Sytek and Davies
From The Shadow Of The Citadel
© 2005 Rick Davies and Jane Sytek (783707082905)
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Whimsical and modern Fusion Folk, featuring impressionistic flutework floating above vocals, rootsy acoustic and electric guitars, and world instruments...an interesting and unique sound-treat.
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Sytek and Davies is a Fusion-Folk music duet with albums full of compelling original material to their credit and a sound that at times harkens back to the late 60's experimental/folk-rock revolution. Their music has been referred to as "utterly captivating mythological symbolism"...(Glen Rowe, Toronto Music Promoter). With the combination of aggressive flute-work, the unusual melodic structure of their original songs, acoustic guitar, tablas, recorders and hammered dulcimer, the sound is eclectic and fresh. With their philosophical, poetic and spiritual approach to music Sytek and Davies are charting new territory.
Background: In the early 1980's before teaming up with Jane, Rick was regularly performing the clubs and colleges of the Midwest United States. In early 1984 the couple began working together drawing on Jane's classical flute background, bridging folk, rock, and experimental jazz and crafting their own distinctive sound.
Their 1994 release of Spindrift and Wood, which featured many semi-classical nods, garnered press internationally.
Their new CD, entitled From the Shadow of the Citadel, features violin/viola player Bruce Dauser, and Bob Hiddema on bass guitar.
In the most recent years Rick and Jane have been involved as child advocates in their successful and high profile legal battle to protect a small child in the couple's home state of Michigan; a battle that drew the attention of the Governor, State Attorney General's Office, and the Michigan Legislature. The case brought significant media attention to the plight of abused and neglected children, and helped to revamp Michigan's child protection laws. With this case behind them, Sytek and Davies were able to take the time to finish this long overdue CD and are looking forward to extensive touring, promotional appearances, and also continuing their advocacy for disadvantaged kids.
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The Music has a 60's folk feel and definite Celtic influence similar to Jethro T
author: Keith "MuzikMan" HannaleckArtist: Sytek & Davies Title: From The Shadow Of The Citadel Genre: Progressive Rock-Folk Label: Llama Mama Records Website: http://www.sytekdavies.com CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sytekdavies Jane Sytek and Rick Davies find musical compatibility on From The Shadow Of The Citadel. The couple also finds the simple beauty and colorful patterns within the music on the twelve tracks of progressive folk rock offered on their new release. This music has a 60s folk feel and definite Celtic influence similar to Jethro Tull or Blackmore’s Night. Sytek and Davies have the charm of a Peter, Paul, and Mary, minus one Peter or Paul of course; nevertheless, their positive spirit and engaging lyrics reminded me of wonderful songs that spin a magical tale. They are serious musicians with some great music to offer. It is not soft pop we are talking about here, although it does have its pop elements, the progressive folk weighs in heavily. The use of woodwinds, flutes, acoustic guitars, and chimes give the feeling of warmth and mysticism throughout this recording. Jane Sytek has a lovely voice and indeed sounds like a fair maiden transported from medieval times and her partner Rick Davies has the same approach and style, he is soft yet convincing, and delightfully so with his vocals and interplay with Sytek and the music. What both musicians accomplish with instruments they also uncover with their voices. The tapestries of rich layered sounds bring you right into their world. If this does not happen to you after the first track you are hopeless, your imagination has somehow escaped you and the child within is dead. I guess I cannot be any blunter than that. This was such a great listen and I enjoyed it so much that it seemed it was a matter of minutes before it was over. Each track seamlessly blends into the other creating a storybook set to music. It really is magical what they pull off on this CD. Besides being very good at what they do with the prog-folk style I think they should consider doing a movie soundtrack or something along the lines of a children’s book with a soundtrack to accompany the story. I can hear them doing an all time classic like “Puff The Magic Dragon.” I do not mean this as a detriment at all by any means nor am I taking away from this marvelous effort, I am pointing out the fact that this couple is quite talented and could take their craft in many directions. Sytek & Davies take a magic sword made of gold and cut a hole into thin air, creating a time portal that transports you back into a magic kingdom where fairies, nymphs, sprites, and leprechauns frolic about. This music engages your imagination and for me that is what great music is supposed to do-a job well done indeed. © Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com February 16, 2006 01. Changing of the Guard (5:02)02. Secrets (4:05)03. Sunset City (3:58)04. Avatar (2:53)05. Hurricane (on the edge of 7) (5:30)06. Tried To Reach The Gold (3:53)07. Alone In Thoughts (2:54)08. A Haunted Look (3:16)09. Dancing with the Flutemaker-inst. (3:12)10. Child of Passion (3;28)11. Haridas (2:37)12. Tree Planter (5:59) Rating-8/10 Credits: Jane Sytek: vocals, flute, bamboo flutes, penny whistle and hammered dulcimer Rick Davies-vocals, acoustic 6/12 string guitars, electric guitars, drums, and percussion Bruce Dauser-violin and viola Bob Hiddema-bass Additional Percussion: Graham Wilder: chimes on track 4 Lara Sytek: Egyptian hip scarf on track 5
I really like it!!
author: Peggy P. from MichiganI have "In the Shadow of the Citadel" in my car and I just wanted to tell you how much I really like it. I am just so impressed by the quality of the sound and the writing, not to mention the singing and playing which are just excellent. Thanks so much for sharing your muse with the world, and us in particular!
Shadow is a turning point for Sytek and Davies
author: Fred StellaFROM THE SHADOW OF THE CITADEL marks a turning point for S&D. While a bit more electrified than previous efforts, they do not abandon their folk roots. SHADOW has a bit of a "concept album" feel to it. While on the surface there is no thread linking one song to another, one gets the impression that the songs are related. Keep in mind that each song is quite distinct & has its own message. SHADOW is a work that is destined for great attention by radio programmers & listeners alike. Fred Stella, member Community Media Center Board Of Directors, WYCE Radio Grand Rapids Michigan
I heard some real innovation there....
author: Harvey M. HaeberleI listened to this CD this AM and almost immediately realized that I would have to listen to it multiple times in order to take in the richness of it all! I heard some real innovation there, too much for just one listening session. Jane's flute took me right away to an improv session on the grass at Golden Gate Park, it was like an exultant soaring bird that went up, up, and then the baseline theme brought it back down, only to release it from bondage and let it soar again. Tablas were put to good use. So much more sharp staccato-expressive than the western style snare drum. Tablas mimic the complex harmonics of the beating human heart... Part of your magic is the ease at which you musically move thematically from the bold to the sublime and back to bold. I heard this time after time.