GLOSSOLALIA

Everything that has been said about Steve Walsh, one of my favorite singers/keyboardists of all time, at the introduction, has been said so well that I really can't but compliment the author for the way he described this great artist. On Glossolalia, I first couldn't get used to Steve's much rougher voice than he possessed with Kansas. But reading the credits and the names of the musicians he had surrounded himself with on this project, I knew that I will study this CD many times over even if it wasn't just my taste at the start. Boy, I am glad I haven't gave up! The project is one of the most agressive approach to music I've heard Steve Walsh to perform. It, of course, has the trademark strong melodies just as Kansas did but this is much more rawer, not as polished; brutal at some points (Smackin' the Clowns, Haunted Man and others), funky at times, very philosophical, sad and dreamy at others. Virgil Donati, as always, is stellar on drums; he adds the feeling of suspense to all tracks. Something about the way of his drumming that is different from other drummers - is it the delay of hitting the instrument or is it the precision timing? (Btw, I would welcome any comment on that one, since I am very intriqued and fascinated by his performances). I think Steve's voice fits the rougher sound very well. All the instruments provide strong submelodies, so it's easy for me to slip from listening one instrument to another and actually enjoying it. I've heard this album on top notch sound equipment and it sounded fabulous. However, it does not sound that well on less expensive sound system. I have no idea why, it's just one of the few CD's that have done this to me. Perhaps some hick-up in production, perhaps the balance of the stereo is very fragile for not so hospitable listening areas...I don't know. It may very well be that it may happen to some you, too. Nonetheless, take your time and listen to this otherwise very well musically mastered piece of music. 4.5 stars