The classic influences
come through on Beethoven’s "Symphony No. 9."
The creator would have been delighted
if he heard their version. The one song that just knocked my socks off was
"Bohemian Rhapsody." I have never listened to an instrumental version
of this song; it’s gorgeous and so intricately played. The Ellington jazz
classic "Caravan," which has several popular surf-instro
interpretations, is heard in an entirely different musical domain.
The group does have the
surf influences courtesy of Hideyo Moriya.
Still, bandmates Paul Richards and Bert Lams allow the song to take on a life
of its own due to the cooperative spirit of each player, allowing all their
influences to meld into one big, beautiful, and stunning
sound.
Surf, classical, jazz, rock, folk, progressive…it’s all
present and accounted for on each track. The
liner notes are very cool; they track their dates and venues with insightful
and humor-filled commentary. There are also some good snapshots of the band.
The entire world is a
stage at a CTG concert. The players are the puppeteers, and we are the puppets,
allowing every note to transport us to a dimension free of worry and filled
with happiness and wonderment.
This music is not just powerful; it’s a transformative experience that you owe it to yourself to have. You have to hear these men play to truly understand the impact and importance of what they do. Their music has the power to inspire and uplift, leaving you with a renewed sense of wonder and joy.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
January 24, 2002
Tracks:
01. Scramble
02. Symphony No. 9
03. Bohemian Rhapsody
04. Caravan (Moroccan roll w/drum solo)
05. Punta Patri
06. Waters of Eden
07. Blue-eyed Monkey
08. Pathways
09. Pictures at an Exhibition
10. Happy Time In Fun Town
11. Misirlou
12. Rokudan
13. Blockhead
