DEEP

This third studio album by Niacin continues the band's philosophy in making an album: it revolves around the music and technical skills to deliver the music itself. Sometimes their composition is less-melodic or even seems like a jam-session music. But if you enjoy improvisations and technical delivery, this album would fulfill your requirements. This album combines technical deliveries of bass guitar played dynamically like walking fingers by Billy Seehan, great Hammond organ solo / improvisations by John Novello, augmented with a solid drum work by Dennis Chambers. As you may expect, this is almost all instrumental album except track no. 12.

There were two major reasons on why I purchased this CD: 1. I like Billy Seehan's bass playing - I also have his solo album "Compression", 2. I like Hammond organ sounds even though I have never heard who John Novello was. In addition to that there was also another reason: track no. 12 "Things Ain't Like They Used To Be" (7:25) features Glenn Hughes (ex Trapeze, Deep Purple) on vocal. I love Glenn Hughes vocal quality during his tenure with Trapeze and Deep Purple also as solo artist. His solo album "Blues" is a true killer man! In this album he sings wonderfully in the blues-based song with powerful high register notes. Glenn Hughes rules!

Overall, I would say that this album is really good for those of you who enjoy music- oriented album with excellent musicianship. So, don't expect beautiful melody here even though the track with vocal part (track 12) posses a stirring melodic music. Yes, I have to admit that the musicianship of the band members in this album is really top notch! Keep on proggin' ..!

Progressively yours, GW