THE GAME OF OUROBOROS

US band THEO is the creative vehicle of composer and musician Jim Alfredson, who appears to be a better-known name in jazz circles than he is in rock music. "The Game of Ouroboros" is his first attempt at creating a progressive rock album; it was released through the German label Generation Prog Records following a three-year long creation cycle.

Theo has released a rather stunning debut album with "The Game of Ouroboros". The futuristic first half and the standalone compositions in the second half all explore different varieties of vintage, '70s-oriented progressive rock, and do so in an accomplished and well thought out manner. Alfredson's jazz background does shine through, as jazz-oriented details are a recurring feature throughout, but while this is a much used flavoring it is still just that. The main dish here is progressive rock, and it is a very well made one at that.

Theo was a project put together by keyboard player and singer Jim Alfredson in between tours. It took three years to get it all recorded, but given he normally only had between October and February to work on it perhaps that isn't surprising, as he not only supports musicians in jazz and blues fields but also has a jazz trio himself, Organissimo. For this project be brought in Gary Davenport (bass, fretless bass, Chapman Stick), Kevin DePree (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Jake Reichbart (guitars) along with a couple of guests for the title song, Greg Nagy (12-string guitar) and Zach Zunis (lead guitar). The album is divided in two, with the first three songs combining together to create one concept piece (which reminds me of "We Are Sane" in terms of storyline), and then three more lengthy standalone.

This is crossover progressive rock with some symphonic and neo tendencies here and there and is very easy to listen to and enjoy from the very first time of playing. The keyboard sounds are interesting, as Alfredson has made a name for himself in jazz circles for playing a Hammond and he makes liberal use of it on this album, which all by itself gives much of the music an early Seventies feel. "Creatures of our Comfort" is heavily influenced by the funk and even disco scene: it certainly does not seem as if it is a recent release. Other sounds are from the Eighties and combined with the musicianship of Davenport makes for a fairly interesting album. Released at the beginning of 2015, one wonders if there is a new one on the horizon, as this mix of pop, prog and other elements are certainly fun, albeit sometimes just a little too commercial and bland. Worth seeking out.