ASCENSION

I first heard of The Inner Road on Friday Night Progressive, a weekly internet radio show that has earned a reputation of playing only the best of the finest. Seconds into the first tune, I knew that I wanted to hear more. So, of course, I ordered and downloaded the entire Ascension CD. What Steve Gresswell (master keyboardist) and Jay Parmar (renowned guitarist) put together did not disappoint.

I easily settled in to the first song "Ascension" which rocked me gently in a cradle of tenderness. Then, as momentum built, my ears were carried in swaddling tones from one side of consciousness to the other. The ride was on.

A little bit of flexing muscle stretched out to the road ahead, which led to divergent planes. As the ocean lashed against the dark shoreline of one world, the warmth of the sun rose on another. Focus now became an altered reality, as breathing guitar notes cascaded like waterfalls over the substantial floating mists of well layered keys.

Amid ever changing time signatures, I caught a splash of symphonic breeze, "choraled" by a shimmering frame just before it burst forth again with rapid fury, beaming a spotlight on fascinating visions and sounds rising from both still and troubled waters.

"A Fleeting Dream" features energetic yet full and dreamy guitar licks that flicker, on a flitty little romp to the heightened awareness area of the brain, settling down into all the nooks and crannies before climbing again. "The Awakening" comes on as a billowing blend of beats and phrases, like twin cubs tumbling in each other's grasp, chasing and running from each other.

What starts as a very intriguing ride ends as a mystically inspiring flight as the final wow song {Flight Through Eternity) my favorite, completes the transfer of power from the physical to a spiritual state.

That is my "Ascension" experience. You should buy this CD and listen as your own story comes to life. You will be glad you did!