THE RAVEN THAT REFUSED TO SING (AND OTHER STORIES)

I got a sneak peak of the new Steve Wilson record and I must say that it is awesome and probably some of the best stuff out there. I have tickets for the April show at the Howard Theater and can wait. I can't wait to buy the physical CD as well. It will be my son's 21st birthday and he is a big P-Tree fan as well, so it will be a really good time.

I am not going to give a track by track review because as soon as this album is formally released there will be plent of reviews by more qualified reviewers. Instead I will give an overall review.

The album starts with a powerful track; I mean a really powerful movement driven by strong base and drums. There are moments of just about every one of my favorite prog-tunes ever created incorporated into this track. It is energetic, complex and thoughtful. The rest of the album is great too, but the first track just pulls me in tight and I just stay there.

The musicianship throughout the record is superb. The mix and mastering is amazing. I think Steve has surpassed P-Tree with this one and it might be hard to turn back. One heck of a line-up Steve! I am really trying my hardest not to overrate albums with my reviews these day. I have been told that my ratings are too positive for bands that don't deserve it, but in this case I certainly don't think so. This is definitely my favorite of the year so far, and it would take one heck of a release to bump it from my top spot.

5/5 - without hesitation

It dawned on me that I never updated this review after seeing the concert. It was perhaps the best jazz fusion concert that I had ever seen. Phenomenal! and of course my perfect review and rating stands.