THE MYTH OF THE MOSTROPHUS

Ryo Okumoto, long-time keyboard player for progressive rock band Spock's Beard, recently released this solo album, his first in 20 years, with the help of many of his present and former Spock's Beard bandmates (including Nick d'Virgilio, Dave Meros, Ted Leonard, Alan Morse, etc.) and other special guest artists (including Steve Hackett, Michael Sadler, Jonathan Mover, Mike Keneally, Lyle Workman, and others). Thus, perhaps not surprisingly, the result sounds alot like a Spock's Beard album, but most importantly, a very good Spock's Beard album. And even though this is ostensibly a solo album, it has much more of a full band feel throughout, as the sound is not dominated by Ryo's keyboards as one might expect, but with active and key contributions from all musicians involved, with prominent and soaring guitar solos, stunning arrangements, and excellent vocals and harmonies. Although there is nothing very new or novel here, as Ryo sticks to well-travelled prog rock lanes, everything here is just top-notch and exquisitely done throughout, with great songwriting, vocals, musicianship and execution. Overall, a very fun and entertaining album of classic symphonic prog-rock gems. Best Tracks: Myth of the Mostrophus, Mirror Mirror, Chrysalis. rating 4