Casale, Laura: Now is Where You Are

Now is Where You Are is the long awaited debut album from singer, songwriter, keyboard player Laura Casale, over a decade in the making and finally arriving, self-produced & released, with gorgeous artwork adorning the CD courtesy of the always reliable Ed Unitsky. Joining Casale here is her son Daniel Reeves (Bass), Paul Brannon (Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Bass), Frank Basile (Drums), Van Hunsberger (Drums, Percussion), and Jørgen Stougaard (Guitar, Slide Guitar). Now is Where You Are features 13 tracks of lush progressive rock, melodic rock, pop, and a touch of ambient. It's all very atmospheric & uplifting, many of the songs quite catchy and filled with melodic hooks that stay with you long after the CD has come to an end.

It's easy to get excited over a song like "Rescue", an upbeat prog rocker complete with soaring vocals, instantly addicting melodies, and daring instrumentation that recalls Yes, featuring some tasty Steve Howe inspired lead guitar work courtesy of Brannon. He again adds some splendid lead work to the symphonic gem "Big Sky", a song also punctuated by Casale's gorgeous vocals and plenty of majestic keyboard tapestries. I think if Yes had included a few songs such as these on their most recent CD Heaven and Earth the reception would have been much more positive. The poetic "Full Moon" and the atmospheric "Reflections" show a softer, more tender side to Casale, both tracks featuring lush soundscapes and dreamy vocals, with intriguing lyrics that are spiritual yet come from the heart. "Smilin' " is a quirky, fun tune, with a charming lyric to go along with bouncy prog/pop arrangements, while the soaring "Broken Wing" just warms your heart & soul with its enchanting vocals, majestic piano, and overall soothing textures. The title track hints at influences such as Yes, Heart, Gentle Giant, Renaissance, and ELP, as engaging keyboard & guitar passages intertwine with passionate vocals and intricate rhythms. Casale's ability to create wonderful keyboard orchestrations with rich colors & tones can be heard on "The Voyage", and the near 11-minute "Metamorphosis" features grandiose piano passages and lovely vocal melodies, as this song about 'new life' just sweeps you off your feet, reminding of some of the classic material of the great band Renaissance.

This is just a wonderful little album, and it's instantly apparent that a ton of love went into the creation of it. From the lyrics, to the musicianship, the production, and the enchanting artwork, Now is Where You Are is a positive, emotional, and powerful collection of songs that captures your senses and lifts your soul. Melodic prog fans would be well advised to seek this one out.

See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!

Track Listing
1. New Millennium
2. Rescue
3. Reflections
4. Big Sky
5. Full Moon
6. Love
7. Smilin
8. Broken Wing
9. Now Is Where You Are
10. The Real You
11. The Voyage
12. Metamorphosis
13. Peace Be Still

Added: October 4th 2014
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Artist Facebook Page
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Language: english

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