FORTUNATE OBSERVER OF TIME

The first thing I should point out is that I know most of the band members of Frogg Cafe very well, so my review may be slightly biased in that regard. But this album is, without a doubt, one of the best I've heard in 2005. If you like thinking music that still rocks, then this is for you. The way this band incorporates jazz, rock, classic prog, and even a slightly jammy element (thanks to guitar player Stevie Uh) is nothing short of impressive. They are all first class musicians, and music teachers all to boot. The album has a wonderful flow from start to finish, the only odd ball being Abyss Of Dissention (which is attributable to the fact that is is the only track not written by Nick Lieto). That track, written by bass player Andy Sussman, is one of the best prog epics I've heard in a long time. Incorporating funky grooves, hard prog in the vein of King Crimson, and even a multi part vocal round that would do Gentle Giant proud, this song has it all (in fact, Gary Green of Gentle Giant complimented the band on that very vocal part at NearFest when the Froggs played there this past year). The only suggestion I can make to prog fans is that they should give this album a try. If you like this one, work backwords and get the other two. If you like extremely well written prog, that is complex not for the sake of being complex, that wonderfully blends elements of jazz, classical and classic as well as modern prog, you can't go wrong with this album. Oh yeah, the vocals are excellent throughout, helped along by well written and thought provoking lyrics. Just get it, you won't be dissapointed.