STEVE MACLEAN & CHRIS CUTLER: THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

A perfect blend of both RIO & Avant Garde, this collaboration between basically, Steve MacLean & Chris Cutler (some vocals were added later, so they say), is by far, one of my great RIO/AG surprises, in a long, long, time. These guys, do not have the need, to prove to anybody, that they are great performers, so that is understood beforehand, in terms of performance solely, it does not become the whole concept, as in a 1000's RIO/AG bands. The astounding, limitless, energetic experience they deliver, has to do, as in any attractive work, with musical COMPOSITION, that forgotten realm, as opposed to mere musical recorded chaotic performances. What a great thrill, to be taken to different musical environments, without the hassle of abrupt cliched time-signatures only. The ethereal touches of Julie Thompson's voice, without overblowing the chaos, but exalting it. The exact amount of Titus Abbott's clarinet & saxophone playing, proving AGAIN that stridency alone, is no match for talent. YES, this is a RIO/AG Masterwork, everything in perfect disorder, The never ceasing change of environments, not perforce, with some cheap RIO/AG formula, BUT with real talent in musical COMPOSITION, is itself, a surprising relief. And these guys have a very, very extensive, self-language, and it is shown, entirely in this, The Year Of The Dragon, effort. So, what more can you expect in a surprisingly balanced GUITAR/DRUMS project, this record, even trascends the tagging, this is an any kind of prog great effort. For me ****4.5 PA stars, (could have been 5, but the few, but there, Zappaesque touches, kind of set me off ( they were not needed). Anyway, don't miss this amazing project ! Chris Cutler's drumming is better than ever!