Michael Harris - Distorted Views
author: Mikolaj Furmankiewicz
On the third Harris' solo CD, we have the honour of meeting many talented instrumentalists: Derek Blakley (Haji's Kitchen), Adam Nitti, James Martin (Zanister, Kinrick) - bassists; Rob Stankiewicz (Haji's Kitchen, Eniac Requiem), Mike Haid (Chastain), Clint Barlow - drummers; Matt Thompson (King Diamond) - congas, percussion and drums; Erik Martinez - keys; Dawn Oyedipe - violin and Jenni Ritter - cello.
Aforementioned gang of extremely talented musicians supported Michael to create melodic instrumental progmetal, as the caption on a pick added to my CD's version advocates, "for musical horizons beyond the norm". And it isn't a slogan! "Distorted Views" is a proof that progression can be catchy and accessible if an instrumentalist is as ingenious as Mr. Harris himself. He is also a versatile artist who mixes acoustic, chamber, blues, jazz/fusion music with neoclassical, rock, heavy, and even tribal tunes. An American showed his best side - a special talent for covering classical composition. If you want to listen to Antonio Vivaldi after "tranz-fusion", feel free to familiarize with "Winterlude" that is a reference to Red Priest's (Vivaldi's nickname) "Four Seasons". However "Mozart's Ghost" was an anticipation of "Orchestrate". Michael always makes classical works more original that their previous versions, haha. Yeah, he's a spoilt kid with a guitar, but I must admit that fiddling with that instrument ever works well, haha.
As I mentioned, Mr. Harris is an ingenious composer and guitarist, and it's next time when he proves his axemastery! It isn't strange that David T. Chastain wanted Michael to share the stage with him. Deservedly!
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Amazing record !!!
author: Pedja from Serbia/ Europe
From first to last song this record It's full of emotion, amazing playing, heavy riffs and GREAT melodies !! What I liked moust is that here you will NOT hear Satriani, Vai,Malmsteen,Friedman,Moore... and all other guys, here is Michael Harris and his own style!! It's really "sad" that he Isn't much bigger name in music business since he really deserve it and he could easyer be on next G3 tour with Satriani/Vai. Thanx Michael, for one GREAT cd album !
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