 'acoustic' sections
complement the heavier parts very well. The songs average about
7 minutes in length and never really drag on (IMHO) -- it's a strong
album overall.
Black Jester is apparently an Italian band, but the vocals
are in English. My only complaint would be that because the vocals
are pretty low in the mix, it is rather hard to understand the lyrics.
I do like the vocalist though -- he's got a fairly aggressive style
that goes well with the music.
I've called a store in Balitimore (Of Sound Mind -- (410)
529-7082) and they have a couple of the CD's in stock. I'll
be buying this CD as soon as possible. :-) Since it's a German
import, you'll probably have to get it from an import shop (or
order it from a place like Of Sound Mind).
Anyway, as you can probably tell, this band has really
impressed me and I'm already looking forward to trying out their
earlier album (don't know the name). Just thought I'd let you
know about them... Let me know if any of you try them out, or
already know of them (is anyone familiar with their first album?).
Steve
P.S. Here's the info on the album. I'm sure a place like Of Sound Mind
could order it, if they're out of stock:
Artist: Black Jester
Album Name: Welcome to the Moonlight Circus
Year Released: 1994
Total Time: 46:37
Label: Music is Intelligence
Catalog #: WMMS 037
Recorded: in Germany
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Steve /
\ Chew / / -- And you and I reach over the sun to
-- Wonderful, \\\' , / // the river.
wonderful, \\\//, _/ //, -- A smile costs nothing, but
most wonderful! \_-//' / //<, gives much.
\ /// <//` -- It's only the giving that makes
-- Convictions are / >> \\\`__/_ you what you are.
more dangerous /,)-^>> _\` \\\ -- Only through love changes come.
enemies of truth (/ \\ / \\\
than lies. // _//\\\ -- Better to have loved and have lost,
((` (( than never to have loved at all.
schew@tis.com
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