Post Description

Stratus - Iconoclast (1995)(killer fusion)

review by:
MJBrady   Published on: 22 Apr 2006
It seems that Stratus will go down as a band that never quite reach the level of noteriety that their collective talents deserved. Based in Texas, they were between the more obvious coasts when referencing great jazz/fusion artists. Yet they were able to release a few cds that for fans of electric fusion, of the highest caliber mind you, are absolute musts to get hold of. With the bands first cd - Hyperbole, one could hear a solid inspiration from such notables as Tribal Tech, Elektric Band, Vital Information, etc.. With Paul Chester leading the way on the guitars, and the deft bass playing of Dave Nichols, paired with solid keyboards done by Ted Wenglinski.

This band fits right into the camp of fusion music of the aforementioned bands perfectly, tight arrangements that are complimented with stellar virtuoso playing, Stratus still remains somewhat of an obscurity to those that are fusion afficianados, yet even long after the bands last release, their music is still turning heads and ears out there, one more reason sites like Proggnosis and the rest are able to reach new global audiences for many of these nearly unknown artists out there.

Iconoclast sees the band using some horns on various songs, charting some interesting section play to enhance their already sophisticated sound, the music, as expected, shows each of the musicians respective skills being displayed, as well as their demanding group interplay, which is where they provide their signature sound. Like Elektric Band or Tribal Tech, each of these guys is a first rate musician, and equally versed in the art of intellegent composition, which is a recipe for great music anyway you look at it. This is one of those bands that never got the hype, timing and locale I am sure played a large part in that, their first two cds were released during a fairly dry period for fusion, at least the harder, electrical side of it, smooth jazz had taken it's fair share of ambitious musicians away from the music that started in the early 70's and fully sugar-coated it by then. And few bands were attempting to revive the golden era, and take the challenge of creating such ambitious music at this time.

Hopefully a revivial of sorts through internet communities will give the former members of Stratus the dues that they should have earned years ago. A great band. And one well worth hunting down for all of you fusion collectors. 

Lineup;
Paul Chester-Guitars 
Ted Wenglinski-Keyboards 
Dave Nichols-Basses 
Todd Harrison-Drums 
Dave Caceres-Saxes
Ray Dillard-Percussion on 11 
James Metacakfe-Percussion on 4 & 8 
Kelly Dean-Tenor Sax on 2 
Ed Lowe-Trombone on 2 

Tracks;
1 Halfway to Heaven - 4:52
2 World Tour - 5:41
3 Six Five - 4:55
4 What's Up - 4:10
5 High Tops - 4:45
6 Powder River - 6:30
7 Iconoclast - 5:50
8 Catville - 5:46
9 Hurricane - 4:38
10 Bo Diddley - 3:43
11 One Wish - 5:27
12 Paul Beck - 3:43
13 Party Every Sunday - 2:51
14 Labor Day - 4:34

Steun de artiest en koop de cd !

AANRADER !!!!!