FOREST OF FEELINGS

Talented American keyboardist David Sancious, born in 1953 in Long Branch, New Jersey, received classical education as a youngster, while he also taught himself guitar and in early-70's he moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he worked at Alpha Studios.Soon he became a member of Bruce Springsteen's backing group E Street Band, with which he spent two years.In 1974 Sancious and E Street Band-bandmate Ernest Carter left the band and formed Tone with drummer Gerald Carboy.Sancious & Tone debuted in 1975 with the album ''Forest of Feelings'' on Epic.

The talent of Sancious is fully displayed in this first work of Tone and his wide influences from Classical Music to Jazz to Progressive Rock result a tight amalgam of sounds, that can only be described as Fusion.His main reference point seems to be a proggier WEATHER REPORT with alternating atmospheres from fiery and professional Fusion to more mellow moments of Jazz Rock.But the album contains also strong Classical-inspired themes and spacey keyboard parts, closer to the Progressive Rock lines.Sancious' work is dominant and impressive, including sharp and adventurous synthesizers blended with extremely inspired piano themes and smoother organ moves, while he also prooves to be an excellent guitarist when needed next also to the talents of Gerald Carboy and Ernest Carter.The faster and more energetic tracks have a strong progressive background, while the more one-dimensional pieces scan the differences between romantic Classical Music and easy-going Jazz.All of them though are well-composed and executed.

I would dare to say that Sancious & Tone should be a guide for all modern Prog/Fusion trios.''Forest of Feelings'' is the greatest proof.Dynamic, passionate still melodic keyboard-based Fusion of high quality.Highly recommended.