ANOTHER TIME... ANOTHER PLACE

The time has come to anoint a new candidate to join the prog elite: I name Magenta. It takes more than a couple of good releases to reach such lofty heights and this band delivers on all counts with this third major disc. Magenta's first release "Revolutions" took the prog world by storm, unleashing unanimous praise from all circles worldwide, with both fans and critics taking serious notice. To start off with a 2CD debut is already a clear sign that confidence and purpose is spearheading this effort to create an outstanding series of 20 minute epics is mindblowing! Then, after a brief respite, Magenta comes out with another winner , the equally compeling "Seven" which also draws rave reviews from almost everyone! Wonder what will be next up, you ask? Forever unpredictable , they return to the fold with a 2CD LIVE recording! What balls! What audacity! Especially when taken into account that Live albums are not exactly prog strongest suite , as opposed to say well documented classic live rock, blues or jazz albums ! Some past concert takes are often spotty affairs, sounding too overblown or even mechanical . Outside of the mesmerizing "Coma Divine" by Porcupine Tree , there are few classic Live prog albums. Another Time, Another Place is a rendition of a typical Magenta concert, in the course of a recently completed European Tour (according to the credits) and what a compelling ride it is! Leader and keyboardist Robert Reed (of Cyan & Fyreworks fame) surrounds himself with highly capable musicians who are obviously also pals, the enthusiasm is apparent throughout the proceedings. The rythm section is spot on , the dueling guitars of Chris Fry and Martin Rosser keeping everything interesting and of course, the revelation: the new queen of prog, Christina Booth! Her performance live really confirms her stature as a new force in prog , handling the complex music with unbriddled ease, delivering the goods without a hitch. They all work as a well oiled team of seasoned proggers, conjuring up all the power, the passion and the dedication our beloved genre can express. All the material is well reproduced , close to the original without sounding even remotely mechanical , again due to the overt passion displayed by the players. The entire concert flows majestically with no peaks or valleys , just pure bliss! Three magical albums later, Magenta has landed at the gate of Prog immortality, especially if the next album reaches similar heights. I shudder at the thought! 4 clappies