NEVER PET A BURNING DOG

Multi-national Jazz Rock band, found by British keyboardist Alex Maguire, known for his involvement in the 05' brief reformation of Hatfield and the North, Belgian guitarist Michelle Deville, leader of The Wrong Object, and American Jazz drummer Tony Bianco.They recorded their debut album in 2009 at Beppe Crovella's Electromantic Studio in San Sebastiano da Po, Italy, featuring Canterbury legend Richard Sinclair, who provides vocals and bass in a few cuts.This came out in 2010 on Moonjune Records, carrying the title ''Never pet a burning dog''.

An album full of vintage jazzy colors and light Canterbury splashes, ''Never pet a burning dog'' is a work, characterized by its semi-improvised parts, frenetic solos, a usually very blistering and sharp sound and the display of a few electric Fusion moments.It often knocks the doors of Experimental Music with the dissonant and abstract executions come and go all the time, but it also offers a monumental Jazz Rock, performed by experienced musicians, full of groovy passages, dramatic tones and emphatic atmospheres.I would split this work in two parts, the first few long pieces are closer to Free Jazz/Jazz Rock with lots of isolated soloing and instrumental excess, based mostly on guitars, drums and electric piano.While not extremely competent, this material is still good for what it is, as the guys came up with some very fiery performances.The second half of the album is more of a Jazz- and Progressive Rock affair, often reminding of MATCHING MOLE, with Macguire adding some notable Mellotron and organ showering in tne tracks, which are now appear to be properly structured, even if the schizophenic drumming and electric piano torturing give an idea of loose executions.Nice Canterbury touches and some engaging jazzy interludes are provided during these cuts, which sound more convinving than the first half of the album.Sinclair's voice is definitely a reason for the nostalgic memories.

A mixture of Free Jazz and Progressive Rock with the result ending up to be somewhere in the middle.Love the energy of this trio and the pieces of the second half shine through.For fans of Jazz, the Canterbury scene and Prog Fusion.