Beneath The Waves (7Stones/Tigermoth Records TMRCD, 2012)
Kompendium is an ambitious musical project spearheaded by keyboardist and composer Rob Reed (Magenta and Cyan). Although their album Beneath The Waves has been promoted in the progressive rock market, stylistically it goes beyond progressive rock, venturing into classical, opera, Celtic, pop and world music.
Rob Reed enlisted an impressive cast of musicians ranging from the progressive rock field to Celtic music, Broadway-style musicals and classical music world, with the participation of choirs, a symphony orchestra and opera singers.
Beneath The Waves is a concept album about a seafaring man. The record sleeve makes reference to a news story from the Irish Express published on February 20th, 1902. It’s a dark tale of grief about a fisherman named Connor MacGregor whose wife, Lily, commits suicide after the death of their only child. Things get even worse when the sailor’s fishing boat sinks and he is the sole survivor. All these tragedies fill him with guilt and eventually he disappears.
The album begins with a captivating narration that leads into majestic Celtic-inspired orchestral music led by the always beautiful uilleann pipes (Irish pipes). The orchestrations conducted by Dave Stewart, the choirs, and the guitars throughout the album are all outstanding. Guitarists are a dream team that includes Steve Hackett (Genesis), Nick Barrett (Pendragon), Neil Taylor (Tears for Fears, Robbie Williams, Jakko Jackzyk (20th Century Schizoid Band), Francis Dunnery (former It Bites), John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost), BJ Cole (Elton John, David Gilmour) and Chris Fry (Magenta).
Vocals on the other hand are a mixed bag. Robert Reed chose a well-known singer from Wales called Steve Balsamo as lead vocalist. Balsamo became popular for playing the lead role in the London production of the Jesus Christ Superstar musical. Balsamo is undoubtedly an excellent singer but he brings a Broadway-type pop style that doesn’t seem to fit with the progressive, Celtic and classical music feel of the album. On the other hand the other singers, female vocalist Angharad Bryn, sea shanty vocalist Barry Kerr, the opera singers, The English Chamber Choir and the Synergy vocals all fit flawlessly in their respective parts.
Highlights include ‘Lily,’ a beautiful lyrical piece with Angharad Brinn on vocals, Steve Hackett‘s masterful nylon guitar, superb cello by Magda Pietrastewska and tasteful piano and guitar work by Robert Reed; ‘The Storm,’ a fabulous epic track that blends Celtic and progressive rock seamlessly with the participation of several guitarists (including Yes-style slide guitar), more of the evocative uilleann pipes, sea shanty vocals, majestic choirs and mesmerizing Latin language vocals, and spectacular percussion; and ‘Sole Survivor’ with more of the extraordinary Synergy choir vocals plus a remarkable guitar solo by Nick Barrett.
Lily video
Synergy Vocals with Nick Barret solo video:
The Line-up includes Rob Reed on keyboards, bass and guitar; Steve Balsamo on vocals; Steve Hackett (Genesis) on nylon guitar; Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) on drums; Nick Beggs (Steve Hackett Band, Kajagoogoo) on chapman stick; Troy Donockley (Nightwish, Bad Shepherds) on uilleann Pipes, whistles; Nick Barrett (Pendragon) on guitar; Neil Taylor (Tears for Fears, Robbie Williams) on guitar; Jakko Jackzyk (20th Century Schizoid Band) on guitar; Francis Dunnery (ex It Bites) on guitar; John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost) on guitar; Mel Collins (King Crimson, Camel) on saxophone; BJ Cole (Elton John, David Gilmour) on pedal steel guitar, Chris Fry (Magenta) on guitar; Christina Booth (Magenta) on backing vocals; Synergy vocals by Shan Cothi, Rhys Meirion, Barry Kerr, Chris Fry, Hywel Maggs and Christina Booth; The English Chamber Choir conducted by Guy Protheroe; the London Session Orchestra conducted by Dave Stewart; renowned opera singers Rhys Meirion and Shan Cothi; and Angharad Bryn on vocals in the role of Lily.
The album comes on a Limited Edition CD/DVD with 7″ Gatefold Sleeve, 20 page booklet with paintings by Geoff Taylor. The DVD includes the various surround audio mixes, including a Hi-Res 5.1 surround mix, as well as three music videos and footage of the recording sessions.
Beneath The Sea was also released as a Double 180gm Vinyl Edition in either Black Vinyl or Sea Blue Vinyl – both with full color inlays.
Buy the Beneath The Waves CD/DVD, vinyl or MP3s in North America
Buy the Beneath The Waves CD in Europe