CORVUS STONE

Only now and then does a new CD live up to expectations. You get the pre-release hype and a few teasers that build you up for the big letdown. However, I had high hopes when I got my Corvus Stone in the mail. Having already heard a couple of the tunes and being familiar with other work of the musicians, it was with great anticipation that I popped in the disc and sat down to give a listen. Seventy some exhilarating minutes later, I broke from my trance to start it from the beginning, anxious to discover just why I had enjoyed it so much. I heard fresh sounds that felt familiar. There was dissonance and sweetness, frenzy and calm - a give and take between the instruments like a conversation between friends that is respectful, but open to all ideas expounding on similar points. Where many collaborative efforts can sound a bit disjointed, Corvus Stone draws strength from the freedom each musician has to create and the inspiration that individuals from different countries brings to the group. Pasi Koivu's (Finland) compositions are anything but typical, but when he plays them, the keyboards so smoothly and artfully draw imaginative dreams right through his frisky fingers. Colin Tench (Sweden) joins the discussion with an array of guitars that speak with the tongues of many. Each sound is played with just the right touch, at just the right time, for just the right length - a impressive combination of superb technique and translatable feeling. The smart, full bass lines by Petri Lemmy Lindstrom( Finland) keep the songs honest and cohesive. They dance among the keys and guitars filling intended gaps and punctuating phrases in a way that warms the ears. He plays with great contrast in structure and free form. The to and fro, lively or serene, is driven and cradled by the expert drumming of Robert Wolff (USA), who contributes some sassy punch with a snazzy drum solo. Guest appearances by Blake Carpenter (Minstrel's Ghost) on Ice King and You're So Wrong, Stef Flaming (Murky Red) on Jussi Pussi, John Culley (Black Widow) and Vic Tassone (Unified Past) on You're So Wrong, are delightful additions that provide well placed changes of pace. You should buy Corvus Stone because your ears will thank you for the sensational experience produced by such an assortment of genius captured so well and mixed to perfection. The stunning cover and sleeve work by artist extraordinaire, Sonia Mota, is, by itself, worth the purchase. You should put this CD in the lifetime of listening section of your collection. You will want to listen to it over and over again in order to catch all the little extras that are a mark of "the music first" musicians who refuse to settle for less. Rating? How many stars you got? Seriously. It is that good!