Customer Reviews

Cinema Inferno

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Ranging from the classical composition of intertwined woodwinds and horns to a free style progressive rock, Cinema Inferno has a little of everything. People already familiar with Three Hour Detour, or any of Ray Ashley's work, will immediately recognize the eclectic blend of detailed arrangements and improvisational jam sessions that are his trademark.

Cinema Inferno can best be described as a musical collage, with influences of traditional, classical, jazz, "space music" and "hippie jam" evident.

The Dialogs form a bridge between the various pieces, almost reminiscent of the Promenade in Pictures At An Exhibition by Mussorgsky. Each of the other works is a complete entity of its own: a journey into time, space or distance. Most notable of these are Pyramid of Five and Crazylegs. These two tracks really shine, and showcase the talents of the musicians.

Cinema Inferno, as with many great works, is hard to categorize. It could be considered many broad categories of music, or as something completely new. Whatever you want to call it, Cinema Inferno is great!

Ashley makes great use of contrasting tones and tempos to craft a worthwhile disc. His own tap-guitar playing is impressive and hits like a hurricane in spots. The musicians who collaborated on the project with him lend solid support. The compositions work well together and offer several striking themes. Those who enjoy music that blurs stylistic boundaries, offers plenty of long furious improvisational jams and conveys the performers' sense of enthusiasm will likely find this disc both enjoyable and intriguing.