|
Terry's
Reviews Page
| ||
| Movies | Music | Books |
|
Music Reviews: | ||
|
|
2003 | |
|
Joel Hoekstra dives head first into music exploration with "The Moon Is Falling." Hoekstra hits the surface with a wah-wah groove, punctuated by Virgil Donati's drums, Ric Fierabracci's bass and Chris Grove's keyboards. "Fire Island" has a recognizable circus motif played by Dan Cipriano's flute that gives the track life and playfullness. Hoekstra takes the opportunity to shred out some cool solos within the rambunctious sound environment. But then he switches over to subdued jazz-funk artistry. The third track "Euphoria" is genius and showcases simply awesome musicianship. The tune starts out with an evil, dark Peanuts-like rhythm that explodes into wicked ripping lead guitar. Hoekstra bursts out with speed runs, Buckethead like taping and other guitar mastery. The more subdued parts are played or mood and atmosphere. The computer sounding runs Hoekstra plays are cool amongst the mellow surrounding. Joel Hoekstra gets called to administer his six string medicine on "9/11." The guitarist goes off in a bunch of different directions to create sort of organized chaos. Donati's main beat entices you to "Join Us." Hoekstra's Allan Holdsworth fusion playing and sound fits right into the groove. Where Hoekstra does the stutter feedback parts at the end is remarkable. The band goes into a massive jam session during "The Great OG." Fusion and rock collide with Donati's drums and Fierabracci's bass laying down a heavy foundation. The band plays off each other, with each musician bouncing off the other like a game of tag in "Baboons are Dangerous." Things slow down for a quiet approach in Antonia." This is an appreciated break in the action , after the busy rocking first eight tunes. Hoekstra's tone in "Confessions" reminds me of the late-great Shawn Lane. Hoekstra solos in "Snoop" like a private eye sneaking in and out of the track. A festive jazz feel is attained in "Maybe Just At parties." Hoekstra's guitar almost sounds like a keyboard or bass guitar The saxophone gives this tune a 70s cop show sound. "Kaleidoscope" could be Hoekstra messing with smooth jazz and fusion to create his own brand of such a combination. This thirteenth track runs almost seven minutes and I love some of the weird high pitched tones Hoekstra gets from his six string companion. The funk riff halfway in is killer. "Lull" lets you go out of the album with some tenderness. The Moon Is Falling is a creative detonation of music that is fun and inspiring.
| ||