Search - Pip Pyles Bash :: Belle Illusion

Jammin' Bash

WillieB | 11/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pip Pyle is one of my favorite drummers. He can shred or lay down a smooth groove to any style of music, no matter how complex, and play it well. He has performed with great bands/musicians and collaborated on several groundbreaking records but has received little recognition. His passing away this summer makes me appreciative of these recordings.



"Belle Illusion" is a live instrumental album recorded in 2002 and 2003, featuring - Pip (drums), Alex Maguire (keys), Patrice Meyer (guitar), Fred Baker (bass). Elton Dean (sax) plays on two songs. Five songs are written by Pip and the other band members contribute the remaining four compositions. The music is a blend of jazz/rock/prog played by superb musicians. Patrice lays down some tasty guitar work and blistering solos, Pip has a sense of rhythm and syncopation that is stunning, Fred's bass tone and phrasings sound similar to Jeff Berlin, and Alex's keyboard work complements the band perfectly. Like Pip, this disc is overflowing with class, and a must have if you like Canterbury style music.

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