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: : Salem Hill - Mimi’s Magic Moment : :

Band/Artist
Salem Hill
Title:
Mimi's Magic Moment
Released
2005
Label
ProgRock Records

Track List
1. The Joy Gem
2. All Fall Down
3. Stolen By Ghosts
4. The Future Me

: : The Players : :
Carl Groves Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards | Kevin Thomas Vocals, drums, percussion | Patrick Henry 4 & 12 String Bass, Vocals | Michael Dearing Vocals, Guitars

: : Mimi’s Magic Moment : :

I’m a total fan of this band. Since I first heard them in 1997 this band’s music has been one of the most positive reoccurring musical gifts I have ever had. To this reviewer every single one of their releases has been head and shoulders over many other bands that have gotten far more attention and respect. The loss is great to those who either don’t want to hear or simply can’t hear the greatness in this bands words and music.

MMM is only four songs but each is well over 10 minutes each and chocked full of top shelf musicianship as well as topical and meaningful lyrics.

For Salem Hill this CD is a pretty dramatic departure from their usual “concept CD” approach. You have four very independent songs each a story unto itself. All four have separate and distinct lyrical visions, all were written in part or in whole by each band member, and all have a story to tell be it personal, spiritual or both.

I guess Stolen By Ghosts is my favorite if I really had to pick one. Closely followed by The Future Me, The Joy Gem, and then All Fall Down and at that it is such an extremely small difference it is hardly worth noting.

Ghost catches me with Michael Dearing’s excellent voice and the story line haunts me after each listen. His guitar work really stands out in the song.

The Future Me showcases Carl Groves guitar playing as well as his song writing and soul searching that has always been a reason I liked Salem Hill in general and each band member specifically.

Patrick Henry plays a 12 string bass on MMM! I never knew there was such a monster. The musical nuances that are generated by this guitar point out clearly Pat’s playing abilities.

Then there is Kevin Thomas who has taken the electronic drum kit to the place where it actually sound like a real kit. I was able to see Salem Hill play live recently and if you closed your eyes you would never know there wasn’t a full natural kit on stage.

Kevin’s drumming ability also shows through on each song as he has the chops of a Portnoy, the technical abilities of a Peart, and the heart and soul of a Buddy Rich. He is never over the top but could be if he wanted.

Add to all this some most excellent guests. You have Neal Morse singing on The Joy Gem and David Ragsdale on violin also in The Joy Gem and several other tracks.

I can only say this; MMM is by far to this long time fan the best CD of music these guys have ever done. It is definitely proggy it is rock and roll but this CD is clearly Salem Hill at their finest and a CD any lover of good music, regardless the style, should flip out over.

I came very close to giving this CD a perfect 10 of 10 but just couldn’t as nothing is perfect and I suspect the Salem Hill boys would agree. BUY THIS CD.

Rating: 9.99 of 10
Reviewed By: Stephen Ellis

: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :

: : Discography : :
Salem Hill I - 1992
Salem Hill II - 1994
Catatonia - 1997
Robbery of Murder - 1997
Not Everybody's Gold - 2000
Puppet Show - 2002
Be - 2003
Mimi’s Magic Moment - 2005

*NOTE - Album of the month for December 2005

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