author: Mike James, keyboardist
Zen Carnival Fans, This is a review that I would like to share with everyone. Karen is a good friend of mine, and she was kind enough to write a short review of the album. We still haven't gotten around to playing a gig with her band, Point of Ares, but maybe soon! Anyway, please feel free to write your own thoughts about Zen Carnival's album, "Inheritance"! -Mike James, Keyboardist for Zen Carnival 'Love it! Now that I've had a chance to play it a few times...Production is stellar -- all the instruments are so differentiated and balanced and clear -- especially I like the brilliant colors in the guitar sound -- most especially on Track 1 "Big Sky". The keyboard (piano) solo 2/3rds of the way through Track 4 "Water's Edge" is definitely one the album's highlights -- in fact overall Track 4 was my favorite track, with the epic "Inheritance" being a close second. The music made me think of wide, large vistas of sky and earth -- like a cosmic "inheritance" or mankind's archetypal "inheritance" of nature in all its glory ... just say I really enjoyed it, you reached your audience here!' -Karen Michalson, Point of Ares
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author: Progression Magazine
Zen Carnival: Inheritance (CD, 46:400); independent release. Zen Carnival is a Boston based-unit that delivers melodic progressive rock with a touch of recent Marillion influence. Soaring guitar with ever-changing keys, as well as singer Ken Pfeifer’s Hogarth-like (but darker) delivery, establishes that neo-prog aura on first impression. Fortunately, they have their own ideas and manage to produce one melodically rippling passage after another with tasty dynamic changes-they seem to flow effortlessly from one section to another. The band members are extremely in sync with one another, with an unhurried rhythmic sensibility that works under the material. High points: The neat dynamic changes into the string section of "Big Sky." And the water effects, keyboard orchestrations and melodically tasty guitar leads/tone changes from Bill Denison on he beautiful "Water’s Edge." Also of note: the heavy organ and synth samples on "The Meek," from the engaging four-part "Inheritance" suite that closes the album. Eminently listenable, and it grows on you on each time you hear it. You’re bound to find a few rides to your liking at (Zen’s) Carnival. -Bruce Alger, Progression Magazine Summer/Fall 1999
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