PATRICK MORAZ & SYRINX: COEXISTENCE [AKA: LIBERTATE]

Am not sure whether or not this album is considered as prog. As far as I can say, it's a collaborative effort with Syrinx that produces a kind of fusion music. The music sometime sounds so poppy but it is influenced by jazz and classical music. The opening track "Mind Your Body" is like a typical pop/classical instrumental piece. The interesting part is on pan pipe / flutes work by Syrinx - that suffices to say that this is a unique track. My favorite track is "Soundrise" where it demonstrates Syrinx flutes as lead melody of the song. The melody itself is very touchy. The flute is played in a soft way and produces incredible sound. The composition is not prog at all as there is no complexity and tempo changing.

In "Coexistence" Moraz/Syrinx has composed the music in four movements; that remind us to the classical music structure. It's an interesting track with some influence of African music despite classical and jazz. Patrick Moraz solo is worth enjoying as well. It's really up to you to judge this album. But for sure, this is not the kind of "The Story of I" or "Out In The Sun" music. Progressively yours, GW - Indonesia.

This album is rather pan pipe flute oriented. It has a very Latin style with many percussions. The presence of Syrinx playing the omnipresent pan pipe flute obliges Moraz to be more in the background, creating a well balanced exotic ensemble. The overall sound is very lively and original. I think Moraz works better with other musicians, as it is the case here: notice his amazing contribution in making masterpieces like Yes' "Relayer" or the Refugee's record.

Raing: 3.5 stars

Patrick Moraz is a very eclectic musician. He has done Symphonic Prog with Mainhorse, Refugee and Yes; Latin/Brazilian Fusion on some of his solo albums (most notably his first and probably best one, The Story Of I); Jazz-Rock with Bill Bruford on Flags; Pop Prog on some of his solo albums as well as on several albums with The Moody Blues; and classical piano music. Coexistance does not fall into any of these categories and thus represents yet another type of music to which Moraz has lent his considerable skills.

On this album Moraz coexists with someone called Syrinx. This Syrinx person is credited with playing flutes of which there is a lot on this album. There is also electric guitar and drums. Still, I would not call this music Prog Rock. Progressive - maybe, but not very much rock to my ears. Fusion might be a better description but it has virtually nothing to do with Jazz-Rock. Perhaps World Music is en even better description, but do not expect an all out relaxing, New-Age kind of music here. The mood might be New-Age like, but some moments are quite intense. Black Gold, for example, is a great piece of music that often reminds me of Al Di Meola's intensity even if it is not a guitar piece. The keyboard sound at the end of this track is even similar to the one on Elegant Gypsy. This is easily my favourite number of this album.

The least good moment is the second track which is something of a Calypso! Not my cup of tea. The rest of the music is rather laid-back keyboard, flute and drums/percussion dominated pieces. The whole album is instrumental and there are no attempts to make Pop music. The music might be compared to the likes of Jade Warrior, Mike Oldfield, Vangelis and perhaps Al Di Meola.

Different, but hardly great despite some really good moments.