ENNEA

When I heard for the first time (I think it was in 1981) "Woman of the Dark", I was so impressed with how rockin' the music is and how the brass rock music flows wonderfully from start to end. This song which made me explore further on the music of Chase. I found the self titled album and later I found "Pure Music".

The beauty of Chase music is on its composition, combining song writing, arrangement and structure. On song writing, Bill Chase focused on how brass (read: trumpets) instruments are being used to the fullest as music fills, solo and in fact rhythm section in some segments. Count the number of trumpet players in this album! There are four gentlemen: Bill Chase / Lead Trumpet, Ted Piercefield / Trumpet, vocals (Lead vocal on "Night"), Alan Ware / Trumpet, Jerry Blair / Trumpet. You can imagine how "noisy" the music with four trumpets which in most of the time play high register notes.On arrangement, the band focused the music delivery which revolves around a combination of jazz and classic rock. On structure, it's basically quite straightforward rock music but there are some curved lines as well - in some segments.

The best of best tracks this album has is "Woman of The Dark". It starts wonderfully with a blow of single trumpet solo in very high register notes. I believe Billl Chase played this part. It is then followed with cymbals and bass guitar. The music blasts off wonderfully when all trumpets blow high register notes and the vocal line in high register notes as well enters the music. The music moves in a rockin' mode where in some segments the four trumpets demonstrate their blows wonderfully. Bass guitar is also an interesting instrument to observe as the contribution is significant. The interlude comprises the demonstration of trumpet solo in intertwined fashion. It's really cool. Next is an epic "Ennea" which comprises four parts organized in each individual track: a) Cronus (Saturn) 4:46, b) Zeus (Jupiter) 4:36 c) Poseidon (Neptune) 2:27, d) Aphrodite Part I (Venus) 2:02, e) Aphrodite Part II (Venus) 3:36, f) Hades (Pluto) 3:34. The epic is also a wonderful one. My top one is the opening sequel "Cronus". Why I love this track so much? I think is more on the time signature and the timing when guitar solo takes its part - it's so precise and wonderfully composed! Oh man .. I cannot describe precisely in writing but for sure I can tell you exactly where the parts with great entrance. For example I can tell you the guitar entrance at minute 0:47 is really great! That's one example only. The music interlude featuring guitar solo is also stunning - with dynamic bass and trumpet fills. "Zeus" is also great especially when it's enjoyed seamlessly from previous track. The jazz elements sound much more clear in this track.

I tend to give this album a five star rating because of its wonderful composition and performance. Any band with brass instrument in jazz rock style must compare themselves with this album. The brass arrangement is really wonderful. 4.75 stars!!!! Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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