Album Notes

Review from Progression Magazine (Lowell, MA) Issue No. 51:

“Jim Steele’s Neptune Rising astoundingly recreates various keyboard-led releases from progressive’s early ‘70s glory days. Only pristine engineering and production date on the disc’s insert reveal this as a recent recording.
“Ghosts of the ECM label’s early years are present along with golden-era French and Italian keyboard dominant acts. Most of this offering is spacey, cerebral fusion, unassumingly restrained but impressively proving its point.
“Composition comes first and foremost, building slowly and unfurling into a complete whole rather than a soulless display of chops-laden dexterity. It’s more Il Baricentro than Jan Hammer.
“Among this Indiana native’s arsenal are the Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond organ, and Hohner clavinet, which absolutely drip retro. Jim opts for a real flesh-and-blood rhythm section rather than the comparitively sterile electronic approach. Kent Klee’s sympathetic drumming delivers the required accompaniment no matter how simple or difficult. (Keep him on retainer, Jimbo)
“Steele’s ability to shade and blend different keyboards in a pleasing fashion is a huge asset. Slightly laid back and groove-worthy pieces are linked with weightless spacey interludes as the whole affair floats seamlessly. Great job!” -Warren Barker
(Total rating: 14 of 16 stars)

Review from www.progscape.com :

“Coming out of Fort Wayne, Indiana (never known as a particularly strong hotbed of progressive/space/jazz rock), Jim Steele’s debut release Neptune Rising is a refreshing 42-minute long album of simmering jazzy space rock instrumentals with loads of vintage keyboards and a pleasing retro vibe.

“Steele’s compositions do not explode with instrumental pyrotechnics or intricate intensity. Instead, he is more than willing to allow his heady mix of ingredients (tight, groove riding rhythms and a broad pallate of keyboard sounds) to simmer along, building moody, mellow instrumental soundscapes that sound as if they’d fallen though some time tunnel from the 1970’s. Fans of Tangerine Dream or mid-1970’s Pink Floyd will find themselves on very familiar ground here.

“Steele’s decision to use non-synthesized versions of tones usually voiced through digital samplers and synths adds a truer, more organic feel to his compositions. Tim Beeler and Kent Klee (bass and drums respectively) are not a flashy rhythm section, but they are the heart that drives the songs, and their pulsing beats bring the songs to life.

“Each of the tracks offers highlights in differing way. Swirling, slightly distorted analogue synth tones and piano are showcased on "Ancestral Wind," while the lead tones opening “Blue Ice Injection” offer tonal similarities to Robert Fripp’s 1980’s Frippertronics pieces. Album opener “Moonshot” presents a mix of ambient soundscapes and warm organ tones, with Klee’s splash cymbals counting out time and a cool fusion-y groove. “Neptune Rising,” the album’s title track, is built around multiple Hammond organ voicings, sounding simultaneously fresh and endearingly retro. There’s plenty of variety and texture here to be explored, and it’s likely the listener will have as much fun exploring these soundscapes as much as the musicians had in creating them.

“Neptune Rising is really an incredibly pleasing album. The material is incredibly easy to listen to, rewarding repeated listens with an experience that never grows old. Jim Steele is an excellent keyboardist; had this album been released 30 years ago, he may well be mentioned today in the same breath with players like Klaus Schulze or Jan Hammer or George Duke. It’s an incredibly appealing release, worthy of far wider acclaim and attention.” - Bill Knispel, www.progscape.com