Cailyn: Four Pieces

Wisconsin Blues/Progressive guitarist, Cailyn Lloyd, has issued a 4 song CD simply called, Four Pieces. The idea being that there are three different Classical music standards that are reworked within a Prog Rock/Fusion genre and one original composition, as well. The results being quite a nice mix that allows Ms. Lloyd to twist and turn her beloved PRS guitar (she is an PRS endorsee) down both avenues of Bluesy Rock and Prog Rock and ties them all together well, all under the guise of the original Classical pieces. Quite interesting.

First up in the piece entitled, "Fantasia". It clocks in at 13:30 and is an interpretation of the "Tallis Fantasia" by Vaughan Williams. Cailyn pays homage to original piece with an amalgam of guitars, synths, piano, bass and drums, while adding her own touch. This movement goes from the inspiring to gorgeous simmering highs, with the guitar paving the way. The second piece, "Largo", was inspired by Dvorak's "New World Symphony". Coming in at 10:45, "Largo" is the second longest track out of the lot. Cailyn gets to show some more Bluesy/Prog muscle here and also continues to use her magical guitar harmonies VERY reminiscent of the one and only Brian May of Queen. Her guitar lines are very polished, fluid and at times intense. It should be also noted that Cailyn plays ALL the instruments on this entire record!

The third piece of Four Pieces is entitled "Adagio" and it is an adaptation of Barber's "Adagio for Strings" that just continues to build slowly to its immense climax. The final of the Four Pieces is called "Nocturne" and this is the one original track out of the lot. It is a slow paced and haunting fusion of Progressive and Classical ideas inspired by the piano music of both Chopin and Schubert. The guitars are very prominent here and while inspired by piano music, the cascading guitars that fall over this track are unavoidable. Cailyn's fusion of Classical and Rock music is well represented throughout Four Pieces and this is a nice way to end this musical exploration.

Cailyn is quite an accomplished musician and playing all of the instruments on this CD is a testament to her abilities. Her guitar playing is very refined and the eloquent use of her guitar harmonies is simply awesome. I hear elements of players like David Gilmour and Mark Knopfler, players who allow notes to breathe and take shape with subtle nuances, rather than play a million notes a second. She weaves in and out of her music to add color to the songs, rather than to play against a music bed. And Brian May would be proud of her use of the harmonizing techniques! Cailyn's compositional talents are really what are on display here and these talents are quite ample. Ms. Lloyd is a very talented musician, indeed.

Track Listing
1.Fantasia
2.Largo
3.Adagio
4.Nocturne

Added: November 28th 2012
Reviewer: Butch Jones
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 2403
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]