Primary Elements (Tower of Harmony, 2012)
The debut CD by Georgia-based progressive rock band Six Elements is a concept album with reflective inspirational lyrics. Six Elements is basically the project of composer and keyboardist Michael (Misha) Shengaout. The album features session musicians and the major collaboration of Stanley Whitaker on vocals.
Although Whitaker is well known as the guitarist of two of the finest progressive rock bands in the United States, Happy The Man and Oblivion Sun, he is also an outstanding vocalist. While Primary Elements has some instrumental moments, the focus of the album is on vocals and lyrics. Whitaker delivers passion and nuance throughout the album, with a unique seasoned voice, which at times is reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s work.
Misha Shengaout shows great potential as a composer. As a keyboardist, he needs a little more original programming. He relies too much on overused sampled flutes and other instruments.
The highlight of the album is Rudyard Kipling’s poem ‘If’“. “Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” has inspired millions of hearts and souls (including mine), capturing the ideal of human character in just 32 short lines,” says Shengaout. “Our ideals make us who we are, which is why this poem should be shouted from every rooftop, and absorbed by our senses in every possible way.“
Primary Elements is a fine album that showcases the talent of composer Misha Shengaout and the superb vocals of Stanley Whitaker.