Music Time

CD REVIEW

Hiruma Cyrus

The Argentine guitarist Dominic Miller is well known for his work alongside Sting. From the album The Soul Cages (1991), the musician has performed in almost all the albums and tours of the former Police frontman.

However, his career goes too far. In addition to six solo albums and two musicians in partnership with Neil Stacey and Peter Carter, his discography extends to interests in various musical genres. This eclectic gallery are big names like Phil Collins, The Pretenders, Rick Wright, Tina Turner, The Chieftains and Level 42.

His academic background includes stints in major music schools: the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and the Guildhall School of Music in London. A curriculum in itself, and a remarkable experience in the music.

November is jazz fusion. Tranquil. Without fast notes or "crash" general. At certain moments, the listener might say, is new age. But this song is meticulously crafted outwardly calm, from the melodies to the improvisations. It is an exercise in precision. Far from being cold or mathematical exercise is purely emotional. It may seem paradoxical, but compositions are complex in their simplicity.

And the band that accompanies it meets the goals that Miller proposes. On keyboards Mike Lindup (Level 42), Yaron Herman and Jason Rebello (Jeff Beck Band). Bassists: Mark King (Level 42) and Lawrence Cottle. Stan Sulzman on sax, flute Dave Heath and Ian Thomas on drums round out the team.

The opening track, "Solent" is a perfect example: the guitar, in its lightness, search dosed in the exact notes to form a melodic line engaging, captivating. The swing bass could be a musical portrait of the title song, the Solent Strait, which separates the Isle of Wight in England. Sounds that bounce back and forth to the rhythm of the waves, rising and falling rhythm as the intensity of current passing through the strait.

Now "W3" is a curious fusion of styles. Miller begins with heavier riffs and solos that recall Trevor Rabin (ex-Yes). The kitchen launches into a rhythm driven funk. At some point, make a guitar and keyboard duel dissonant, like a creation of the progressive rock band King Crimson.

"Still" Sting would be neat if we have the participation of the singer. It's the same concept of the album Ten Summoner's Tales both recorded in 1993. Evokes especially tracks like "It's propably Me" and "Fields of Gold."

A sudden change in "Gut Feeling", which combines trip hop rhythm to a layer of synthesizers, which appear with subtlety and sensitivity. The guitar complete the spaces between the electronics and brass instruments.

The pace is fast in "Ripped Nylon" rhythm 'n' blues and soul make room for the whole band, especially for non-slip grip, full swing of the drummer while the keyboards inject a healthy dose of distortion.

"Racine" and "Chanson Parts 1 & 2" are also a direct influence of the partnership of Miller and Sting and the best example is in "Shape of My Heart", the aforementioned Ten Summoner s Tales. Represent the most intimate or new age album.

In the opposite direction, "Sharp Object" is totally experimental, Miller makes his guitar sound close to the style of Allan Holdsworth and keyboards playing melodies and unusual timbres.

And the title track, which closes the CD begins with a foray into the acoustic guitar part and a beautiful guitar solo. The full Latin rhythm filled with the music scene.

There are 47 minutes of music, the exact time to express their ideas Dominic Miller sound. November is not a source of exaggerations virtuoso solos or insane. But if the intention of the listener is good music and get out of the mainstream, you can bet their chips on the CD.

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