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There is a rather poignant story that goes with this
recording. And that is that Andrew Gorczyca is no longer
with us. He passed away in his sleep in August of 2004 at
the age of 40 and this recording is a tribute lovingly put
together over the past four years by Andrew’s brother Chris.
Entitled Reflections – An Act of Glass this is The Music
of Andrew Gorczyca and within a few short minutes of listening
to this album you come away realizing there was something
special behind these tunes.
Chris Gorczyca (drums) managed to assemble a stellar
cast of prog performers to help translate his brother’s
vision. Music that never did see completion during Andrew’s
lifetime. The primary performers here read like a who’s
who of contemporary prog; Adrien Belew (guitars, vocals),
Bryan Beller (bass), Nick D’Virgillio (vocals), Ted Leonard
(vocals), Mike Kineally (guitars) and Ryo Okumoto (keyboards).
The challenge for Chris was to take his brother’s musical
vision and have these performers not only translate that
but allow them the freedom to provide their own feelings
all the while holding true to the musical intent. On that
score this is a hard record to find fault with.
Stylistically the music on Reflections – An Act of Glass
is a modern, arty, melodic progressive rock that is brimming
with great melodies and hummable tunes. There are eight
compositions here most in the five minute range allowing
plenty of time for some interesting musical change-ups.
As sonic reference points, I was strangely reminded of bands
such as Esquire, Art InAmerica and Big Generator era Yes.
These tunes first and foremost are great songs, but within
each are any number of proggy embellishments and sophisticated
arrangements. The odd-time the music shifts quite dramatically
but more often than not, it slides into a different musical
style seamlessly. A couple times the tune will start out
a certain way but will end with a completely different coda.
Perhaps the thing that was most noticeable was the upbeat
nature of this disc. One is left with such a positive feeling….it
like driving in your convertible with the top down on a
sunny day. A fitting tribute to what was clearly an amazing
musical talent.
The Music of Andrew Gorczyca was a pleasant surprise
that’s been finding a lot of time on my CD player. Fans
of the band’s mentioned above might want to check it out,
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
www.jerrylucky.com
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