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Deal, David C.: Transformations
 "Dr. David Deal is an Ohio practicing psychologist in his full time job, but a music lover in his spare time. He loves to play his array of keyboards, and his acoustic guitar. Deal currently performs in several bands including a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute band named Siberian Solstice: www.siberiansolstice.com. Deal recently finished a four year stint in a Pink Floyd Tribute Band named One of These Daze" (http://davidcdeal.com/, 2012).
"Dr. Deal has released two CD's, "Harmonic Space" and "Transformations". "Harmonic Space" is a clinically based CD which aids people in coping with anxiety and sleep disorders. "Transformations" is a concept album which is both a spiritual autobiography and hopefully, a spiritual vessel. The songs from Transformations have deep, emotional and spiritual intent" (http://davidcdeal.com/, 2012).
This is very well played, designed and orchestrated Christian prog music album. It is full of inspiration, energy and emotion. Graceful is a warm – up instrumental track and I Don't Know What is full of great keys and Brian May – like guitar. The track also features beautiful female vocals. It is inspired by a "poem written by the 17th century monk, St. John of the Cross" (http://davidcdeal.com/, 2012).
Where Are You Now? opens with mystery and a Gregorian like chant, followed by superb keys and a soft drum march. The acoustic guitar and Tibetan mountain visions in the lyrics take you there. Best track on the album.
Dark Night of the Soul opens with more mystery – filled keys and piano building the eerie effect that supports the song title well. The electric buzz and grind of the guitar only adds to the dark elements. This track does possess the best guitar work on the album.
Bump is full of heavy bass, organ, stomping drums and a jazzier feel. It is a great instrumental track full of excellent playing.
Help Me Fly is full of more beautiful female vocals and acoustic guitar. The lyrics tell the story of the memories of a girl's childhood and her relationship with her father as she grows. The track serves a great reminder of just how fast we grow and move into adulthood.
What You Want to Me? starts with some wonderful piano. More wonderful female vocals surrounded by those warm keys.
Flowing Deep in the Night is full of piano and the best female vocals on the album. There is a real tip of the hat to some of the style present on Genesis' From Genesis to Revelation with this track…which is a good thing.
Transformation rocks out with heavy bass, strong electric guitar, solid drums and great keys filling in the gaps. The acoustic break, shortly after the power opening is very good. Female vocals join in later to add variety and flavor to the mix. Bird song joins in to welcome the title's promise. The keyboard romp just past 5:20, with bring back memories of some of Tony Banks keyboard work with Genesis.
Track Listing:
1. Graceful
2. I Don't Know What
3. Where Are You Now?
4. Dark Night of the Soul
5. Bump
6. Help Me Fly
7. What You Want to Me?
8. Flowing Deep in the Night
9. Transformation
Added: April 1st 2012
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score: 
Related Link: David C. Deal.com
Hits: 2340
Language: english
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Deal, David C.: Transformations
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2012-04-01 13:46:26
My Score: 
David Deal is an American composer/keyboardist living in Ohio. He has two albums to his credit, his first Harmonic Space and his latest Transformations released in 2009. The initial release generated little exposure so here we are in 2012 promoting the album which is a good thing because it's a fine record.
The music on Transformations is built upon Deal's fabulous keyboard work providing the basis for some outstanding melodies. This is a finely crafted symphonic rock album that never strays too far from the norm of accessible music. It can be quite mellow but there are a few tracks that border on heavier symphonic rock without entering into metal territory.
Transformations a concept album and there is a strong Christian theme running through the ten tracks. So, if you are adverse to religious content in your music you need to look elsewhere but that would be unfortunate as you would be missing out on some excellent music.
The album begins with the classically influenced "Graceful", a gently flowing ballad with lush orchestrations and an uplifting melody. "First Contact" features the soulful vocals of Les Brooke and has a Parsons' symphonic rock feel. "I Don't Know What" features more tasteful orchestrations, some soaring lead guitar and the vocals of Cynthia Lugo. Again Parsons comes to mind in the lush "Where Are You Now" with Ned Clarks' vocals bearing a strong resemblance to the late Eric Woolfson. "Dark Night Of The Soul" is an ethereal offering where stark surroundings and a lovely piano motif are interrupted with short bursts of guitar which serves to heighten the drama. The guitar playing of Russ Notestine is excellent making this my favourite song.
The album ends with the jazzy "Flowing Deep" and the up-tempo title track where heavier electric riffs and gentle acoustic guitar offer a nice contrast.
Transformations is a solid symphonic rock album, superbly arranged and very melodic. In my book this one's a winner.
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Deal, David C.: Transformations
Posted by Andrew Vargo on 2012-03-21 14:42:28
My Score:
I was fortunate to be chosen by David for this project. I've played on numerous CDs & recording projects. It was clear that I HAD to be a part of this CD. It was much more than playing with talented musicians. It was the overall-vibe in the studio. These were MORE than songs. These were inspirational moments (for me) with musical/vocal accompaniments. I'd go as far to say there was a divine presence guiding me throughout my performances. The drum tracks seemed to come effortlessly to me. And there is a time transition in "I Don't Know What" that was SO perfectly done, you'd think it took countless tracks to do it. It was the first take. David is my "sage" (i tell him this quite often) and i am blessed to play on this CD. But the most important aspect of it is i can call him my friend. And hopefully he will ask me to record with him again. However, i think he already knows the answer.. -Andrew Vargo/ Drums
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