MIKE KENEALLY & METROPOLE ORKEST: THE UNIVERSE WILL PROVIDE

I had a plan for this one. I ordered it a week after it came out, and I listened to it for a day or two. Not being familiar with many records recorded with symphony orchestras, I wanted to get a feel for the sound of Keneally with the Metropole Orkest before I did research on how other acts sounded backed by an full size orchestra.

The reviews I read prior to listening to the Universe Will Provide were uniformly excellent. Perhaps glowing is a more appropriate term. The word "masterpiece" was thrown around liberally. Whenever I hear that, I'm skeptical because usually my tastes are disappointed. I liked Keneally's previous works, but not to the point I'm insane about him as I am FZ. Therefore, I followed through on my plan - give it casual listening over a lengthy period, get more experience with famous acts working with large orchestras, then dive in. I was not disappointed in the least.

Exciting and creative from cover to cover, The Universe Will Provide should be required listening for anyone interested in the synthesis of rock music with a symphonic and brass orchestra. Tasteful, elegant, succinct, immediate, graceful - there's a glutton of positive adjective I can use to describe my experience with this record. Some parts are loud and busy, some parts soft and reflective. The range of instruments gives the selections THE DYNAMIC many progressive rock bands seek their entire career without attaining - TRUE symphonic rock. Keneally may be Avant in his approach, but he's a genuine rock and roller in the same spirit as Frank Zappa. This jam session is one for the record books and all inclined parties should give it a spin. John Scofield has a very good record out with the Metropole Orkest as well. Count me as a fan.