Isobar – Isobar (Trope Audio, 2020)
Isobar is the self-titled debut album of a fantastic California progressive rock band called Isobar. The rising group plays superb instrumental progressive rock that encompasses masterful classic symphonic rock and proficient jazz-rock fusion as well. Isobar‘s music is pure delight: excellent musicianship; majestic and memorable keyboards, including mellotron; masterful guitar and keyboard solos; the rare use of trumpet and unexpected time signatures.
Although the majority of the music falls under the category of symphonic progressive rock rooted in acts like Genesis, Gentle Giant, Anglagard and Big Big Train, the last two pieces are inspired by the pioneering fusion masters such as Weather Report.
Isobar’s musicians are former members of progressive rock band Metaphor: Jim Anderson on bass; Malcolm Smith on guitars; and Marc Spooner on keyboards. Guests include Mattias Olsson (Änglagård, White Willow, Molesome) on drums; Evan Weiss on trumpet; Ben Bohorquez on saxophone; Lonnie Cory on trumpet; and Tony Abena on saxophone.