Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews: Moraz Alban Project – MAP (2015)

As Seen On…Classic Rock Radio (UK)
First Published: 19 Aug 2015

Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews
Spotlight: Moraz Alban Project – MAP (2015)

By: Gary “Uncle G” Brown
Twitter @GBrown0816

I got turned onto pianist/keyboardist Patrick Moraz via way of the progressive rock group, Yes, back in the nineteen seventies. Patrick was Rick Wakeman’s replacement after he and the group parted company upon completion of the Tales From Topographic Oceans tour. ‘Tales’ as YesFans like to refer to it, is a double studio album that consisted of four songs total. Introduced drummer Alan White to the group. A replacement for Bill Bruford, who went off to King Crimson. Patrick comes in on Yes’ next studio after ‘Tales’ was released entitled; Yes – Relayer (1974). Patrick’s unique contributions, make this an “Uncle G” perfect rock album.

Yes’ Relayer album had three musical compositions on it. The playing is outstanding! Loud and stimulating. Quiet and thought-provoking. Think of it nowadays as pre-metal-prog. Yes’ hardest rock album to date. If needing one, an excellent example of what a superior prog-rock album should sound like. All five musicians involved were on top of their game. Around that same time, Yes bass player Chris Squire did his masterpiece first solo record, Fish Out Of Water (1974), that BTW, Patrick also appears on.

Another album Patrick was involved with, and this was right before he joined Yes, is an absolute must-have for every Prog-Head out there; Refugee – Refugee (March ’74). Includes ex-Nice members bassist Lee Jackson and drummer Brian Davison. The first track off their self-titled album was pure instrumental magic; Papillion. I imagine Patrick’s fingers at times just flying up and down the keys. And then from one keyboard instrument to another. All stacked up and capable of making any sound imaginable. There are songs like that on this new MAP release. Different people might dig more on different tracks. I’m seriously into keyboards, but I luv good drums and bass as well. This album has that. And I like mostly upbeat music. This album has that, as well.

The new Moraz Alban Project – MAP is in many ways samples of what I like best about listening to Patrick’s music all these decades. The sounds blasting from my Sony Speakers, are vibrant and demand attention. From the start of the CD to the last notes played. All nine songs. It’s a ‘Patrick Moraz’ the fan base will recognize. A ‘Patrick Moraz’ people will stop, and listen to. A Swiss prog-rock piano/keyboardist/composer from the twentieth century that’s displaying via this new MAP release, just how it’s done.

Uncle G’s RATES…Moraz Alban Project – MAP (2015)

An instrumental that combines different elements of World Fusion, Rock, Jazz, and a sprinkle of ambient to create an enjoyable listening experience. This includes other musicians who come off sounding equally talented as Patrick in what they do.

A good example would be the co-header in this act, Greg Alban. An extraordinary drummer who at times on this CD, reminds me of both Bill Bruford and Alan White. Perfectly timed rhythm capable of weaving in and out of Patrick’s sound, without crashing into anything. In the past, I was always amazed at hearing Patrick play classical-themed compositions. The rocker in me totally gets off by what he’s capable of doing with a huge collection of electronic keyboards, and a competent drummer.

Besides Patrick and Greg throughout the album, we hear some standout performances by; Lenny Castro – Percussion. John Avila – Electric Bass. Patrick Perrier – Electric Bass. Matt Malley – Slide Electric Sitar.

Dave VanSuch’s saxophone work on the third track of the CD called ‘Canyon Afternoon’, is for those into the sounds of the sax. His playing is simply unbelievable. I imagine Dave did his four-minute solo, and then everyone else featured in the piece found ways of working around him. The saxophone playing here triggers memories of the late Clarence Clemons (Bruce Springsteen E Street Band), and from television’s Saturday Night Live, Lenny Pickett. Legendary saxophone players, both of them. And Dave’s in the same ballpark.

Using the one to five-star rating system, whereas one star means it’s equally as bad as Donald Trump’s hairstyle, to five stars meaning it’s a must-have recording to have for house parties, be that with sixty of your closest friends, or just that special someone (wink wink). Lite the candles and fire up the lava lamp. Uncle G gives Moraz Alban Project – MAP … 5 stars! Seriously, I can’t be any happier with this album. It’s like taking everything you like about Patrick Moraz’s keyboard playing, putting it in a blender, and out comes a solid forty-seven minutes worth of tunes. Give it a listen, and see what I mean.

For additional information on the Moraz Alban Project – MAP, including where and how to buy it, we advise you to consult the following websites.

01) Patrick’s ‘NEW & IMPROVED’ official website: http://www.patrickmoraz.net/

02) Greg Alban Official Website: www.gregalban.com

03) The MAP: www.themap.website

04) The Official Patrick Moraz Facebook Page (administrator – David Westbay)

https://www.facebook.com/patrickmorazofficial

Promotion: Glass Onyon PR (William James…his friends call him; Billy) – www.glassonyonpr.com

End of Column

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