Customer Reviews

Music for Planets

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Often a musician's debut album speaks volumes about the quality and character of the performer. This certainly holds true in Randy Bernsen's case. Rarely has a debut been as auspicious as Randy's "Music for Planets, People and Washing Machines". This quality offering has the feel of something you'd expect more from a seasoned pro than a debut.
Is it jazz? is it rock? It doesn't really matter with the brilliant songwriting and serious musical chops. It's so refreshing to revel in the tunes without categorizing.
With the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Othello Mollineau and Peter Erskine on the roster of musicians one would expect some fine moments. What is unexpected is so many original, inventive and sophisticated songs penned by Randy himself. It's interesting to see that the top quality musicians never overshadow Randy's compositions or leadership.
Randy's guitar work is unique. He shows that he can be flashy but more often than not chooses to let the composition take center stage over any flash. His use of effects is never gimmicky, rather he reaches for the emotional possibilities a full range of sounds has to offer.
Randy has released several CDs of the same high quality over the years; this fits in and has none of the awkward feel of a debut.

I'm not sure what made me get this; guess I was intrigued by the title and a sample. But after two listens, I put this CD on my give-away pile.

author: Martin Lindsay
Haven't yet bought the cd version yet but I pulled the LP album out of my closet for the first time in years and loved it! The track Olde Hats is a particular favorite of mind...a unique abstract fusion tune that blends electric guitar,bass,steel drums,fender rhodes and a full big band horn section for a really contemporary sound and cool groove. Hats off to Randy.A great album....I'll definitely be buying the CD soon.