Yuri Volodarsky & Friends: Without A Word

Without A Word is the new album by Yuri Volodarsky & Friends released on AFL Productions. This is the first of three albums that will be released separately or as part of a three album set or 'triptych'. A large part of the music is classical in nature due to the involvement of the ET (Edward Tsiselsky) Symphony Orchestra. Other musicians include Julian Coryell (guitar), Sergei Shanglerov (guitar), Sergei Terentiev (Rhodes piano), Dmitry Ilugdin (piano), John Flannery (bass), Mark Schulman (drums) and Joel Taylor (drums).

All songs were written and composed by Volodarsky.

Symphonic, orchestral, cinematic are a few words I can us to describe this music. The orchestra plays a major part in these compositions and the classical music when presented is very upbeat. Songs like the album opening "Animal Wars" and "My World" exhibit swells of orchestration in a cinematic vein. The first track includes folky elements as well, while the latter features pretty piano and some Brian May-like guitar. "Artifact" is a much more 'progressive' tune with varying tempo changes and a more complex arrangement. The sound is full with keyboards being at the forefront. The orchestrations in the dynamic "Funhouse Mirrors (Invasion)" recall classic Alan Parsons Project while "Retribution" has an overall darker vibe with some nice orchestral builds. The music calms down with the sentimental and jazzy "Shadow Of Love" and "Jazz For My Little Baby" where the main focus is piano and orchestra.

Mainstream classical music fans should find much too enjoy as well as fans of progressive tinged orchestral music. I look forward to hearing the rest of the set.

Track Listing:
1. Animal Wars (Medley) (5:14)
2. My World (4:38)
3. Artifact (6:24)
4. Funhouse Mirrors (Invasion) (5:13)
5. Retribution (7:15)
6. Shadow Of Love (7:05)
7. Adrenaline (4:22)
8. Jazz For My Little Baby (4:16)
9. Le Galop du Nouvel Année (3:24)

Added: January 29th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
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Language: english

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