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FAR CORNER: Endangered

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In the ‘good old days of prog’ there were progressive musicians who could everything they touched, mutate into gold. Take for instance drummer extraordinaire Bill Bruford, who always did interesting things with Yes, King Crimson, UK, Genesis and his own fusion bands Bruford and Earthworks. It is a separate category; many are called, but only a few are chosen. Luckily the newest generation of prog musicians has its wizards too. Like American bassist William Kopecky, famous for his unique and expressive playing. That Parallel Mind’s debut in 2005 proved to be a more than succeeded album, was perhaps not only his merit, but still. I still put this CD into my player because of the wonderful bass lines. In Wisconsin-based Far Corner, Kopecky is of great value as well. This quartet, operating in a far corner of the musical universe, brings us top-notch instrumental chamber and classical rock that - from afar - reminds us of mid-seventies King Crimson and Univers Zero. But it’s definitely not a copycat. Classically trained composer and keyboardist Dan Maske fuses rock with Stravinsky and Bartok, and with jazz and zeuhl.

Far Corner’s second CD “Endangered” is a small miracle, because although complex and of instrumental virtuosity, it still is accessible music. The menacing, quasi improvised soundscapes are the least accessible, but the album’s backbone are the four adventurous compositions. The basic sound is layed down by multiple percussion, cello, fretted and fretless bass and a variety of keys. The cello is sometimes electrified, which adds to the sonic heaviness; the instrument then sounds like a guitar riffing! Compared to the debut, the colour palette is expanded with violin, melodica and trumpet, providing surprising moments especially in the twenty-minute title track. The CD’s title refers not only to the planet’s endangered species, but to adventurous music of artistic integrity. With Far Corner, our sector has gained yet another warm-hearted advocate.
 

Musicians

William Kopecky / fretted and fretless basses, wind drum
Dan Maske / keyboards, trumpet, melodica, additional percussion
Angela Schmidt / acoustic and electric cellos, bamboo flute, violin
Craig Walkner / drumset

Guest musician:
Jerry Loughney / violin solo (5)

1. Inhuman (3:47)
2. Do You Think I'm Spooky? (6:41)
3. Creature Council (10:17)
4. Claws (5:14)
5. Not From Around Here (8:57)
6. Endangered (19:50)

Endangered (2007)
Far Corner (2004)

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Last updated: 20 mei 2007 .
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