Samurai of Prog Bernard & Pörsti’s Gulliver
The Samurai of Prog brand has been out for a long time now. They have consistently produced overwhelmingly professional epic progressive rock albums over the years. Most of these albums have also been decorated with the master of progressive imaginative artwork, Ed Unitsky’s inspirations. Gulliver, being released in January of 2020, follows this long tradition.
Gulliver, is a progressive rock presentation of the famous story of Gulliver’s Travels, from the author Jonathan Swift. On this release, Steve Unruh, Marco Bernard and Finnish drummer Kimmo Pörsti lead the band and orchestra of talented musicians that help bring this story to life. Bernard plays Rickenbacker and Shuker basses; Kimmo Pörsti, plays drums and percussion; Steve Unruh, sings vocals, and plays violin.
This is another great work of art and music from the Samurai of Prog. It all begins as most great epics do, with an overture: “Overture XI”, full of what sounds like classical harpsichord. Then flute, piccolo, and drum are added to build the growing soundscape. Eventually more excellent organ keyboards, bass and finally electric guitar riffs enter the composition. Soft keys and intricate electric guitar calm the sound, as the overture plays on. A wonderful, warm, jazzy at times, instrumental to open the album.
“Lilliput Suite”, opens with cool mellotron like keys and inspired lead electric guitar. The bass and drums are warming, as the velocity of the production moves faster. Marco Vincini’s first vocals are early Peter Gabriel – like. And the whole production sounds like an early Genesis sound on steroids, including an orchestra. Which is wonderful! This suite is over 17 minutes and the longest track on the album. The flute additions are perfect and give the production amped importance and primal ambiance. The more Vincini sings, the more I hear Fish and even Paul Menel from IQ. A real perfect early prog feel and sound, complete with violins and woodwinds. The ending brings back memories of Genesis’ Ripples.
“The Giants”, opens with inspired lead electric guitar and excellent keyboards. The synthesizer and organ work that comes next is epic. The strings, orchestration and piano sounds are wonderful mixed with deep bass, drums and lead electric guitar. A true symphony. Then jazzy sax. Just perfect. Adding a tinge of Supertramp or even Traffic’s “Tragic Magic”, or “Dream Gerrard”, to the mix. Then powerful ELP – like keys. A grand instrumental masterpiece.
“The Land of the Fools”, opens with electric guitar, drums, bass, and supporting keys. The drums are very good and Collins-like at times. Different singer. Missing Vincini already. Great Genesis inspired music but give me back that Genesis – like voice that opened the album.
“Gulliver’s Fourth Travel”, opens full of inspired keyboards and Italian vocals. The violin work and instrumentation is inspired. They continue to lay out the story to inspired music.
“Finale”, opens with cool regal ELP like keyboards drums, and bass, before electric guitar joins in.
Fans of ELO, Kansas, Genesis and Gentle Giant would be interested and I think more than satisfied to sit back and delve into the music and this interesting storyline. A great album full of the wonderful artwork, from beginning to end, of Ed Unitsky. Alone worth the price of admission.
The other performers who provided music to Gulliver, reads like a ‘who’s who’ list of modern progressive rock:
Andrea Pavoni / keyboards
Kari Riihimäki / guitars
Marek Arnold / sax
Oliviero Lacagnina / keyboards
Marco Vincini / vocals
Ruben Álvarez / electric guitar
Rafael Pacha / acoustic and classical guitars, recorders
Marc Papeghin / French horn and trumpet
Olli Jaakkola / flute and piccolo
Tsuboy Akihisa / violin
Mimmo Ferri / keyboards
Carmine Capasso / guitars
Alessandro Di Benedetti / keyboards
Daniel Fäldt / vocals
Federico Tetti / guitars
Massimo Sposaro / guitars
Luca Scherani / keyboards
Stefano Galifi / vocals
Marcella Arganese / guitars
Alessandro Lamuraglia / keyboards
Track List
- Overture XI – 7:42
- Lilliput Suite – 17:53
- The Giants – 8:43
- The Land of the Fools – 14:30
- Gulliver’s Fourth Travel – 10:18
- Finale – 3:11