Search - Anthony Curtis :: Book of the Key

Book of the Key rewards the listener

Nama Shivaya | Richmond, Virginia United States | 07/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Book of the Key is guitarist Anthony Curtis with bass great Tony Levin, Frank Zappa's stunt guitarist Mike Keneally, drummer Lewis Pragasam, violinist Jeff Gauthier, and Ronan Chris Murphy on harmonium. Recommended if you like King Crimson, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Dream Theater. Highlights of this album include the moody and slightly mournful "Ruins" that somehow rises as it falls--probably a result of the snappy drumming by Pragasam, Gauthier's hauntingly beautiful violin work, and Curtis' exploration of the nine-note scale. "Gallabalba" showcases Tony Levin on Chapman Stick. The pace is fast and the energy is in-your-face, something like a power trio on steroids and laughing gas. "Hymn to Helios" is built around Curtis' feedback guitar and recalls "Blue Body of Water" from his work with BOOM. Fusion and prog fans should enjoy the epic title track clocking in at 23:24. It's a journey through some weird landscapes you might not experience anywhere else. One of my favorite songs is the threnody "From Towers to the Dome of Heaven." When I hear the siren in the background, the violin, the hand drumming, and Curtis' surprisingly delicate guitar work I'm reminded that beauty and love may be the best solace. It's a dense and somewhat challenging album by a group of fine musicians that takes the listener to distant places."