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"Carl Verheyen" is one of those
artists whose work you've probably heard many times but just
didn't know who it was. He's done guitar work on numerous popular
TV programs, movies, been a sideman in several bands, and from
1985 was lead guitarist for "Supertramp."
He has recorded three albums prior to this,
including 1996's "Slang Justice," and this new album
continues his excursion into the pop/blues/jazz fusion. And fusion
it is, as I am hard put to separate out the elements he combines
to give his music it's unique feel. He reminds me a lot of Craig
Chaquico, another rock lead guitarist, who has gravitated to
solo work. His music still contains the energy of rock but it's
combined with the smoothness of jazz and a large helping of blues.
Opening with a short ethereal solo he then
breaks into the title track which would feel right at home on
a "Jefferson Starship" album. His voice is pleasant,
not overpowering, more an echo of his guitar work. His lyrics
are appealing and are a bit deeper than most pop records. There
is not a discernible hook to his music, depending instead on
the guitar solos to capture your attention. The blues are muted
on "No Walkin' Blues," more funky than in a funk. "Misunderstood"
wails a bit more in keeping with its title, while "Diamonds"
is more stately, allowing its story to be told. The latter is
one of my favorite tracks on the album, satisfying both my ears
and the matter between them.
Less satisfying is "Pieces of You,"
which has good lyrics, but Verheyen's guitar solo wanders and
literally falls to pieces between stanzas. On the other hand
"Wandering Away" returns to style of the title cut,
with a tighter more controlled guitar solo.
In keeping with the cover art, the next
two cuts, "Mercury Rain" and "Under Saturn's Rings,"
have an otherworldly feel to them. The former is an instrumental
piece that gives a nice break in the middle of the album, while
the latter speeds back up as Carl uses Saturn as a metaphor for
a woman, "the daystar sun," and has solos from Carl
and Jim Cox on the Hammond B organ.
"Moody Rudy" is another guitar
piece that flows well, with nice transitions from riff to riff.
The mix of Hammond organ and guitar is done well, and makes this
another keeper. The final track, "Carried West," leaves
you with food for thought, and like a good Chinese meal, an hour
later you want to hear it again. |
