Varga Project, Janos - The Wings Of Revelation II


Year of Release: 2002
Label: Periferic Records / Stereo KFt
Catalog Number: BGCD 114
Format: CD
Total Time: 54:47:00

With a song title such as "The Power Of Love" I was thinking the ex-East guitarist had switched to covering Frankie Goes to Hollywood or Jennifer Rush material instead of following the course set out with his first solo album. In the liner notes he writes: "it is a great feeling to love and be free," so at least I was hoping for long improvised sections as opposed to more compact poppy tunes. Seeing Janos Varga only accompanies himself with a drummer and bass player I was convinced this all instrumental trio would once again smoke!

We have to be honest saying that the band East has never been well-known outside its own territory. That's why also the name of East-leader Janos Varga is little known. By means of his first album Wings Of Revelation I Varga finally was able to illustrate his skills. His instrumental tour-de-force sounds extra detailed on this follow-up. Meanwhile Varga has extended his solo activities into a fullblown band, adding an outstanding drummer and bass player. The opening track "Freedom" delivers the statement that Janos Varga is a superb musician, whilst it's exactly the freedom of structures which contains the progressive idea. Bass player Peter Hary lets his stick roar during "Shadows And Lights" whilst Varga tunes his guitar like a genuine Allman Brothers artifact. Again during "The Released Spirit" it's as if you have landed right in the middle of the sixties craze.

The yearlong experience of Varga is proven when the acoustic intro for "Our Long Dance" brings in the balance and a lovely synth introduces the wailing of the guitar. When I heard the track "Islands" for the very first time, I immediately had to think of the song "Osmosis" as composed and delivered by Liquid Tension Experiment. But then again "Islands" is to "Osmosis" what Dolly is towards a real sheep! With "Memento" falling into two parts, I feel like I'm dwelling in kind of a Tangle Edge landscape where rock and psychedelica complement each other. This strong album ends with the rather classical "Candles." Whether it's electric or acoustic guitar Janos Varga most certainly masters both of them and proves with his second solo album that he certainly has to be reckoned with as being one of the most important guitarists in the world of symphonic rock. Without any doubt, this comes highly recommended for those of you who enjoy a decent helping of instrumental symphonic rock.


Tracklisting:
Freedom (8:10) / Shadows And Lights (8:48) / The Released Spirit (5:59) / The Power Of Love (4:25) / With Heart And Soul (7:21) / Our Long Dance (5:27) / Islands (3:47) / Memento (8:04) / Candles (2:45)

Musicians:
Janos Varga - guitars, keyboards, bass
Peter Hary - bass, stick
Istvan Kiraly ? drums

Guest:

Szabolcs Nagy ? keyboards

Discography:
The Wings Of Revelation I
The Wings Of Revelation II (2002)

Genre: Symphonic Prog

Origin HU

Added: August 8th 2004
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg

Artist website: www.janosvarga.com
Hits: 2555
Language: english

  

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