KEYBOARDS TRIANGLE

This CD (the sub-title is "Keyboard trio tribute") is a collaboration from two great, very sumptuous keyboard-driven bands: Ars Nova and Gerard. They have made their own versions of seven compositions from ELP (two tracks), TRACE, PFM, RICK WAKEMAN, IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO and BANCO. You can always argue about the value of playing covers. But in my opinion these two splendid Japanese progrock bands have succeeded in making an interesting cover-CD. First because all musicians are very talented, second they play so tight, dynamic and powerful and third both Ars Nova as Gerard have succesfully added their own, very sumptuous sound and musical vision to the original songs. If you listen to "Toccata" (from ELP) performed by Gerard, it's incredible that this music can sound even more bombastic than the original! And in BANCO's "La conquista della posizione eratta" you will be stunned by the Jobson-like violin sound from the Korg synthesizer and the superdynamic rhythm-section. The final part includes wonderful violin-Mellotron waves and slowly fading harpsicord play, beautiful. Ars Nova does very well in "Birds medley" (by Rick van der Linden's TRACE), "Epilogo" from IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO (their album "Ys" is a captivating and alternating but very complex 'classic') and "Tarkus" (from ELP) featuring varied and exciting duo- keyboardplay (great Moog flights and classical orchestrations) and also a very dynamic and strong rhythm-section. Very surprising is the choir-Mellotron intro in "Tarkus", Keith Emerson refuses to use this unique instrument. The other two tracks are from Gerard. First "Catharine Parr" (RICK WAKEMAN) that features the amazing talents from Toshio Egawa on keyboards (piano, organ, Mellotron, synthesizers), driven by that high- energy rhythm-section. Especially those parts with the GRIEG-inspired synthesizer flights, supported by lush organ and Mellotron waves, sound impressive. Second the known piece "Fourholes in the ground", from PFM including those quick and catchy Moog runs and the violin-Mellotron waves. Gerard changes this song into an up-tempo piece with lots of bombastic keyboard sounds. Not every Italian progrock aficionado will be pleased with the result and I have to admit that on one hand I miss the warm atmosphere and Italian vocals but on the other hand Gerard has given their own, very distinctive dynamic and sumptuous turn to this song and they deserve credit for that is my opinion. IF YOU LIKE BOMBASTIC KEYBOARD-DRIVEN PROG, THIS CD IS A MUST!!