The Samurai Of Prog – Anthem to the Phoenix Star featuring Marco Grieco (Seacrest Oy SCR-1037, 2022)
The Samurai of Prog, the finest progressive rock collective in the current scene, is back with another superb album titled “Anthem to the Phoenix Star.” Characteristically, this is a concept album that focuses on the phoenix that rises from the ashes. In this case, the phoenix has several meanings, although my favorite is how progressive rock fortunately kept coming back from the ashes in the 1980s, 1990s and following decades.
Curiously, the first track is my least favorite. The smooth jazz saxophone doesn’t cut it for me. However, the material gets way much better after that and remains consistently excellent throughout the rest of the album.
Throughout the album, the cast of masterful musicians is supported by the extraordinary creative rhythm section of producers Marco Bernard (bass) and Kimmo Pörsti (drums).
Track 2,’ Burning Silence,’ features gorgeous Genesis-style keyboard arrangements by Marco Grieco, notable vocals by Dutchman Bart Schwertmann (Kayak and SchwertMann) and an epic guitar solo by Spanish guitarist Ruben Álvarez.
The next piece, ‘Killing Hopes,’ is one of my favorites. Here, we find stellar performances by all musicians, especially the flute and violin work by American multi-instrumentalist Steve Unruh and the exquisite acoustic guitar of Spaniard Rafael Pacha. Additionally, this song has some of the bet vocal work on the album, performed by German singer Yogi Lang, lead vocalist of the band RPWL.
The highlights on track 4, ‘Bones,’ are the vocals of British artist Olivia Sparnenn Josh (Mostly Autumn), the dazzling xylophone performance by Beatrice Birardi and the flute of Luke Shingler.
‘Don’t Be Afraid’ (track 5) treats the listener to a fantastic electric guitar solo by Dutch musician Marcel Singor; delightful piano, and electronic keyboard melodies by Marco Grieco; and fine vocals by John Wilkinson.
The breathtaking solo piano composition ‘Wings’ (track 6) highlights Marco Grieco’s admirable talent as a pianist.
The album concludes with the lengthy Behind the Curtain, a mini suite with lovely neoclassical piano, synth solos and majestic cathedral organ; extraordinary bass lines; phenomenal vocals by Clive Nolan; as well as high energy sections with sensational glorious guitar sections by Australian artist Cam Blokland.