Among the many people who are sitting up and taking notice of Delos’ just-released recording of Mark Abel’s The Dream Gallery are two happy customers who have ordered the album from Amazon.com, one of Delos’ primary online vendors. Both were inspired to post five-star ratings and rave reviews!
Paul Hertzog starts out by describing Abel’s striking song cycle as “…a masterful American original,” going on to discuss the composer’s complete success in creating a unique synthesis of disparate styles and eclectic influences ranging from Frank Zappa to Charles Ives (among others), while coming to the conclusion that “Abel is no imitator.” He describes the hard-hitting impact of both the music and the lyrics, while praising the performers effusively. He concludes by telling his readers that Abel’s work “deserves a careful listen by a wider audience.”
Ashland Bruce entitles his review, “Dream Gallery Rocks!” He opens his enthusiastic commentary by characterizing the cycle as “a fantastic musical journey through California … a terrific mix of modern classical melodies flavored with rock-based and jazzy rhythms and harmonies.” He speaks of the “emotional intensity” of the lyrics, and how the “artistry and conviction” of the singers cause the listener to “…hang on every word.”
But why repeat everything these gents had to say here when you can read both (fairly short) reviews right HERE. Then sample a few of the tracks, and join the burgeoning throng of listeners who are happily jumping aboard the Mark Abel bandwagon and immersing themselves in a POWERFUL listening experience, the likes of which you’ve never heard before!
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