Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Jon Anderson, Gary Husband and Markus Reuter are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately …
JON ANDERSON – 1000 HANDS (PROG ROCK): Previously only limitedly available, Jon Anderson’s eclectic 1000 Hands album sees the widespread release on Blue Elan Records on July 31. The former Yes frontman delivers his most diverse collection of songs since his solo debut, 1976’s Olias of Sunhillow. The lead-off single “Ramalama” reminds me of “We Have Heaven” from Yes’ Fragile with a more international flair. Certainly, the positivity reminiscent of Anderson’s best lyrics is present. The album also contains touches of jazz, progressive rock, and world music. “Activate” and “1000 Hands (Come Up)” are excellent examples of how Jon Anderson continues to progress musically. Producer Michael T. Franklin (Brian Wilson) does a stellar job managing the diverse talent which includes such icons as Steve Morse, Steve Howe, Billy Cobham, and Jean Luc Ponty. 1000 Hands is one of Anderson’s most cohesive solo albums.
THE DARK MONARCHY – THE DARK MONARCHY (PROG ROCK): Mark Anthony K and Joe Bailey conspire to take listeners on a powerful hard-rocking joy ride. Their single “Fools Gold” came out in April and provided listeners with a no-holds-barred dose of contemporary hard rock. Now, the self-titled album is in the queue for release on June 12 via Reficul Records, with a digital version also available on Bandcamp. “Joyride” kicks things into gear with soaring guitar work by K and powerful drumming and bass playing from Bailey. The vocal contrast between the two works well in this setting. “Mother Earth” burns with the intensity of a supernova as ’80s-era keyboard sounds meld with the powerful rhythm section and K’s distorted lead guitars. The subject matter is timely, but lyrically the song is never preachy. “Broken Kingdom” is my favorite song on The Dark Monarchy, combining ’70s-style prog keyboards with Joe Bailey’s bleak and descriptive lyrics. Melodically powerful and musically uncompromising, the Dark Monarchy gives you 45 minutes of compelling music.
GARY HUSBAND & MARKUS REUTER – MUSIC OF OUR TIME (JAZZ): As a long time fan of Stick Men featuring Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto and Markus Reuter), I was looking forward to their summer 2020 tour. That obviously won’t be happening, yet there is still plenty of new music from them collectively and individually to explore. One of my favorite discoveries is the collaboration between the multi-talented Gary Husband and Markus Reuter. Music of Our Time came together after the cancellation of Stick Men dates in Japan and China. Recorded live on March 3, 2020, and produced by Reuter and Leonardo Pavkovic, this recording is one of the best of 2020. Husband adds warmth to everything on his grand piano, while allowing ample space for Reuter’s Touch Guitar. The six joint compositions are simply beautiful. The starkness of “Colour of Sorrow” creates shapes which change with every listening. “White Horses (for Allan)” is simply memorizing. The tones and shades Markus Reuter creates on his Touch Guitar and electronics conjure images that are otherworldly yet and grounded by Husband. The contrast and sonics between the two are fascinating. It’s all the more remarkable given this musical landscape was created in just one day.
TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA – BENEFIT FOR MOOGY KINGMAN (ROCK): Coming on the heels of Utopia’s 2019 release Live at the Chicago Theatre, one might think this release is redundant. That’s not the case. Taken from January 2011 shows held as a benefit for Utopia’s original Utopia keyboardist, Benefit for Moogy Klingman is quite a time capsule. “Crying In the Sun” contains all the charm and theatrics of the original. There are well-worn Utopia classics here too (“Utopia Theme,” “Do Ya”), all of which contain the zeal you’d expect. The box set also contains two DVDs along with four audio discs and extensive liner notes. Benefit for Moogy Klingman is not to be missed by Utopia fans.
BRIAN TARQUIN PROJECT – VEGAS BLUE (ROCK) No stranger to assembling talented musicians for television and film, Brian Tarquin produced, engineered, and wrote this project to honor the victims of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. This mostly instrumental effort includes noticeable heavyweights including Steve Morse, Trey Gunn, and former Dire Straits guitarist Hal Lindes. Songs like “Evil Men Do” and “Run For Cover” are heavy, matching the subject matter. However, Brian Tarquin’s writing provides enough energy and nuance to make listening interesting and never overwrought. Many of the sings on Vegas Blue could easily stand alone without the central theme around the album. This in itself makes for compelling music.
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