Samurai Of Prog, The: A Quiet Town

The Samurai Of Prog has been highly prolific for a number of years now and I have had the pleasure of reviewing a number of their albums which brings me to their 2024 release titled A Quiet Town. For a band that seems to release at least one album per year, sometimes two, you would think ideas would run a little thin but nothing could be further from the truth. The core of the band, Kimmo Pörsti (drums) and Marco Bernard (Shuker bass) bring in incredible talent with each new album, some being veterans of the project while others providing a fresh new approach within the band’s conceptual framework. This time the boys collaborated with keyboardist/guitarist Marco Grieco, delving into another conceptual piece, the setting is a quiet town in northern Florida. Nothing, however, is as it seems as a woman is found murdered. Uncovering the truth reveals the true nature of a community where deceit and underhandedness is commonplace. As usual, Ed Unitsky provides the artwork which reveals a look into the past, think ‘60s serial detective noir.

Our journey begins with “Smile Forever� and its folky intro with excellent harmonica and fiddle before the band rocks out in full on prog mode where we get to hear the wonderful guitar work of Ben Craven. There is the occasional Yes-ism, especially the dramatic crescendos and some of Craven’s solo work has a Gilmour feel. That alone had me pushing the repeat button. Suspenseful footsteps and other cool effects begin “The Crime� featuring Bernard’s stand out bass playing, creative violin, fabulous keyboards from Grieco and the excellent guitar work of Juhani Nisula. After rocking out the band settle into an old school jazz sound, showcasing TSoP’s diverse approach to songwriting. The classy prog of “The Priest�, sung by Craven, is another great track, the instrumental work stunning including Craven’s prowess on electric guitar.

More highlights include the stunning electric guitar and scorching violin in the hard rocking “The Businessman� where tasty changeups abound, the lovely Yes-like vocal arrangement and intricate musicianship in the catchy “The Mayor�, and the epic progressive rock of “The Solution - " Parts 1 and 2� where the band pull out all the stops ensuring boredom never sets in. Marco Grieco deserves much credit as he pretty much wrote all the music and lyrics, a true musical genius I would have to say.

I love how TSoP show their rocking side with A Quiet Town, a true progressive rock tour de force that will delight fans of the band. If you have not yet heard The Samurai Of Prog now is your chance. Absolutely outstanding!

The players:
Marco Bernard (Shuker bass)
Marco Grieco (keyboards, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Grand piano, background vocals)
Kimmo Pörsti (drums)
Steve Unruh (violin, vocals)
Ron Alonso (vocals)
Ben Craven (electric guitars, vocals)
Juhani Nisula (electric guitars)
Olli Jaakkola (flute)
Toni Jokinen (aka Tony Riveryman) (electric guitars)
Peakfiddler (fiddle)
Luke Shingler (flute)
Ivan Santovito (lead and background vocals)
Marco Vincini (vocals)
Michael Trew (lead and background vocals)
Andy Nixon (lead and background vocals)
Linus KÃ¥se (alto sax)

Track Listing:
1. Smile Forever (7:45)
2. The Crime (5:41)
3. The Priest (6:56)
4. The Businessman (7:47)
5. The Mayor (6:08)
6. The Doctor (7:17)
7. Dance Of Clues (3:04)
8. The Solution (Part 1) (11:56)
9. The Solution (Part 2) (7:12)
10. The Report (4:48)

Added: June 28th 2026
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ YouTube
Hits: 7
Language: english

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