Cover songs are nothing new, and including them on albums is a great way for artists to interpret other artists’ songs with their own artistic statement.

But it’s not often that you hear albums that are entirely composed of covers that are so meticulously faithful to the original that you wonder just how they achieved it.  Cannata’s “My Back Pages” is such an example: an extraordinary effort that ambitiously covers some of the greatest Progressive Rock songs from the 60s and 70s from bands like The Byrds, The Amboy Dukes, Donovan, Jefferson Airplane, Jethro Tull, and King Crimson.  In fact, this is perhaps the best collection of covers I’ve heard.  

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this album is not only Cannata’s uncanny ability to brilliantly mimic the instruments used by these bands (e.g., the jangly 12-string Rickenbacker sound of the Byrds, the flute of Jethro Tull, the mellotron of King Crimson, etc.), but also their vocals.  When listening to this album, I was stunned by Cannata’s ability to emulate such diverse styles, jumping seamlessly from the timeless harmonies and jangly sound of The Byrds, to David Bowie, to 80s-era Pink Floyd, and then to a completely different “Prog” style on the Jethro Tull and King Crimson tracks.  And Jefferson Airplane’s solo acoustic guitar masterpiece “Embryonic Journey” is also faithfully reproduced with masterful acoustic guitar playing that sounds just like Paul Kantner.  Even the production sounds the same, down to the heavy reverb used on “Surrealistic Pillow” for this track.

While there are many impressive aspects to this album, covering King Crimson is what I find to be the most extraordinary.  To attempt to reproduce King Crimson’s 9 1/2 minute progressive rock masterpiece “Court of the Crimson King” is a tall order and, dare I say, not many musicians could pull off.  But here, Cannata’s interpretation is absolutely dead on, with impeccable attention to detail and faithfulness to the original in the Greg Lake-esque vocals, guitars, haunting and beautiful harmonies, woodwinds, and mellotron.  I was absolutely blown away by this interpretation of this epic King Crimson masterpiece, and the album is worth the price for that track alone.  

I recommend this album for any fan of classic rock even if you already own the original versions of these tracks.  As this album amply demonstrates, these tracks are timeless, and covered here with the dedication and attention to detail that they deserve.  Five stars!
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Regards from the island of Majorca. First excuse my terrible English, I only studied French in the school :(
Only I can say thank you Mr. Cannata for a masterpiece like this one. " My Back Pages " contains some of the best songs of the progressive rock and Jeff Cannata's indisputable and personal stamp. Only for the versions of " Court of the Crimson King ", " On the Turning Away " and "Space Oddity" it is necessary to buy this CD. Recommended 100%
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I've been listening to Cannata since Arc Angel, this selection takes me back to my school days. Court of the Crimson King, excellent & Hurdy Gurdy Man makes you miss the music of the sixties and early 70's.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I have been a fan of Jeff Cannate for years and own al lhis releases. This is also excellent and worth buying. Every track is brilliant and i prefer his versions of "Fresh Garbage", "Court of the Crimson King" and "On the Turning Away" to the originals. And we all know the originals are all time classic songs. 
The man is a true genius and has not had the popularity he truly deserves. I hope it comes soon. This is a 10 out of 10. Perfection!!! I cannot wait for the follow up.
                            Read more...