i was disappointed.
to me, the reunion band sounds like any typical bar band with a better than average guitarist. i was disappointed in the performance given. most of the material is new, which is fine. the two older fever tree tunes are butchered beyond recognition. but this is typical of reunion bands as they usually hack their old songs up. i guess i was expecting more heavier/atmospheric sounds like their brillant "another time" release. i was looking for more emphasis on keyboard. buy this with minimal expectations. better yet, get it from your local library.
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All That Jazz!!
Really, the artist should be listed as Michael Knust, since the veteran FT guitarist is the producer, arranger, and, let's face it, the undisputed focus and star of the material. Live at Lake Charles 1978 is a very good effort but is a Fever Tree album in name only. (He is also the only remaining original member featured on this recording. )Also, it features a very 70's, progressive jazz-rock sound (the only all-out r and r song is the bar-band sounding number "Mama Hang Around"). Think Weather Report, Al Jarreau (his tune "Spirit" is covered here), or Chick Corea rather than the baroque-liturgical classic Fever Tree sound you are probably expecting. Only two cuts, "San Francisco Girls," and "Man Who Paints the Pictures" are featured from the band's heyday, and even these numbers are given a jazz spin. The band is tight and tasty throughout, with singer Pat Bennan sounding at times like early Mickey Thomas, and phenomenal guitarist Michael Knust recalling the progressive licks of Larry Carlton or John McLaughlin nicely. In short, a winning effort and worth considering, but only if you can see yourself tuning into a jazzier, more instrumental, and less song-oriented version of Fever Tree.
Arrangement and production excellent;very motivating!
Even though the original singer is not involved the material is still very exciting and hinges onthe psychedelic movement!Many feel that the singer,Dennis(who was not involved in the Lake Charles project)was an integral part of the original Fever Tree sound along with Michael Knusts' psychedelic guitar technique. Iam the writer and arranger of this material. This is true,however,the Lake Charles CD has a life of it's own and is very characteristic of where Michael Knust wanted to lead the band. I am very proud of this CD and encourage any Fever Tree fans or good music lovers to give it a listen. I think you'll enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it!!.
A great find!
Robbie Parrish is excellent on percussion. If you couldn't get enough of Knust in the original Fever Tree albums, this CD is for you! Most of the songs are written by Michael and feature a lot of great guitar work. Pat Brennan offers a brighter sound for Fever Tree and does a good job. The music is straight up rock, with a few funk rythyms here and there. The sound quality is excellent, especially when you consider the equipment used in the recording. A great mastering to CD gives the music alot of presence. The liner notes provide additional insight into Michael's experience with Fever Tree. Hats off to Shroom Productions for dusting off this gem and putting it here for us!.
You can see a complete list of all Fever Tree discography, or go back to the Fever Tree tabs
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