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Kotebel: Concerto For Piano and Electric Ensemble

Though its title may indicate that we're dealing with a cross between classical music and Kotebel's usual style of instrumental progressive rock, Concerto For Piano and Electric Ensemble is much more than what you may initially expect. Rather than tacking classically influenced piano sections onto their already solid sound, Kotebel manages to masterfully integrate this new dimension into their approach in a coherent and delightful manner. Concerto For Piano and Electric Ensemble sounds very much like a Kotebel album in almost every way - those who enjoyed the zany avant-garde madness and lush symphonic soundscapes on albums like 2009's Ouroboros should not expect anything radically different this time around. Rather, Kotebel expanded even further upon their already eclectic sound, resulting in an excellent example of a band that manages to successfully evolve while still staying true to their core sound.

Kotebel is a Spanish progressive rock band, and although they've only been brought to my attention recently, I've taken quite a liking to their unique approach to modern prog. Concerto For Piano and Electric Ensemble is a fully instrumental album that, for the most part, stays true to the progressive rock pioneers of the seventies' - with that said, however, Kotebel blends the ideas of so many old school prog bands into one coherent mix that they sound totally unique. Acts like Emerson, Lake, & Palmer, Frank Zappa, Renaissance, Le Orme, Gentle Giant, and King Crimson are referenced quite a bit throughout the course of this lengthy observation, but Kotebel never sounds particularly like any other single band. They are their own beast, and on Concerto For Piano and Electric Ensemble this is more true than ever before. Adding in numerous classical piano bits over their intriguing mix of symphonic prog, avant-garde, and jazz fusion makes for one hell of a listen in my opinion!

This is simply a stunning tour-de-force of impeccable musicianship, clever arrangements, and well-composed instrumental progressive rock, and I'd highly recommend that all fans of eclectic prog check out Concerto For Piano and Electric Ensemble. Although it will probably take a few listens to sink in due to the decidedly inaccessible nature of these lengthy and complex compositions, the gorgeous melodies and stunning displays of high-quality musicianship make this album well-worth the price of admission. If you haven't listened to Kotebel yet, Concerto For Piano and Electric Ensemble is not a bad place to start!


Track Listing:
1. Concerto For Piano And Electric Ensemble (42:59)
I. Adagio Maestoso (12:03)
II. Lento Cantabile (7:13)
III. Vivo Scherzando (9:22)
IV. Allegro Moderato (14:21)
2. The Flight Of The Hipogriff (Part 1) (4:53)
3. Dance Of Shiva (6:58)
4. The Flight Of The Hipogriff (Part 2) (4:35)
5. The Infant [bonus track] (7:12)

Added: May 2nd 2012
Reviewer: Jeff B
Score:
Related Link: Kotebel Official Website
Hits: 3173
Language: english

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» SoT Staff Roundtable Reviews:

Kotebel: Concerto For Piano and Electric Ensemble
Posted by Mark Johnson, SoT Staff Writer on 2012-05-05 15:11:39
My Score:

This is utter brilliance…an instrumental masterpiece similar in theme to some of FromUZ's latest and best creations. The album opens with themes that will take you all the way back to the opening of Genesis' "Watcher of the Skies", and all of that classic Gabriel - era music. The piano and strings throughout this ever – expanding web of sound is simply some of the best instrumental music I have heard since FromUZ's double CD, sonic symphony, "Quartus Artifactus".

Like "Quartus", this single CD package includes a DVD, so that you can watch the band in action. Watching the artists play this intricate and at times emotional music only amplifies their ability and displays the intricacy of the creative process in action. Amazing piano and string work that defies imagination. The ability to watch three players simultaneously in split screen was a very cool addition to the package. Likewise the solo keyboard moments project the intricate piano keyboard work necessary to create the ambiance and perfect grace being heard.

What a complete experience! Get this disc and marvel in wonder at the ability and talent of this band. Definitely one of the best, along with FromUZ, in the instrumental prog end of the genre.



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