Bek, Jef: Distant Starlight

I hadn’t heard of Jef Bek, and I have no idea if that is his real name, but apparently he has been somewhat successful in the world of theater and soundtracks. I believe this is his first full-length studio album, and it’s a winner. Bek primarily plays keyboards and drums, does a lot of the singing, and is the lyricist. He is joined by more than a dozen guest musicians.

There is nice interplay between the guitars and the keyboards throughout, with the latter perhaps taking a more prominent place in the overall sound. There are three epics on the album: the title track, “Riptide,� and “When Silence Calls.� Sometimes they can feel a little choppy, with a bit here fitted with another bit there, but overall they sound like well-considered compositions. The standout for me is the title track. I enjoyed all 14 minutes of it. The music is exquisite at times and the female vocals really add to the song. I went back to it several times.

The other four tracks aren’t simply palette cleansers between the three lengthy tunes. The album itself is symphonic prog on the whole, but it mixes things up. If there is a “dark� song on the album, you could probably guess it by the title, “She Has Started to Drink.� It has a different feel, musically and vocally, than the other tracks. “What One Has� features some fun tuba and trumpet. “They Are Playing a Game/Jack Is Afraid of Jill� is almost a pop tune, but with more complex instrumentation. “Momentary Champion� shows Bek and company getting back to more traditional prog, albeit in short form.

This is easily a four-star album. I almost bumped it another half-star based on the strength of the title track alone. Give us more, Jef!

Track Listing
1. Distant Starlight (14:06)
2. Momentary Champion (3:59)
3. Riptide (14:59)
4. What One Has (4:46)
5. She Has Started to Drink (7:43)
6. They Are Playing a Game/Jack Is Afraid of Jill (2:49)
7. When Silence Calls (11:48)

Added: September 12th 2024
Reviewer: Aaron Steelman
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 408
Language: english

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