Stormbringer Webzine

Progressive Rock Reviews


Karma

NDV (NICK D'VIRGILIO)

 

Musicians:
Nick D'Virgilio - guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, vocals
Mike Keneally - guitar, piano
Rick Mussallam - guitar
Bryan Bellar, Dave Carpenter - bass
Alan Morse - cello, guitar
Mike Johnson - wurlitzer
Ryo Okumoto - piano
Kevin Gilbert - piano, 12 string guitar
Peter Plumeri - backing vocals

Track listing:
1. The River is Wide (7:12)
2. Dream In Red (4:35)
3. Forgiven (3:09)
4. Karma (3:12)
5. The Game (4:07)
6. The Waters Edge (6:29)
7. Come What May (5:11)
8. Untitled (3:26)
9. Will it be Me (4:16)
10. Anything (3:55)
11. Paying the Price, I. Dysfunction (4:32), II. Paid the Price (5:45), III. Unknowing (8:45)

A solo album from Spock's Beard's drummer Nick D'Virgilio could be a really interesting release. He has however taken a big step away from Spock's Beard's music, which is quite understandable.

Otherwise the songs could've been released under Spock's Beards name. Nick's music is melodic pop or AOR that, with some exceptions, has very little to do with progressive rock.

There's even vocals on every track and there are some reminiscences to The Beatles, Toy Matinee, Jellyfish, Rush and Tears For Fears. The compositions are intelligent and Nick has a very strong voice. The drumming is excellent but doesn't stand out that much, especially considering that it is a drummer's solo album.

He has gathered a bunch of very skilled musicians to accompany him. I'm especially glad to see Mike Keneally and musicians from Beer For Dolphins, Ryo Okumoto and Alan Morse from Spock's Beard, and the late Kevin Gilbert as additional musicians.

This album is much more ordinary than any Spock's Beard album, but nevertheless it's very good. After listening to it extensively I think that no one should be disappointed with this album. It may suite both Spock's Beard's fans as well as lovers of intelligent and technically brilliant pop/rock.

Record Label: EAR CANDY RECORDS / INSIDEOUT MUSIC
Catalogue #: ECRCD 004 / SPV 085-41682 CD

Contact & Info:
Official Nick D'Virgilio Website: www.ndvmusic.com

InsideOut Music
Kolpingstrasse 9-11
47533 Kleve
Germany
Fax: +49-(0) 2821-9791240
Website: www.insideout.de
E-mail: info@insideout.de

InsideOut Music America
344 TB Oakville Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
USA
Fax: +1 4129379283
E-mail: info@insideoutmusic.com

Reviewer: Greger Rönnqvist
greger.ronnqvist@infodata.sema.se