I got a copy of this CD a few months ago from Derek Sherinian to check
out before this final release. Derek responded to a review of his
solo album "Inertia" I did with a nice e-mail, and then he asked me
if I wanted a CDR copy of this recording, I gladly accepted of course.
I have listened to this four times now and have found it to be a highly
entertaining disc regarding all aspects of the musical equation. I
held off on writing about this until the official release came out
to see if there were any differences in the sound. There are some
differences, it got tweaked slightly in the studio during the final
mix down, and it's noticeable to the discriminating ear. Simon Phillips,
renowned percussionist, did the final mixing.
Derek's goal was to fine tune this band into a working machine, I
think that he has succeeded in doing so. The tracks were recorded
June 13, 2001 at The Corner Hotel in Richmond, Victoria Australia.
For three guys they certainly make a lot of noise. While Sherinian
leads the group on keyboards, Tony Macalpine handles the guitar, and
Virgil Donati mans the drum kit. Their sound is BIG, and you would
never know that it was merely a trio. The absence of bass is simply
not a factor, Derek more than makes up for that with his keyboard
virtuosity. The three part "Atlantis" is their epic slice of prog-rock
totaling more than 17 minutes. The subject matter is typical of the
genre, and words are not necessary as the group does a fine job of
making the story happen inside your head with the changing tides of
the music. The crowd is very responsive and each member of the group
gets their moment in the spotlight. Derek is very generous when it
comes to sharing the stage, and he makes sure that the crowd appreciates
all the solos by his band mates by urging the crowd to respond.
Sherinian is a powerful keyboard player with a real focus and sense
of direction that he is going in musically. Keyboard players are notoriously
free spirited and Derek is no exception. He was great in Dream Theater,
but now he is really beginning to blossom following his own path.
This is great live prog-rock. It's a must for any keyboard devotee's
collection or prog-rock enthusiast.
Songs:
1. Ignitus Per Ignotium (7:46)
2. Inside Black (8:18)
3. Dog Boots (3:55)
4. Apocalypse 1470 BC (6:24)
5. Sea of Antiquity (4:20)
6. Lost Island (6:21)
7. Derek Sherinian Solo (2:41)
8. Warfinger (4:36)
9. Virgil Donati Solo (4:00)
10. Warfinger Reprise (1:62)
11. Tony Macalpine Solo (4:14)
12. Her Animal (4:40)
13. Europa (4:20)
14. Pods of Trance (8:08)
