Celestial Latitude
Psychiatric, 2024
9/10
The inimitable guitarist Frank Gambale joins the drummer Steve Haas, keyboard extraordinaire Pete Drungle and the Haas Company for this detailed fusion effort.
The groove filled and animated “Meekat Rock” starts the listen with Pete Gallio’s warm sax and AJ MacDowell’s playful bass, and the title track follows with Gambale’s dreamy guitar that makes for a soothing and expressive landscape.
Halfway through, “Ariel” emits a dreamy mood via Drungle’s bright keys and the soaring guitar acrobatics, while “Drawn And Quartered” recruits Jay Rodriguez’s sax skills and piccolo bass via MacDowell’s agile playing for a buzzing and prog-filled album highlight.
Landing near the end, “Memories Of The Future” benefits much from Kirwan Brown’s meticulous bass and Samuel Hallkvist’s swirling rhythm guitar for the hazy delivery, and “Liquid Crystal” exits with the dynamic rhythm section, where Haas’ inestimable drumming won’t go unnoticed or appreciated.
A technical body of work that embraces fusion, rock and jazz, there’s no lack of solos and plenty of rhythm that makes each selection unpredictable and memorable.
Travels well with: Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour; Carl Clements- A Different Light