A Triggering Myth - Forgiving Eden


Year of Release: 2002
Label: The Laser's Edge
Catalog Number: LE1036
Format: CD
Total Time: 43:42:00

I have been listening to A Triggering Myth's new album, Forgiving Eden for weeks now... for the better part of the last month, actually, pretty much since it arrived in the mail. It is an intriguing mix of jazz, classical and rock. It is surely a top contender for one of the best of the year, at least in my book.

Though I'm not sure I agree, a co-worker of mine who happened by my office one day while this was playing said, "Sounds like Genesis." Given our previous conversations about music, I'm almost certain she was thinking of classic Genesis. I don't recall now at point the CD was at when she said this, but what I think she might have meant is that guest guitarist Scott McGill reminds a bit of Steve Hackett... though I've not thought that before. There is a certain point during this where I thought of both Spock's Beard and Kansas. Now, before you fire off an angry email to me, let me clarify. On more recent SB material, namely Snow, there are some lyrical keyboard parts that the keyboards used here made me think of. Ditto Kansas, though in their classic period ("Closet Chronicles" comes to mind).

But, don't get too comfortable with those comparisons... because what I thought of mostly were other modern jazzy-classical instrumental bands, specifically Birdsongs Of The Mesozoic, and of Italian prog bands Banco, DFA, Finisterre and Ezra Winston. In fact, there are points where I thought specifically of Ezra Winston's Ancient Afternoons release, and the piece I'm most familiar with from that album, "The Painter And The King."

As you might have guessed, this is my first experience with A Triggering Myth. I was expecting, before listening, something a little more fusiony, a little more avant-garde and "RIO-ish" (in quotes, because the term has come to suggest something specific - "difficult" music). There are some avant-like moments, that are tailed by flourishes that made me think of classic Steely Dan (Aja period). But, I'm far from disappointed ... or relieved.

Formed in 1989, A Triggering Myth released their first, self-titled album in 1990. Forgiving Eden is the band's fifth album, and contains a single suite of music, 43 minutes (or so) in duration (though the piece is segmented into separate logical tracks...unless you are looking at your CD player, you won't notice).

There are some wonderfully beautiful melodies here from keyboardists Tim Drumheller and Rick Eddy. Along with McGill on guitar (he's amazing), Vic Stevens guests on drums and percussion (equally amazing). All four combine their talents to create a richly satisfying mixture. Textures range from acoustic to electric, from bluesy, moody, easy going jazz right at the beginning (with some sharp tones like keening seagulls) to fusion at one point. There are so many little touches that I love -- a bit of trumpet here and there (keys or uncredited), some jazzy Hammond over there, rain-like piano notes... At one point, I thought of the Mission: Impossible theme music, given a jazzy update. There are times where I'm sure I hear a xylophone or marimba -- could be Stevens on percussion or created by the keys. It sounds warm and natural, so it's hard to tell. In fact, it sounds as if there are more than four folks involved, as you will hear what sounds like a whole orchestra backing the band, just adding to the fullness of the music -- booming kettle drums, brass, harp-like piano playing... There are even vocals in that Eddy recites a brief, self-composed poem from which the album gets its title (assuming, it could be the other way around).

Spoil yourself, indulge. This won't be a guilty pleasure, just a pleasure.


Tracklisting:
Forgiving Eden (43:42)

Musicians:
Tim Drumheller - keyboards
Rick Eddy - keyboards

Guests:

Scott McGill - guitars
Vic Stevens - drums and percussion

Discography:
A Triggering Myth (1990)
Twice Bitten (1993)
Between Cages (1995)
The Sins Of Our Saviors (1998)
Forgiving Eden (2002)
The Remedy Of Abstraction (2006)

Genre: RIO

Origin US

Added: October 13th 2002
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Artist website: www.atriggeringmyth.com
Hits: 2642
Language: english

  

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