Cannata - Watching The World (1993)

TRACKLIST:




Artist : Cannata
Country : USA
Release : Watching The World
Year : 1993
Genre : Hard Rock
File Type : mp3 320

Info:

Arise Records is a new interesting label that has re-released the 2nd Cannata album "Watching The World" in a limited edition with 2 bonus tracks taken from "Images Of Forever" and a new artwork that I think suits this album just perfect.
Jeff Cannata released a classic album back in 1983 called ArcAngel that is filled with pure fantastic pomp/AOR filled with pure classic songs. Those that have heard the song "Sidelines" knows who good this album is.
Then in 1988 he released "Images Of Forever" that is a great album as well but not as good as ArcAngel.
This album was originally released in 1993 on Now & Then Records and is one of few albums in the 90s that I hold as classic.

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Cannata - Mysterium Magnum (2006)

Jeff Cannata has crossed a long-lasting route in music and he still has the ability to amaze us, for he never compromises with his achievements; on the contrary he always pursue his self-transcendence. Former member of the Jasper Wrath (a progressive rock band that also featured James Christian) and, later on, of the mighty Arc Angel (their album in 1983 is esteemed as the definition of pomp AOR) he followed solo career to date, with occasional releases. His music always verges among two genres: prog rock & AOR, and together with his spiritual / mystical orientation, which becomes obvious on lyrics & artwork, Jeff Cannata has rendered to us some extraordinaire pieces of work.

His music has specific benchmarks, such as: symphonic arrangements, demanding and often ambiguous lyrics, dominant keyboards, ethnic hints, melodic vocals, majestic AOR hook lines and, finally, all the aforementioned virtues get together in a progressive wrapping up. With “Mysterium Magnum” he delivers his most varied album and a concept based on the human destiny in a world so controversial. The songs, therefore, serve this cause, through various musical genres. “4:17 California” with its appealing flute, the ethereal vocals alongside with the true confession, through a haunting rhythm created by the keys & guitar sound, of “Tears Of America” are both fine examples of Cannata’s sharp & thoughtful lyrics. Also, he reworked on two of Arc Angel AOR anthems, “King Of The Mountain” & “Wanted: Dead Or Alive”, which they have now a completely up to date sound. “Promise You Heaven” offers a corking melody with a Genesis feel, while “Life 101”with his up tempo and mid tempo turns reminds Kansas and it’s enhanced by an attractive guitar solo and some beautiful vocals. “Kali Allah” and its dual vocal harmonies, the tribal sound of drums and the keyboards solo by Jeff Batter (House Of Lords, Jasper Wrath) & “Kali Allah: reprise” with its ethnic touch, are two more fine moments, together with the classy “Reason To Live”. The opener “Spirit Of The Four Winds” begins with whispering vocals and, leaning on a tight rhythm section, becomes a highlight, as the tempo is altered and through the distorted guitar solos concludes: “Spirit of the 4 winds, guide us, remind us, unite us”. “Somewhere Beyond The Sun” is the album’s jewel. During its 8.48 minutes of pure 70’s symphonic prog style and via keys, flute, frantic guitar solos by Jimi Bell (House Of Lords, again!) this definitely is the most progressive track that Cannata have ever released.

Jeff Cannata has on offer a superb specimen of proggish AOR, way better than efforts of the likes of GPS’s last year. If bands like Asia, Spock’s Beard, Jadis, Ozric Tentacles, Yes, Saga, Caravan or Kansas are your cup of tea, then don’t hesitate. Highly recommended!

mp3/320

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Cannata - My Back Pages: Volume 1 (2009)

There are 14 tracks on this album, everyone a standalone masterpiece and given new life and meaning by Cannata. This is very significant, as it normally does not turn out that way on cover or tribute albums. Keep in mind this man is multi-instrumental genius and producer so there is no flack here, its all straight up musicianship and creativity at its best even if the songs are older and have a long lineage of artists behind it. Actually, that is whole point here, to pay tribute to those people that made the music.
The best examples of covering a song closest to what the creator intended has to be the two Jethro Tull tracks, which come at you back-to-back, "Mother Goose" and "My Sunday Feeling." "Eight Miles High" and "On The Turning Away" are especially excellent as well. I also have to give Jeff the nod for his cover of Bowie's "Space Oddity" complete with the English accent in certain places during the song is a nice touch. I think one last important note to make is all the superb assistance Jeff received in creating this recording that is why I made a special effort to list the credits below.
So there you have it an album that has everything a music fan could possibly ask for. Don't waste another minute and grab this album!

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