UNTUNE THE SKY

"Untune The Sky" is a triumphant recording for renowned musician Trey GUNN. GUNN, known for his solo projects and work with KING CRIMSON, reaches another level on this solo recording. A masterpiece of this magnitude deserves a lot of contemplation and study if you are a perceptive and curious listener.

I was captivated with the CD and ended up playing it several times before finally popping the DVD in. It is not an easy task explaining what kind of music this is, it is in fact many different types of styles and genres all wrapped carefully into a homogenized progressive sound. GUNN is a multi-instrumentalist that uses a free form approach with his supporting cast. They create a remarkable blend of instrumental prog-rock and Middle Eastern jazz influenced sounds that have you shaking your head wondering what you just heard. It is very good music with many textures and flavors.

The DVD is just as interesting as the CD. The tracks indicated as multimedia (see track listing) are the most attention grabbing with magnificent colors and imagery set to mesmerizing sounds. GUNN uses the Chapman Stick and a double-necked guitar that he employs a unique touch style of playing. He coaxes some different and at times odd sounds out of his instruments, giving each song a unique resonance and atmosphere all its own.

The behind the scenes segments with the band members was very good as well, I particularly enjoyed the interview by guitar player Joe Mendleson with drummer/percussionist Bill Rieflin. Reiflin uses some intricate instruments that he explains in detail while setting up before a show. After listening to what he had to say, I had a better understanding of the complexity of the music I just heard.

This is an excellent two for one set, so do not miss it.

Trey is probably best-known as being a member of King Crimson for the last ten years, but as well as other bands he has also recorded six solo albums. This album is a retrospective of those albums, and features Trey on warr guitar, Chapman stick, vocals and Bob Muller (drums), Dave Douglas (trumpet), Tony Geballe (sax, guitar) and Joe Mendelson (guitar). The warr guitar is an instrument that Trey developed with Mark Warr and is a 10-string 'touch' guitar with the range of a piano. This gives him the opportunity to play music that a conventional guitar would not be able to cope with.

This is fusion music, and it is very clever. There is no doubt that Trey is a fine musician who knows exactly what he wants to achieve, but the only problem is that when experimenting with new forms and styles it can either be brilliant or can make the music very hard to listen to. No prizes for guessing which camp this falls into. I know that many people get a lot of pleasure in music that is challenging, but having struggled all the way through this album a couple of times I doubt that I will do so again.

Originally appeared in Feedback #78, April 2004