ZOZIMO RECH

Astronomusic is a project of brazilian couple Adrianne Simioni and Zózimo Rech. Together, they compose a "spacey" music that wraps up in a cosmic drape a neo-classicism inherited from Baroque music. On their new album, the two musicians focused their attention on a monument of this prosperous era of classical music, the four concertos that form Antonio Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'. Many guitarists have re-arranged parts of this body of work, with more or less taste, yet no one before them reinterpretated all 'Four Seasons' with so much subtlety only with the help of electric guitars and synthesizers. In this modern adaptation of the most famous concertos of the "red priest", keyboard layers are in turn floating, humorous and threatening. They combine with a tempered harpsichord to keep the "continuo" throughout with much elegance. Together with guitars which share joyful notes, but also frightened or humble ones, it's a symbiosis that develops between them all, embodying perfectly this fluid harmony that the elements of nature follow in the change of seasons.

Thanks to their versatility and their sensitivity, Adrianne and Zózimo make their music sound very expressive. With this in mind, it's easier to understand that, next to fiery solos, that gave many violinists and guitarists a hard time, those solemn moments so typical of Baroque style are extended here in tentacles as humorous as they can be moving. And speaking of emotion, delicate pickings and imploring slidings that make the atmosphere so cozy are in abundance. The interpretation is impeccable, and the grace and flamboyance of a daring era find their way in the harmonious balance between virtuosity and introspection, as well as in the passionate game.

Our two passionate souls have taken care of recreating as best as possible the contrasts that Vivaldi brings to the fore in his masterpiece. For this purpose, frantic activity stands next to rest, tension and serenity follow each other, majesty supports modesty, pain comes after joy, always with respect for each other and with smooth transitions. Moreover, in a world paying so much attention to drum beats, it would have been tempting to produce some with synthesizers. Fortunately, it was not the choice made by our admirers of Vivaldi, the beauty of the contrasts between agitation and calmness would have indeed terribly suffered from a stifling rhythmic programming.

Using electric and electronic instruments to re-interpretate a pivotal work of the XVIIIth century, our brazilian couple's endeavour was risky, as it was easy to fall in the trap of the "freak of nature", with its share of breathtaking acrobatics and fireworks. This pifall was avoided thanks to a deep understanding of the whys and wherefores of both classical and cosmic music, and thanks to an ear turned towards the chromatic and melodic possibilities of modern instrumentation rather than towards its technical sides.

Zozimo Rech of Astronomusic has quite an affinity for astronomy; and, therefore, spacey music. I have no complaints about this, as I simply adore this kind of music. Zozimo's newer album "Pictures of a Solar System" is an amazing synth and keyboard driven album of surreal, otherworldly music. His collaboration with his wife Adrianne Simioni on the album under her name, "The Intelligible Sky", featured a more eclectic atmosphere which included haunting violin work.

"The Life of a Star", however, is Zozimo at his best, I believe. This is his masterpiece. This album features Zozimo playing his heart out on the guitar. On the other albums, he played some impressive solos and such, but "The Life of Star" showcases Zozimo's incredible guitar talent. Whether it be the fantastic riffing on tracks like "Shock Wave" or the driving guitar lines on "Ignition", Zozimo impresses at every turn. He again reminds me of Colin Masson and his intensely awesome guitar work that has a hint of folk to it. Yes, Zozimo mirrors him in some ways, but I think he shows that he can perform some incredibly technical portions without much effort at all, such as on "Queen Star".

This album still features the excellent keyboard work that really makes the spacey atmosphere come alive. I do find that this album doesn't stick to its theme as closely as the others, but I think it is to its advantage. Sometimes, Zozimo just shows us his talent, but the ethereal themes are still very much in place here. Indeed, the haunting nature of the music is bolstered well by the great melodies that are present.

What more can I ask of an Astronomusic release? Zozimo shows his stuff here with excellent melodies, astounding guitar work, and an ethereal journey that anyone should be glad to experience. From the darkness of "The Collapsing Star" to the rocking feel of "Dancing with the Invisible", "The Life of Star" delivers everything I wanted. This is definitely Zozimo's best.

One day, I received a message on my Facebook page, The PROG Mind, from the honorable Mr. Zozimo Rech. This Brazilian artist was interested in having me listen to his music: "Music inspired by the stars". Now, most people might be a little taken aback by this, but this description actually sounded awesome to me. So, I accepted, and we've been communicating ever since then. He even sent me a cool care package with cds and a shirt.

All this would mean nothing, if it weren't for the fact that the music is really GOOD. Zozimo is a great composer with an ear for thematic composition. This music really is inspired by the stars, as we hear great tracks like "From Ashes" and "Burn Again". These tracks are very deliberate and very important in the album, "Pictures of a Solar System". Other tracks, like "Asteroids Belt" and "Planetary Rings" are more ambient and foundational to the main tracks, and I admire Zozimo's ability to make the music actually sound like what I imagine the scene would look like. "Planet Formation", for instance, sounds like just that. In general, Zozimo nails the composition, and it really makes you feel like you are in a planetarium. That's a good thing, in my opinion.

The music is generally played with soaring and out-of-the-box guitar work, AWESOME synth, and programmed drums that are well done. I really get a Colin Masson vibe from the guitar work. This is fantastic, as I adore Colin's guitar tone and manner of virtuosity. Zozimo proceeds with much of the same style that I so love. For the synth, I get an Anima Mundi feel from the synth. This means Virginia Peraza's unpredictable and beautiful flairs in the keyboard lines and a spacey, fearless tone. What we get in the end, then, is an incredibly rhythmic album that places gorgeous pictures in your head.

My only complaint? I wish some of the tracks were a bit longer. I'd love to hear an epic done in this style; you know, with an amazing, climactic finish. That said, this album really achieves everything it sets out to do. The wonders of the universe have literally been put to music.