Zeitgeist is the long awaited solo release from Happy The Man, Oblivion Sun, and Pedal Giant Animals keyboard player Frank Wyatt, who, after a lengthy illness and much time in and out of the studio, finally put the finishing touches on this breathtaking album. Of course, he had a little help from his friends, and the line-up for Zeitgeist includes:
Frank Wyatt-Piano, Keyboards
Bill Brasso-Drums
Stan Whitaker-Guitar,Vocals
David Hughes-Bass
Cliff Fortney-Vocals
David Rosenthal-Keyboards
Rick Kennell-Bass
Chris Mack-Drums
Peter Princiotto-Sitar
Mike Beck-Percussion
Ron Riddle-Drums
Kit Watkins-Keyboards
Joe Bergamini-Drums
Andrew Colyer-Keyboards
A good chunk of these folks will no doubt be familiar to many, as they've played with Wyatt in one or more of the bands listed above, making this an all-star affair of prog-rock musicians who have come together to create some stupendous music. Fans of the jazzy, symphonic prog sounds of Happy the Man will instantly fall in love with the melodic flair of "Eleventh Hour" and the complex arrangements of "Twelve Jumps" and "Leaving", while the cascading piano/synth lines and intricate guitar work of the opening title cut is one of the more remarkable tunes you'll hear this year. Soaring synth melodies from Colyer saddle up next to Wyatt's piano on "The Approach", supported by some muscular Hughes bass playing and Bergamini's nimble stick work, and the tender "Fred's Song" is an emotional piece driven by Wyatt's lovely piano & synth arrangement, a beautiful tribute to Frank's fallen friend. The closing, four part "Perelandra Movement" is an orchestral suite clocking it at close to 25-minutes long, featuring just Wyatt on keyboards and samples as he replicates an entire band & orchestra. Grand, majestic, and emotional, this piece no doubt was a labor of love for Frank, a must hear for any lover of symphonic rock, classical, or orchestral music. At times bombastic, always melodic, and often tender, this suite is a great way to finish up the album.
As someone who has seen Happy the Man live, and even met Frank Wyatt in person (way back at NEARfest 2000!), a release such as Zeitgeist is a long awaited, welcome, and lovely surprise here in the holiday season of 2019. Do yourself a favor and get a copy for yourself, friends, and loved ones who happen to like progressive music, you won't be disappointed.
Track Listing
1
Zeitgeist
7:55
2
Leaving
3:52
3
Twelve Jumps
4:12
4
Eleventh Hour
3:24
5
The Approach
8:06
6
Fred's Song
5:37
7
To Venus (Perelandra Mvt. I, Andante)
8:18
8
The Green Lady (Perelandra Mvt. II, Allegretto con moto)
5:48
9
The Golden Feast (Perelandra Mvt.III, Allegro)
4:57
10
Blessed Be He (Perelandra Mvt. IV, Presto)
6:27
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