LIVE AT NEARFEST

Finally, a full live album from Prog-festival favorites IZZ. This is one band that really needs to be experienced live on stage. The music comes to life with stellar musicianship and wickedly fun band interaction. This live album gives us much of the best of IZZ as well, culling tunes from Sliver of a Sun, I Move and My River Flows.

We are treated to an unreleased intro piece, Swallow Our Pride. Late Night Salvation, last years song of the year, in my book, is a dymanic tune featuring the amazing and underated Paul Bremner's brilliant guitar work and a drum duet that was a show stopper at Cal-Prog '05. Greg Dimiceli and Brian Coralian drum clinic would make any percussion enthusiast salivate. Coming Like Light is another tune that shows the band stretching out with quick piano flourishes segueing into mad guitar driven breaks and lovely female vocals before the thrill ride ends. Two of IZZ' most intricate instrumentals close out the disc, Star Evil Gnoma Su (Rats Live Among Us) shifts, twists and spins throughout, while Mists of Dalriada takes you on a Celtic romp with Brems' blistering fretboard runs leading the way. The only tune missing for me, is Crossfire, which is always a standout live song.

This band continues to grow as performers. The vocals have grow and become more solid to the overall production. The Galgano brothers are both fine singers and top notch at their respective instruments, even changing places at times.

If you haven't seen IZZ, you are missing out. Live At Nearfest is a worthy warm-up for the live show.