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AFM Records
by Craig Hartranft, 11.23.2013
In the daily muddle of music submissions, every once and a while, there comes an album that's bright and refreshing, even unexpected. Such is the case with guitarist and composer Adrian Galysh's fourth album, Tone Poet. I never heard of this fellow before, but he is quite the accomplished and talented musician.
His previous albums have all been instrumental works. Tone Poet arrives with four vocal songs, with voice provided by Marc Boals. It's hard to say what's more impressive, Galysh's guitar work or his composition skills. Together they combine for some maddening genius. Inspired alike by classic rock and modern guitarist, Galysh's depth and breadth of exploration and interpretation make for some truly delightful listening.
Much of this come from his masterful understanding of melody. Whether it's the whole of the song or the instrument parts, the melodic lines flow effortless ease. You'll catch this equally in a vocal song like Brick By Brick, from the vocal and orchestral arrangement, or an instrumental like Tone Poets, from it's orchestration, drums, and his world guitar.
The four vocal songs are essentially melodic rock with some prog nuances, and Flying a bit heavier for hard rock. All have some light orchestration that makes them feel even more lush. Boals has never sounded better. The instrumental songs, which are the lion share of the album, return us to that original question of what is more impressive here, fret work or song composition. Each song is masterful blend of grand orchestration and arrangement with Galysh peppering them with everything from acoustic to world to neoclassical guitar.
Words can't describe some of this material. It has to be some of the most beautiful and inspiring music I've heard and some time. Luminae, La Dolce Vita, Tone Poets, and Epoch are simply wistful and magical. Echoes of El Greco and Spring (The Return) grand with lots of guitar wizardry and simply sounding epic. With Ur of the Chaldees, Galysh leads with acoustic guitar in world tones and then drops in some brisk electric guitar, all the while surrounded by more lush orchestration. Friends, this is wonderful music. You need to get this album as this might be Galysh finest accomplishment. Quite recommended.
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Adrian Galysh's Tone Poet has some of the most beautiful and inspiring instrumental music I've heard in quite some time, and the four vocal songs are just as good, too.
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