"Hommage
Symphonique" is the second part
in this short series of cover albums
that Think Tank Media released recently
(the first one is Lana Lane's "Gemini").
If you have read the Lana Lane review,
then you simply know what was annoying
in that case. Thankfully, Erik Norlander,
doesn't fall in the same pit, as his
approach is significantly different.
Mr. Norlander has chosen some progressive
rock diamonds, some of which are not
so popular. What I mean is that he
chose songs that we can't call easily
"first contact point", if
someone would like to get a picture
of these bands. Check for example
the opening "Conquistador"
by Procol Harum, an all time favorite
for me and some "dinosaurs"
that I know, or the closing "Starless"
by King Crimson. In between you can
listen to some very good covers, such
as "Sir Lancelot And The Black
Knight" by Rick Wakeman and "Children
Of Sanchez Overture" by Chuck
Mangione (well, that was the surprise
of the album that made me search for
the original). One can't ignore that
Mr. Norlander is not highlighting
his own skills and that he evades
self-exhibition through endless keyboard
solos and so on. With this decision
he also manages to give the adequate
space for expression to the invited
musicians. Take a look at his company
and you'll understand that Mr. Norlander
respected their high level of musicianship
and offered them a platform to express
their skills. They simply rewarded
him with excellent performances that
enhance the original works and all
together they deliver us a first class
cover CD. Without disregarding the
contribution of the rest musicians
I want to make a note on vocals. Kelly
Keeling did an excellent work. I am
sure that it was an arduous task,
to adjust his performance to these
demanding tracks that were originally
performed by some distinct and recognizable
voices. If you are interested, either
in progressive rock with a symphonic
aura , or in cover-CDs, then this
is an option that you can consider. |