WOTF Volume 24

Thanks to a tip from Sarah L. Edwards's blog, WOTF24 is up on Audible. Check out the link "Download the accompanying PDF to see the illustrations." Even better, purchase and download.

http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1758423313.1219201284@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadeemelhjggcefecekjdffidfmf.0&productID=BK_ADBL_000313

WOTF 24: The Cover

On Amazon, the cover to Volume 24 has been revealed:

http://www.amazon.com/Writers-Future-Ron-Hubbard-Presents/dp/1592123740/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216347136&sr=1-6

It's exciting. It's almost as if I had a story inside the anthology. Wait a minute--I almost did! Last year, I landed in the Top 8 and the Top 20. Of course, it's also exciting because I look forward to reading the stories inside. Over the past few years I've had a blast reading Volumes 21, 22, and 23(especially Volume 22). Whereas many of the pro SF&F publications often print esoteric works that don't grab me(often by pros resting on their established name), I find that these stories appeal to me more.

Nearfest 08 -> Sunday : Banco del Mutuo Soccorso

This is what it's all about! Symphonic prog at its best. The British might have invented Prog, but the Italians perfected it. Banco's Io Sono Nato Libero is one of the best compositions of all the ages. Even without Francesco Di Giacomo's operatic voice, Di Terra proved to be a strong album as well.

Unlike many other groups the same age, Banco is just as good today as they were thirty years ago. Francesco's vocals are still as powerful as they ever were. As is Vittorio Nocenzi's skills at the keys. The biggest surprise was wind player Alessandro Papotto perfectly quoting Rhapsody in Blue and then utterly slaying his instrument--musically speaking.

There were chops galore. And heart lifting melodies. By the end, I wanted to go down and give Francesco a bear hug.

Nearfest 08 -> Sunday : echolyn

echolyn's Suffocating The Bloom is one of my favorite albums of all times, one of the best albums of nineties Prog. Brett Kull's unique guitar tones--Chris Buzby's colorful keys--Paul Ramsey's jawdropping drumming--Tom Hyatt's fantastic bass--all exemplified Americanized Prog at its best. Counterpoint galore! And let's not leave out Ray Weston's dynamic vocal range, and how well it harmonizes with Brett's voice.

Their commercial follow up, As The World, pales in comparison, but it does have its moments of glory. Unfortunately, after their breakup and reunion, I was never able to get into their later music. Perhaps a little too close to 'modern/alt' rock for my taste.
At Nearfest, I don't think they were able to measure up to their studio sound. However, it could've been where I sat--up in the balcony again, in the last row. Sometimes the vocals were muddled below the mix and Ray and Brett did not seem to harmonize.
Still, Entry 11.19.03 was pretty good. The line " The mail was late again today" always gets to me.

Nearfest 08 -> Sunday : Radio Massacre International

I thought I'd like Radio Massacre International. A mix of rock and electronic music sounded intriguing. I do love Jean Michael Jarre, Kitaro, and when I'm in the mood ambient. But perhaps, I wasn't in the mood that day. I love sonic exploration, but sometimes I need a composition to latch onto. They started off guitar/bass/drums--so far, so good. Then the drummer and bassist both left to fiddle with their sequencers. And for the most part, that's what the set consisted of--sequencers and guitar meanderings. Even when they had a couple guests, it did not seem to add much. The poor violinist seemed rather lost at times.

I nodded off for a minute here and there. But, at least, I awoke refreshed…

Nearfest 08 -> Sunday : Mörglbl

Chris Godin showed himself a grandmaster of guitar, a mix of Steve Vai meets Alan Holdsworth meets Jan Akkerman. Six string bassist Ivan Rougny and drummer Aurelien Ouzoulias were up to par as well. While my attention drifted during some songs, their piece Tapas Nocturne was one of the best of the weekend.

Their musicianship is topnotch, but it is their humor and congeniality that won my heart. Mörglbl shatters all those stupid stereotypes about rude Frenchmen. Ties and bare feet--that sums them up perfectly.

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...