DAVID SANCIOUS

Overall, this is just such a mind blowing and beautiful Symphonic Prog Jazz Rock album that I heavily recommend with his other work Forest Of Feelings & Transformation.

The instrumental music is lively and versatile Fusion with lots of influences from the (British) progressive rock and classical music. Comparisons can be made towards MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA and RETURN TO FOREVER. The nearly 9-minute opener 'Suite Cassandra' (she was David's infatuation and a cousin of Clarence Clemons) is one of the highlights with its sophisticated balancing between melodic tenderness and proggy energy. The second track is tight and funky, and is emphasized on David's electric guitar. Slow-paced 'East India' starts in a very delicate and impressionistic manner and increases Eastern flavour along the way. Very soothing and beautiful composition, which must have sounded too lame in the ears of those who expect fiery Fusion in the Mahavishnu style. I got an association to VANGELIS's China album (1979).

Also 'Dixie', inspired by the civil rights movement in the Southern states, stays in the totally boundary- free area between jazz and rock. I'd like to mention my countrymen PEKKA POHJOLA and JUKKA TOLONEN as equally free-minded Fusion artists. The title track is the second longest (7:49) and guaranteed to please any friend of classically influenced Fusion. Acoustic piano takes the lead role at one point but the track's arrangement is rich. 'Joyce #8' is a brief, romantic composition for solo piano. Fast-tempo 'Crystal Image' is one of the jazziest moments in the album.

Cheerful 'One Time' has lots of funk but also some amazing virtuosity on keyboards. 'Further in the Forest of Feelings' has many time-shifts and has more substance within three minutes than a 7-minute composition might have. Still it doesn't feel too rushed. 'Promise of Light' is another romantic piano piece in the classical style. This album maybe isn't quite an essential masterpiece, but skillful and enjoyable enough for me to round my 4½ stars upwards. Especially as it's relatively little known.

The talent of Sancious is fully displayed in this first work of Tone and his wide influences from Classical Music to Jazz to Progressive Rock result a tight amalgam of sounds, that can only be described as Fusion.His main reference point seems to be a proggier WEATHER REPORT with alternating atmospheres from fiery and professional Fusion to more mellow moments of Jazz Rock.But the album contains also strong Classical-inspired themes and spacey keyboard parts, closer to the Progressive Rock lines.Sancious' work is dominant and impressive, including sharp and adventurous synthesizers blended with extremely inspired piano themes and smoother organ moves, while he also prooves to be an excellent guitarist when needed next also to the talents of Gerald Carboy and Ernest Carter.The faster and more energetic tracks have a strong progressive background, while the more one-dimensional pieces scan the differences between romantic Classical Music and easy-going Jazz.All of them though are well-composed and executed.

I would dare to say that Sancious & Tone should be a guide for all modern Prog/Fusion trios.''Forest of Feelings'' is the greatest proof.Dynamic, passionate still melodic keyboard-based Fusion of high quality.Highly recommended.

This album was his first solo endeavor. And it was produced by the great drummer Billy Cobham (who also plays tympani on a few of the tracks here). The album ranks up there with some of the best of the mid- seventies symphonic fusion greats.

The best tracks are the Mahavishnu-like Suite Cassandra and The Forest Of Feelings. Both of these are complex and lush fusion pieces, with symphonic prog sections driving them along. Another highlight is the two-part Dixie, a minor key warping of the classic song, which descends into some wild electronic experimentation.

It's a shame that Sony has allowed this gem to go out of print, as it should rank high in their fusion catalog.

"Overture" features vocals that come in quickly including some cringe worthy backing vocals.This is really wimpy except for the bass. "1st Movement" opens with vocal melodies followed by drums and organ a minute in. A calm with vocal melodies return then it kicks in once more before we get a steady rhythm with lots of keyboards 3 1/2 minutes in. The tempo shifts often after 6 1/2 minutes. The best part of the song is 11 minutes in.

"2nd Movement" opens with atmosphere before an orchestral-like soundscape takes over. A calm follows then it kicks back in quickly. Best parts are after 2 and 4 minutes. "The Dawn" is laid back with a beat and keyboards leading the way. "3rd Movement" opens with a flury of keyboards and drums then it settles as contrasts continue. "4th Movement" is led by piano throughout. "Finale Part I" has a Middle Eastern vibe with vocals. "Finale Part II" is my favourite tune as it's filled with atmosphere only.

It's difficult to even give 3 stars for this one. Just not my cup of tea I suppose.

I probably like the first track the most. "Piktor's Metamorphosis" contrasts the laid back, chill out mood with the more aggressive keys, bass and drums sections. "Sky Church Hymn #9" opens with drums as this bluesy guitar comes in. Not fan of this. It turns more uptempo though with some ripping guitar (okay i'm impressed) before ending the way it began.

"The Play And Displays Of The Heart" opens with piano and acoustic guitar with the tempo switching back and forth. It's okay. "Transformation (The Speed Of Love)" is the closing side long suite. It kicks in after a minute. Organ 5 minutes in then we get a calm before it kicks back in. Love the bass and drum work. A calm with bells 9 1/2 minutes in and later after 12 minutes before kicking back in 15 1/2 minutes in. Good song but i'm not overy impressed.

I'm in the minority here with my thoughts on this record so a grain of salt is recommended. I think it's good, most think it's great.

"Sky Church Hymn #9" is unusual blues based composition with very energetic guitar in Hendrix-style. Two other side-A compositions contain all main elements of jazz fusion from mid-70-s. David plays attractive keyboards tunes and structures, with some passages , but I like more separate moments, than compositions in whole.

Fourth, longest composition (and side-B of original LP release) is 18+ minutes long jazz fusion suite with vocals (including Gayle Moran). With bigger accents on individual instruments soloing, generally this composition could be compared with RTF works.

Overall, album contains many moments of really high class energetic jazz fusion of its time and demonstrates very competent musicianship. I just missed concept feeling, the music often sounded as great demonstration of some musical pieces, not too much connected between each other. Great musicianship, but after listening you possibly will remember some separate pieces and moments, but hardly all album as whole work.