Nearfest 08 -> Saturday : Liquid Tension Experiment

Though I have their first album, I wasn't aware that Liquid Tension Experiment were considered prog metal. Seeing them live, there's no doubt. I'm not a big fan of prog metal in general, but they are an exception. Hands down, Tony Levin was the best bass player at Nearfest--no surprise there. And, of course, if you're a drummer, Mike Portnoy needed no introduction. John Petrucci played heavy licks with technical finesse, but also revealed a softer side. Jordan Rudess only played on ONE keyboard that swiveled 360, but he was outstanding.

My attention did start to drift after a while. If they used the heavier elements sparingly, their compositions and improv would stand out more. The music would have more power. However, at the end, it was their take on Rhapsody In Blue that won me over. If George Gershwin was rolling in his grave--he was rocking'n'rolling. Move over Gershwin and give Bernstein the news...

Nearfest->Sunday : Robert Rich

Because of its minimalistic approach, ambient music isn’t really Prog per say--it’s an extract of electronic progressive, a descendent of Prog courtesy of Brian Eno. It ensconces most of the melody and complexity and focuses instead on exploring sonic permutations. Of recent, I’ve picked up some Steve Roach, and when I’m in a certain mood, ambient hits the spot--albeit with a feather hammer.

Californian Robert Rich provided a palate cleanser from the more-is-more-is-more performances. In the midst of a mad-scientist setup, he fiddled with the keyboards, played steel guitar and an electronic wind instrument. Above him, a movie provided a visual accompaniment. Instead of lulling me to sleep, I found myself becoming very engaged and attentive, especially toward the end.

Nearfest->Saturday : Magenta

And what about England, where Prog got its start? There was Magenta, who hovered in the borderland between symphonic and accessible neo-prog. Chris Fry called to mind shades of Howe and Gilmore, at home with electric or acoustic guitars. Christina Booth had the most beautiful lead vocals all weekend--I couldn’t help but think of Annie Haslam, who it was said was somewhere on the premises. Rob Reed scorched the keys with fat, analog leads accompanied with organ sustains and flourishes of piano.

This was my wife’s favorite act of the show, so much so that she bought one of their CDs. Derivative, some say. Perhaps. But, maybe, they are just what is needed to draw fresh blood into the fanbase.

Nearfest->Saturday : Nebelnest

France was again represented, this time by Nebelnest: Greg Tejedor on bass, Mike Anselmi on drums, Matthiue Sassier on guitar, and Oliver Tejedor on keys.

I’ve seen them once before, back at Progday ’99. My impression of them hasn’t changed since then. Instrumental space-rock with a bit of an edge. After a while, each piece starts to sound like the previous one. At least, to my ears. Perhaps, more discerning ears in tune to their vibe would disagree--feel free to do so.

Nearfest->Saturday : IZZ

From the States, IZZ had moments of sparkle and brilliance. Anmarie Byrnes and Laura Meade provided dual vocals, along with brothers Galbano: Tom (keyboards) and John(bass). However, I found the vocals somewhat muddled at times. Perhaps, it was a faulty mix, or perhaps it was where I was seated (way up in the balcony and all the way back, row EE, seat 11).

I was excited at the prospect of the band sporting two drummers, Greg Dimiceli on an acoustic set and Brian Coralian on a half acoustic, half electronic kit. Still, while they each gave a fine performance, I didn’t feel this mesh of two drummers added that much.

What did impress me was that Tom Galbano, rather than having rack upon rack of keyboards(not that there’s anything wrong with it), only had one. Instead of proving to be a handicap, he showed how amazingly versatile he could be with just one set of keys, getting the most use from his instrument. When, at one point, brother John joined him on keys--well, let's just say Chopsticks it wasn’t!

I’d say they started Saturday on the right foot.

Nearfest Preshow->Fusion Friday : Alan Holdsworth

Of course, England's Alan Holdsworth, from his time in UK, to his work with Bill Bruford, and his prolific solo output, is a legendary guitarist. And anyone who is a drummer or a drummer aficionado, or just into fusion, knows who Chad Wackerman is.

As expected, Holdsworth plays lots of sustains and cloudy chords while Wackerman and Jimmy Johnson provide some tight drums and bass.

Despite the caliber of musicianship though, the compositions started to sound a bit too similar toward the end. Then again, it was kind of late, with few breaks between acts. Still, it was good to see legends in person.

Nearfest Preshow->Fusion Friday : One Shot

Hailing from France, One Shot's music ranged from soft fusion to honing a Crimson-like edge, but was surprisingly unlike Magma since three of the quartet are from Planet Kobia.

On guitar, James Macgaw sounded like a mix of Holdworth, Hackett, and Fripp. My wife thought drummer Daniel Jeand’heaur and keyboardist Emmanuel Borghi (playing seated with a two-keyboard rack) stood out. That's not to say, Philippe Buissonnet, on bass, was a slouch! By no means!

There were technical difficulties during the second piece, which they corrected before the third. No worries. Seeing how a band and their crew overcome and correct adversity only adds spice to the performance.

Those in the know were excited about their third piece, which was definitely their best.