FERO GRIGLÁK & FERMATA: NEXT

Well, my first review for Slovakian band. I feel quite suitable to do it, not from my knowledge of jazz (which is not so big), but because of their music (little bit) and because I'm in neighbor, in country of Czech Republic. It's sad that while many bands in our country took death-metal way (which i don't like too much), or even soft rock/emo/punk ones and hip-hop in theirs (which I hate).

But take for example movies. We have few very bad movies, a lot of average ones and few very good ones. Well, quite a lot good ones. But Slovaks, they have a lot of bad movies, few average ones and ... few good ones. When you consider their smaller size and conditions for movie/audience reaction, they're on the same level with very good movies as we are. Same with music. Take for example Dezo Ursiny, or Fermata. They're better than most of ours prog groups. Yeah, better of tiny little bit, but better. Good thing is that we have a lot, big bunch (when considering how small we are, just 10 million people) of these almost perfect bands. Slovakian rock scene was never so big, which is sad. They're only 2 times smaller than we. Slovakia has one strange custom I cannot understand. They use gypsy names for non-gypsy people and nobody is wondering. In my country, having names like Fero, or Dezo (Dezider) means always gypsy. My girlfriend is half Slovakian, so she told me a lot of things. One thing is for, gypsies don't make prog. They make different things and deeds, but that's different story.

My first dig into this legendary SK band and I'm pleased. Even that first tracks sounds like Gary Hoey like. Also whole album is quite short (for so new record, just 39 minutes like in past LP times). Well, first three tracks sounds like him. It's bad. Most of them sounds like Gary Hoey. It's not so hard album to listen to, reminding me lounge electric jazz fusion. Keyword - lounge. But I like it. Also first review where I wrote about 5 times more info about country, than about the music itself. And I'm aware of it, it just helps the whole thing I hope.

3(+) for easy listening guitar work.

This band's early albums had shown a strong John McLaughlin influence, but not to the point of plagiarism, more like a respect, instead. 30 years later they sound very much like a decent Joe Satriani effort. Now, that's not a bad thing in my books as I do admire Satriani's abilities.

Some jazzy elements remain, but this album is more Rock influenced. Starting with a hard rocking tune gives way to more relaxed, but still serious guitar slinging. Surprisingly, some orchestral elements are also added - albeit sparingly. The single vocal track is of some surprise, too and points towards Crossover territory I don't normally listen to (MoR Rock with almost accidental Prog bits), so I am at a loss to liken it with anything. Actually, it's not an annoying piece at all, but wouldn't be missed.

There are also references to more lyrical efforts heard on Steve Morse's solo albums. Considering the talents involved, it's not quite as original as it could have been, nevertheless it has room in my collection. At under 36 mins it's a bit disappointing, so it'll just scrape past a rating of 3.5.