Arc Angel-Cannata - Tamorok


Year of Release: 2002
Label: Oxford Circus
Catalog Number: OXF002
Format: CD
Total Time: 68:12:00

Whether you want to call multi-instrumentalist Jeff Cannata's latest Arc Angel project progressive rock depends on where you draw the line between prog and AOR. Personally, I think this album is of importance to the prog world because of Jeff Cannata's connection with the 70's regional progressive-rock group Jasper Wrath, a band that I was lucky enough to see perform several times in my younger days. If you're from the Northeast and remember Jasper Wrath, you'll want to pick up this CD in order to hear what Jeff's been up to lately.

What does this album sound like? Imagine Toto crossed with Alan Parsons, and you'll be on the right track. Throw in some of Asia's or Marillion's recent stuff, and you'll be even closer. There's even a hint of Yes in some of the melodies (but not in the instrumentation). Put simply, the music on Tamorok is AOR with a progressive edge. Like Toto at their best, Cannata's songs are catchy head-bobbers, with strong, often intricate beats and percussion parts, and memorable melodies. The recording and production are stellar, making this one that you'll want to hear a few times under headphones.

Most of the music here is upbeat and features an instrumental core of drums, keyboards, guitar, bass, and vocals. Cannata plays most of the instruments himself, with a couple of guest musicians appearing on each track. (Several of the guests were in Jasper Wrath, as well.) For example, you'll hear woodwinds on a couple of songs, as well as acoustic piano, both played by guests. Cannata performs all the vocals and does a terrific job. Cannata's singing is confident, precise, and well developed, whether he's tackling the lead melody or layering on the harmonies. Jeff Cannata is quite the accomplished musician and all-around talented fellow.

If you're the type of prog listener who likes to dip into the lighter side of the genre now and then, you'll find a lot to relish on this CD. Sure, this is more pop than prog, but sometimes a cool, five-minute song without a thousand notes per measure is just the ticket.


Tracklisting:
Tamorok (6:16) / Prisoner In The Holy Land (4:32) / Big Life (6:59) / When It's Love (4:38) / Watching The World (3:53) / Let It Be (4:01) / Stars (2001) (5:35) / Calling To You (4:11) / Fortune Teller (3:45) / Hand In Hand (4:27) / Sailing Ships (4:37) / Dangerous Game (5:03) / Stay (3:29) / Kings Of Nations (6:48)

Musicians:
Jeff Cannata - drums, guitars, synths, and vocals

Guest musicians:

Robert Gianotti - guitar, woodwinds (1, 2, 7)
Jeff Batter - piano, keyboards (1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13)
Jay Rowe - piano (3)
Brian Wise - guitar (3, 12)
Mark Proto - guitar solo (4, 14)
Jay Johnson - lead/rhythm guitars (4, 5, 9, 11)
Jimi Bell - guitar solo (5)
David Coe - acoustic guitar (6)
Barry Marshall - sax solo (6)
Peter Hodson - add'l guitars (8)
J. Christian - background vocals (9, 11)
Michael Soldan - synths (11)
Roland Pepin - keyboards (14)

Discography:
Arc Angel (1983)
Images of Forever (1988)
Watching The World(1993)
Jasper Wrath Anthology (1997)
Tamorok (2002)
Mysterium Magnum (2006)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: June 18th 2002
Reviewer: Clayton Walnum

Artist website: www.arcangel-cannata.com
Hits: 2109
Language: english

  

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