Perilous (Arion Records/Sound Resources SR3027, 2012)
Veteran symphonic progressive rock band released a concept album titled Perilous a few weeks ago. “It should be obvious from the album art and the title Perilous that something dire is lurking just beyond that gate,” says bassist and keyboardist Steve Babb about the theme. “Imagine two children lost in a cemetery at night and the unsavory characters they might meet as they try to find their way home. That is the setting for our allegory.”
Musically, Glass Hammer continues to be deeply influenced by the music of Yes. In fact, the disciple is overtaking the current master. If you miss progressive rock era Yes, Glass Hammer does a fabulous job with Jon Anderson-inspired vocals, superb keyboard work and guitar lines that would make Steve Howe proud. Perilous, however, is more ambitious and contains exciting elements beyond the Yes sound that give it its own personality. The band is joined by a long list of guests that include Latin and children’s choirs and a string ensemble. It enriches the band’s sound and gives their music more character.
The Yes connection is even closer now ever since Yes hired Glass Hammer’s vocalist Jon Davison for their recent tours. Of all the Jon Anderson sound alikes, Jon Davison comes the closest. The album features an additional guest vocalist, Amber Fult, who provides outstanding lead vocals near the end of the album in ‘In That Lonely Place.’ I’d like to listen to more by her in future albums.
The current lineup includes Fred Schendel on keyboards, steel guitar, backing vocals; Steve Babb on bass, keyboards, backing vocals; Jon Davison on lead vocals; and Kamran Alan Shikoh on electric and acoustic guitars, sitar.
“We have never done a concept album like Perilous,” acknowledges Steve Babb. “It is essentially one unified vision; one musical idea in thirteen parts or movements. The emotions and ideas expressed in the lyrics ebb and flow with the music; but they have a definite story to tell with a beginning, middle and climactic end.”
Guests include:
Randall Williams on drums
The McCallie School Guitar Choir: Bharath Venkatesh, Aaron Long, Ralston Hartness, Matthew Norris, Drew Shikoh and Charles Evans
The Chattanooga Girls Choir members: Glory Larm, Laura Ayres, Brooke Pugsley, Kelsey Hodges with Katherine Stegal, Molly Stegall, and Savannah Fanter
The Adonia Trio: Rebecca James (violin), Susan Hawkins-Whitacre (viola), Rachel Beckmann (Cello)
Latin Choir: Stephanie Rumpza, Sarah Snyder, Kelly Luther, Dr. Thomas Hammett, Robert Waller
Recorders and oboe: Carey Shinbaum
Additional backing vocals: Tim Wardle
Perilous is an album that grows on you. As you listen to it various times, you find more details and beautiful and intriguing sound vignettes. It has all the ingredients that will delight the symphonic progressive rock fan, including an epic conclusion.
Glass Hammer will participate in the Cruise to the Edge project, a gathering of progressive rock (and some AOR) acts on a cruise ship. Bands include Yes, UK, Saga, Carl Palmer, Nektar, Zebra, and Glass Hammer. The cruise departs Fort Lauderdale(Florida) on March 25and will last five days, with visits to Grand Cayman and Jamaica.