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ROVO and System 7: Phoenix Rising
ByTrue to form, the musicians elevate the techno aspects way beyond the typical dance and party music institution. They give this medium a college education of sorts, as stellar musicianship has always been a staple of System 7's nomenclature. The dual ROVO drummers rev it up during the band's power-packed rendition of the classic Mahavishnu Orchestra jazz-fusion piece "Meeting of the Spirits, where violinist Yuji Katsui and Hillage go toe-to-toe, knocking the high-impact theme into the stratosphere. However, the album as a whole presents a group- focus that while democratic by design, is not dominated by any single musician. There are passages that contain improvisational elements and driving pulses, treated with layers of electronics, used as a polychromatic-like vehicle. Ultimately Phoenix Rising breeds copious entertaining attributes, but tenders a portraiture framed on expert musicianship, sustainable compositions and spot-on camaraderie among the players. Hence, the musicians capitalize on their strengths, yielding an extensive musical panorama that beckons repeated listens.
Track Listing
Hinotori (Album Version); Love for the Phoenix; Meeting of the Spirits; Cisco (Phoenix Rising Version); Unbroken; Simo Dub (Phoenix Rising Version); Unseen Onsen.
Personnel
Steve Hillage: guitar, programming; Miquette Giraudy: synthesizer; Yuji Katsui: electric violin; Seiichi Yamamoto: guitar; Yasuhiro Yoshigaki: drums, percussion; Yoichi Okabe: drums, percussion; Jin Harada: bass guitar; Tatsuki Masuko: synthesizer.
Album information
Title: Phoenix Rising | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Purple Pyramid
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