LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

1 - Bohemian Soul (7'28) 2 - Cat's Got Nine (3'19) 3 - Feel It When I Sting (6'47) 4 - The Shy Ones (5'30) 5 - Tiger Bone Wine (3'39) 6 - Dream With You (4'46) 7 - Lucifer's Rat (6'04) 8 - Every Time You Smile (6'42) 9 - Nirvana In The Notes (14'04)
Does the name Jack FOSTER III ring a bell ? For the moment, no... In order not to be that much surprised when the tidal wave will hit the Progressive rock world, here are a few information concerning him. And instead of going through a complete description of his curriculum vitae, here’s a short riddle: who is the one and only artist capable of starting a composition with a romantic ballad, going on with some heavy-metal riffs and finishing with free-jazz ? All of this flawlessly and with a perfect coherence... Still in the dark ? Even if one adds that the last sequence mentioned also includes a wonderful trombone solo ?!? Yes, you've guessed it right: the answer is MAGELLAN's brainchild, Trent GARDNER. He decided to help the young American singer-guitarist Jack FOSTER III, author of his very first album "Evolution Of JazzRaptor" (2004). And what a first album ! Deeply influenced by his mentor's typical production, it still shows a definite personality, which takes after European Progressive rock and classical music, jazz, blues-rock and country music. All of this with an obvious powerful and typically American sound. Given that the album was recorded at the Soundtek Studio, property of Robert BERRY (HUSH, THREE, THE DECEMBER PEOPLE...), the latter couldn't prevent himself from participating instrumentally to most of the tracks. This exceptional album could be considered as a new MAGELLAN release, designed to conquer the widest audience available. No doubt about it, this is a very serious contender for 2004’s best album award ! Such success could only make a totally perfect second opus arise. And the least we can say is that "RaptorGnosis" (2005) reaches its goal in an admirable way, being a true masterpiece ! The ingredients of the first album (Large variety of styles, outstanding melodic sense and unleashed originality) are here again, and they are mixed in a more consistent and mature way. Trent GARDNER and Robert BERRY being permanent contributors certainly provides some reasons why. On top of this, add extremely efficient melodies, pleasant choruses and the very lyrical vocal tone of Jack FOSTER III (Which is not very usual in Progressive rock), and you get that extraordinary album !