Distinctively delightful contemporary fusion Michael Whalen – FUTURE SHOCK: Over the last two years or so, I have made it a habit to watch for each & every creative new release coming from our multi-instrumentalist friend Michael Whalen (and reviewed them with joy, to be sure); on this distinctively delightful contemporary fusion album (to be released 23 April, 2021), he and his mates create a brand-new model for the future of music… before I start with my review, I (most strongly) suggest that you watch Michael’s official video for the title track, “Future Shock“…
Since you’re right there already, be sure you SUBSCRIBE to Michael’s YouTube channel, so you can enjoy the diverse range of Michael’s offerings there… I’ve been signed up there for a couple of years now.
As you listen to the musical power provided by Michael on keyboards, synthesizers, electronic percussion & programming; Simon Phillips: drums & additional percussion; Bob Magnuson: reeds (saxophones, flute, clarinet, shehnai) and Tony Levin: electric & upright basses, Chapman stick, I can guarantee you will be absolutely spellbound as you hear their collective genius on tunes like the 5:34 “Wanderlust“… they’ve got the entire Universe swirling majestically in your ears… DJ’s of all stripes will be plugging this track into regular rotations for years to come!
Another song I’m sure you’ll enjoy the video for is “Memories of You”…
Though “Hop, Skip and Jump” starts off sounding somewhat like a “conventional” synth tune, Michael layers sonic twists and turns in, out & through the piece that can only be described as “greasy”… his solos on this tune will have you up & dancin’ ’round the room for days to come, and Bobs reeds are just KILLER here… in fact, it was this song that made me decide that the entire album gets a (permanent) spot on my iPhone player (& that’s only for the BEST music, folks).
I (instantly) chose the beautiful “Lights of Home” as my personal favorite of the ten tantalizing tunes offered up for our journey into the future of music… Bob’s sax work on this song will elevate you to new heights… sheer, raw and unadulterated power…
I give Michael and all his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 5.00 – which means they also get my “PICK” for “best futuristic fusion album”. Get more information about him at the Michael Whalen website as it becomes available. Rotcod Zzaj
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