Tausig, Jay: Virgo: Keeper of the Flame

Beautiful spacey synths and Thom Worldpoet's epic, otherworldly and echoing spoken voice poem opens "Earth Sign", off Jay Tausig's latest installment of the 12 disc, "Trip Around the Sun". This time it's "Virgo: Keeper of the Flame".

"Purity" takes you right back to the spirit of '68/'69 and some of the classics of prog rock. Soft guitar, keys and effects, delivered as if from over a soft cascading waterfall, before the flute takes you off into dreams of wonder. One of the best songs Tausig has composed for this set so far. Definitely it would make my 'best of' list for the TAtS series.

"Ever In Focus" opens with some very cool cymbal work, before the bass, keys and lead electric guitar featuring: Markku Helin from the group Permanent Clearlight (Finland), take over. The guitar is otherworldly as it has been throughout Tausig's other discs in this set. Jimi would have absolutely loved this music.

"Sardonyx" opens with cool '80s keyboards and Cyndee Lee Rule's electric violin. Like Eddie Jobson meets Jay Tausig, only even more imaginative.

"Virgo Nature" is over 17 minutes of Rhi Jenerate reading Remy Lindsey's poem, while Tausig plays spacey guitars and synths. Then computerized spoken vocals delivered like Rush's "Cygnus X-1" or at times the metallic vocals from Floyd's "Animals". Wide epic keys and spacey rhythms set to almost Gregorian-like chant music fills the air. Excellent combinations of stellar proportions. You may even hear some references to the ticking from Floyd's "Time". Breathe deep…the fullness of space.

"Mercury" brings back that awesome proggy feeling missing throughout most of Jay's "Trip Around the Sun". This track was penned by Alexander Kulak of Azazello. Kulak plays some excellent acoustic guitar and Cyndee Lee Rule is back with that magnificent violin. Maybe for Tausig, fall is the penultimate time for prog. I know it is for me. An excellent song. Thanks for making some of us aware of Azazello. The keys are dreamy and bring back memories of legendary tracks of the past.

"Summer's End" is Jay Tausig at his best delivering a stunning acoustic and electric guitar clinic, surrounded by drums, spacey keys, and effects.

"Keeper of the Flame (Part 1)" opens with solid and powerful saxophone. Like something mystical from "Dark Side of the Moon" coming back to fill the space of time. As if the sax solo on "Us and Them" actually had a sequel.

"Keeper of the Flame (Part 2)" slows things down further with big bulky keyboard sounds and bass mixed well with lead electric guitar.

"Keeper of the Flame (Part 3)" is over 11 minutes of keyboard and synth magic aimed at taking you into the cosmos.

Ed Unitsky's beautiful artwork on the cover of the album is perfect. The flaming butterfly wings add magic to the image.

The more proggy feel to this album makes it my favorite, after maybe the opening CD of the set. I only hope there is more prog to come. Next up is my sign, Libra. Can't wait!

Track Listing:

1. Earth Sign
2. Purity
3. Ever In Focus
4. Sardonyx
5. Virgo Nature
6. Mercury
7. Summer's End
8. Keeper of the Flame (Part 1)
9. Keeper of the Flame (Part 2)
10. Keeper of the Flame (Part 3)

Added: November 26th 2012
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: JayTausig.com
Hits: 2183
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]