Fusion fans gather round, we have struck gold with Aurora Clara. Clear Dawn is the bands sophomore release and it conjures up a Meeting of the Spirits as you will find yourself transported back to the days of Return to Forever, Mahavishnu Orchestra and that classic 70’s fusion sound. Not only will you find plenty of great musicianship, the songs are stellar, full of melody and amazing interplay. Guitarist and main songwriter Raul Mannola is often paired with flautist Juan Carlos Aracil, and their unison solo lines are passionate and powerful. What a team they make, just check out “The Race Has Begun” and “Bicycling to Funkistan” for proof. Keyboardist Denis Bilanin provides a variety of sounds, and joins in on the soloing in “Slo Fun” where you get all three trading shots, this one should bring the house down live. Speaking of live, “Clear Dawn” is full of raw energy, something you don’t often find on studio albums, which makes this release more special.
It’s honestly one killer track after another, “I Know What You Mean” bursts with energy and guitar fury, a tour de force. Let’s not forget Violinist Jerry Goodman guests on the title track which kicks off the CD. Goodman also appeared on the bands 2019 debut “Transformation”. Trust me, that CD is going in the player as soon as this one is done, but I have a feeling Clear Dawn is staying in for quite a while. This disc never lets up as the closing “Seis Cafes” keeps the fires burning. This one easily makes my best of for 2022, it’s that good!
Track List:
- Clear Dawn (feat. Jerry Goodman)
- The Race Has Begun
- Bicycling To Funkistan
- Slo Fun
- The Old Ones
- Blues for R.T.
- I Know What You Mean
- Seis Cafes
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