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: : Book Of The Dead : :
K2 is the first side project by bassist Ken
Jaquess of the L.A. based band Atlantis (formed in the ‘90’s). Atlantis
recorded two CD’s (Sea of Tranquility-1997 and Pray for Rain-2003) and
after several personnel changes went on hiatus allowing the members to
work on other projects.
Book of the Dead is a conceptual work of five tracks presented as
chapters, clocking in at a total of 46 minutes. It had it’s beginnings
in 2001 and took 4 years to finish. It was well worth the wait. Jaquess
wrote, arranged and produced everything you hear on the CD, but this is
far from a solo project. Inspired by passages from the Egyptian Book of
the Dead, the mysterious mood surrounds the listener with layers of
multiple keyboards along with lead guitars and violin. And don’t forget
those wonderful bass pedals!!
Wanting to recreate the classic seventies symphonic sound to help
fulfill his musical vision, Jaquess searched for musicians who could
master the vintage sound of the instruments of that time period. His
efforts resulted in a very impressive list including vocalist Shaun
Guerin of the Genesis tribute band Cinema Show and more recently of the
reformed Clearlight Symphony, and Ryo Okumoto of Spock’s Beard on piano
and Moog. Jaquess handles bass, keyboards (including mellotron) and
10-string acoustic guitar and then is assisted by John Miner on guitars,
Doug Sanborn on drums and Yvette Devereaux on violin.
But what set people’s ears a buzzin’ in anticipation of this release was
the announcement of the return of legendary guitarist Allan Holdsworth
onto the prog scene. His association with Jacquess began as a soloist on
Atlantis’ 2nd CD.
Book of the Dead is drenched in
classic symphonic progressive rock. From the opening chords of the first
track Infinite Voyage, Holdsworth’s classic guitar sound launches the 23
minute epic into Prog heaven. The listener is drawn into music that is
very lush and much larger than life, with both a vintage and still
modern sound to it. It is a perfect mix of Genesis-style music with The
Flower Kings epic grandeur. Guerin’s Gabriel-esque vocal style is
perfectly mixed as to be more an instrument than lead on equal par with
the rest of the music. Holdsworth’s superb guitar work is accented by
lush keyboards and violin counterpoints. The use of mellotron accents
(ah yes…the real thing!) give the music that wonderful ‘70’s feel. The
track has many twists and turns leaving the listener hungry for what’s
around the corner.
The remaining tracks clock in at the six to seven minute mark. “Mirror
to the Spirits” and “The Edge of Light” continue in the same vein as the
opening magnum opus, repeating the musical themes but as shorter songs.
“Aten” is a nice instrumental putting Ken Jaquess’ bass lines in the
shining spotlight. It’s a mellow jazzier track that forms a bridge
between the previous chapters and the final one. “Cloak of Antiquity”
finishes the album with all the hallmark ingredients of classic
symphonic prog…lush keyboards and that feel-it-in-your gut bass line
ending with a great Holdsworth guitar solo.
It should be noted that Shaun Guerin sadly passed away shortly after the
completion of the CD.
Ken Jaquess has long had a love and fascination with ancient Egypt, and
now he gets to fulfill it on this fantastic CD. Fans of full-blown epic
symphonic rock need to rush out and pick it up right away. It’ll take
you back to prog’s glory days, even after repeated listens.
Reviewed by Bob Rosenthal
Style: Symphonic Progressive Rock
Rating……9/10
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Book Of The Dead - 2005 |
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