Record Reviews

LU7 ~ EFFLORESCENCE MUSEA 4638 (Barcode: 3426300046383) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 - 2006 Released: 2006 1st album by LU7Find albums by this artist, one of the hottest new Japanese instrumental Prog ensembles, which is basically a duo of Luna UmegakiFind albums by this artist – keyboards and Tsutomu KuriharaFind albums by this artist – guitar, with occasional guest musicians. Both players are superb instrumentalists and gifted composers and the album is a true delight from start to finish. The music is melodic, but has enough internal tension to sustain interest. There is a strong jazzy feel and the album could be classified as fusion, but since the emphasis is more on the melody than on the rhythmic patterns, I decided to stick with Prog. The guitarist is influenced by Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist and Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, but has a definite personal sound and style. Guitar freaks will delight in his explorations. The (female) keyboards player provides most of the multi-layered sounds, which are elegant and imaginative. Her solos are mostly done on acoustic piano, which sounds excellent on top of the synthesized background. In short a great surprise and a superb debut album by all standards. One bonus track was added to the original Japanese album for the Musea release.

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

LU7 ~ L`ESPRIT DE L`EXIL MUSEA 4572 (Barcode: 3426300045720) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 2nd album by Japanese duo LU7Find albums by this artist, which comprises of female keyboards player Luna UmegakiFind albums by this artist and guitarist Tsutomu KuriharaFind albums by this artist. Supported by a great cast of guest musicians (bass, drums and other instruments) they deliver their second album, which is every bit as strong and full of great music as their amazing debut. Somewhere between Prog and Fusion, this instrumental album will delight guitar freaks from the Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist camp, but honestly there is plenty of music here, beyond the guitar solos. The keyboards parts are imaginative and very well developed and the guest musicians all contribute excellent support to make it all work. The extremely clever usage of Celtic and Middle Eastern motifs takes the music a step further towards perfection. In short a perfect instrumental album for Prog and Fusion fans alike. Wholeheartedly recommended! (And please don’t ask me why so many Japanese Prog albums have French titles).

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend