Anders Helmerson Writes An Ode To His Keyboard

Progressive Jazz Fusion artist Anders Helmerson just became the latest member of a very select group of musicians who have penned a song to their beloved instruments, which in addition to being functional, have a sentimental appeal. Helmerson recently released "Yoda's Dance," which is how he fondly refers to his lead keyboard. Blues extraordinaire B.B. King made his guitar "Lucille" the focus of a hit song in 1985. In fact, there's even a Facebook group called "Musicians Who Name Their Instruments."

Though most would think "Yoda's Dance" might refer in some way to Star Wars, it doesn't. But there's still bit of irony related to it, as Helmerson said, "I had forgotten about Star Wars until came to Abbey road studios and the engineer laughed a bit when he saw the title. He was actually the guy who mixed the soundtrack of the film. Perhaps that's a good sign." Helmerson also stated, "This track was written to enhance Bryan - the bass player. I wanted to do something that would give some more reign to his ability and he really seized the opportunity. The track is built up by long bars as 14/8 or larger. That in itself contains a theme and is then repeated in different keys. It builds on ideas I have had for a long time and also recorded before in other versions. It's a real progressive fuzo tune with some funk added for spice. I think Yoda speaks!"

Remember Return to Forever, and George Duke in the early days of Jazz Fusion? We had brilliant bands like Brand X, and innovators like bassist Bill Bruford. Well, Anders Helmerson brings some fresh inventive music that reflects those glory days! This is a full blown excursion that rocks out in 7/4. The keyboard synths and drums use polyrythymns still rock out, there is an outstanding electric bass solo, and the trio features keyboard synths with electric guitar sounds and open voicings with expansive scope to the harmonic landscape. Yoda's Dance is Jazz Rock at its best.

"Helmerson lets his creativity take him to new heights which ultimately resulted in him creating his own genre of music which he dubs Progressive Fusion; a combination of long songs with virtuosos performed in complicated time signatures, elaborate melodies and harmonies that are built on pentatonic scales that are neither major nor minor. This musical mastermind fuses jazz and rock to create a sound that amazes listeners with the power of superior technique and great composing." MusicDish

Born in Sweden in May 1959, Anders Helmerson has had a life-long love affair with music. In the 1970's, Helmerson played in various short-lived bands and studied classical music in Denmark and Sweden, all the while becoming more and more interested in synthesizers and progressive rock. Helmerson completed his debut album, "The End of Illusion," in 1981. The album's lack of success caused him to turn his back on music for the next several years. He worked as a surgeon in Copenhagen, a GP in Norway and a ship's doctor on a cruise-ship, eventually discovering Rio de Janeiro, the catalyst for his return to music. In early 2002, Helmerson release his second album, "Fields Of Inertia" on the Brazilian label, Som Interior Productions.

Yoda’s Dance: http://official.fm/tracks/192356
http://www.endofillusion.com/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yodas-dance-feat-marco-minnemann/id400357663?i=400357686