Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
No rating supplied
Okay I admit it, I expected the Asia of the eighties that shook the
world of rock and roll to come blaring over my speakers when I gave
this CD a spin. Hey, I am no different than anyone else, I place unrealistic
expectations on groups that I have always enjoyed, and this was no
exception. I will never learn. The first listen of "Aura" was a complete
disappointment to me. Obviously I wasn't paying enough attention to
what was playing. I thought it was syrupy and fluff. I was dead wrong.
I left the CD alone for several weeks and put it on again today. What
a difference it can make when you listen to music without placing
any expectations upon it. This is a great album, and Asia's first
studio recording in ten years.
The beautiful and inviting keyboards of Geoff Downes returns to the
fold and the legendary Yes member Steve Howe joins in once again to
add his signature sound with guitar. And what prog-rock project would
be complete without the legendary Tony Levin on bass? Has enough been
said about this man? I seriously doubt it. He has played with everyone
from Lennon to Zappa and more. His presence adds a touch of class,
and his impact is enormous in any project he contributes to.
The first track that will really grab you is the spiritually driven
and touching 'Ready To Go Home' by Graham Gouldman (10CC) and Andrew
Gold. Downes leads the group through the first seven tracks as his
governing keyboards accentuate the unassailable lead vocals of John
Payne, who also plays bass and guitar. The sound is nice and atmospheric,
highlighted by sheets of cascading keyboards and Levin's significant
bass lines. By the time the track 'Free' starts playing the focus
changes and the lead guitar takes over to juice things up a bit. There
are several lead guitars besides Howe… Pat Thrall, Ian Critchton,
Elliot Randall, and Guthrie Govan also contribute. The incredible
Simon Phillips is on hand to lend his drumming expertise to the rest
of the sparkling all-star lineup, as well as Vinnie Colaiuta, Chris
Slade, and Michael Sturgis.
Some of this music sounds like it could have easily been the soundtrack
to a fantasy or sci-fi flick. This music paints a picture and creates
an awe inspiring atmosphere that has the movies running in your mind
going non-stop. The title track 'Aura' is a real mover. The sheer
electricity and power that this music holds will sweep you right off
your feet and take you away in the blink of an eye. The bonus tracks
are excellent rockers. 'Come Make My Day' and 'Hands Of Time' close
out eighty minutes of slick production, excellent sound, and world
class musicianship. The rocking tunes prove that this group can step
it up and leave behind the more sophisticated numbers and cut loose
with the best of them. Another bonus is 'Estoy Lista Para Ir A Mi
Casa', a Limited Edition CD Single in Spanish of "I'm Ready To Go
Home." A coupon and instructions for ordering the single can be found in limited numbers.
Diversity is the name of the game to sell music in this day and age.
I can't see any problems for Asia now, or in the future.
1. Awake
2. Wherever You Are
3. Ready To Go Home
4. The Last Time
5. Forgive Me
6. Kings Of The Day
7. On The Coldest Day In Hell
9. You're The Stranger
10. The Longest Night
11. Aura
12. Under The Gun
13. Come Make My Day
14. Hands Of Time
The Players:
Geoff Downes - Keyboards
John Payne - Lead Vocals, Bass, Guitar
Steve Howe, Elliott Randall, Pat Thrall, Ian Crichton, Guthrie Govan - Guitars
Tony Levin - Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta, Simon Phillips, Chris Slade, Michael Sturgis - Drums
Asia Touring Band:
Geoff Downes - Keyboards
John Payne - Bass Guitar and Lead Vocals
Guthrie Govan - Guitars
Chris Slade - Drums
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