Hooray for drummers!
elpfan09 | Burke, Virginia USA | 09/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It must be said that I am a drummer. I have a bias towards drummers. I own the Carl Palmer Anthology. I have bought magazines with Mike Portnoy on the cover. I can play In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida in my sleep. I need help.And here to help is Nick D'Virgilio (pronounced Nick D-"something Italian"). The drummer from Spock's Beard has stepped out from behind the (massive) shadow of Neal Morse and recorded his own CD. For those expecting just another drumming showcase, be prepared to expect much more. Nick can sing, play guitar, keyboard and write music. Quite a talented trained monkey. And it's not just Nick locked in a room making noise by himself, either. There are some big names that guest on this record, including other members of the Beard, Mike Keneally, Rick Mussallam and even the late Kevin Gilbert. (God bless demo tapes.)The album hosts a wealth of variety in his songs, ranging from prog ("The River is Wide," "Paying the Price"), rockin' ("Dream in Red," "Forgiven," "Anything"), powerful ("The Game," "Will it Be Me"), percussive ("Karma," "Untitled") and Moulin Rouge ("Come What May"). The last one is a "different" (read "better") version than that featured in the "movie" (read "waste of money"), but it's the same song, oddly enough.Overall, this album is fantastic. From beginning to end, there are no spots that lack energy, excitement or entertainment. Spock's Beard fans will probably enjoy it. Drummers will most likely appreciate it. All should love it. This is an exceptionally good solo record. Even for a drummer."
Great performer
Fernando Perezgil | San Diego, CA USA | 12/07/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"He is a great drummer, but it doesn't stop there. He is a great musician as well. He plays guitar, he sings. There are great collaborations from fellow Spock Beard musicians and other great performers. This is quite digestible rock with a few Progressive tendencies.
If you have a chance, see him live. He is a great improviser."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1