Customer Reviews

Transit

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I admit that I stumbled across this CD and ordered it on a whim because it looked somewhat interesting, but I have to say that this really knocked me for a loop. Transit has all the scale and grandeur of a big symphony, but it totally rocks too! And as a sometime guitarist myself, I think Nicolella's playing is incredible. Be forewarned: it's a continuous 45 minute piece divided into different sections, but if you're willing to give it the time, Transit is truly something special and unique. I've listened to it many times already, and take away something different with each hearing. Highly recommended.

A really unique piece of music. The complexity of playing was overshadowed by how well it conveyed a variety of emotions. At times very dark and introspective, later like people talking, but only esoterically--like neither person's message was truly understood by the other. Sometimes the call and response seems like a conversation between a grandparent and a child--sometimes like an argument between spouses. Then like rising to a new day with a new outlook.

It is a gripping piece that really requires your listening to it. This is not background music. It provides a window into what can be done in music today, that is truly fresh and original,.. and really adventurous.

If you missed the incredible recent New York City concert performance of "Transit," at least don't miss out on the CD. "Transit" is classical composer John Fitz Rogers's new 45-minute composition for electric guitar and "virtual ensemble," and believe me, it rocks and grooves at the same time as it satisfies any intellectual musical desires you might have. The liner notes explain how "Transit" employs obscure combinations of rhythms behind keyboard work too complex for human performers, in the tradition of Conlon Nancarrow. But unlike the work of Nancarrow and other such esoteric composers, "Transit" is supremely pleasurable for the layperson to listen to. Michael Nicolella is one of the finest classical and contemporary-music guitarists around, and his electric guitar work on this CD is sublime. Play "Transit" loud, on headphones if possible, and by the time the cataclysmic conclusion reaches full boil, you will be listening with an enormous grin on your face. Guaranteed.

I was first exposed to this piece in my electronic music class; up to that point, I had been slightly disillusioned with the avant-garde music of the 50's and 60's I had been studying. This piece is such an encouragement as to the talent and vision of today's composers, and a bright light for the future of contemporary music. John Fitz Rogers combines a well-thought out formal structure (based upon the tempo canons and mathematical counterpoint of Conlon Nancarrow), and combines it with wonderful rock n' roll melodic phrases and driving fusion rhythms. What makes this piece excellent is the fine balance between immediate sonic enjoyment and a sense of large-scale formal satisfaction. John Fitz Rogers successfully takes the mathematical rigors of avant-garde, combines them with the rock and jazz that we grew up with, and creates a work that is the best of both worlds (and, BTW, has some fantastic grooves in it). A highly charged, emotional piece that is well worth a listen.

I admit that I stumbled across this CD and ordered it on a whim because it looked somewhat interesting, but I have to say that this really knocked me for a loop. Transit has all the scale and grandeur of a big symphony, but it totally rocks too! And as a sometime guitarist myself, I think Nicolella's playing is incredible. Be forewarned: it's a continuous 45 minute piece divided into different sections, but if you're willing to give it the time, Transit is truly something special and unique. I've listened to it many times already, and take away something different with each hearing. Highly recommended.

If you want to be soothed, rocked, shocked and moved, then buy Transit and enjoy this wonderful journey through time, in music. Rogers invites you into his mind (just look at the cover!)and introduces the powerful influences of classical, jazz, pop and rock into one fantastic musical tapestry. Nicolella is the pilot of this musical time machine, with his soothing and intricate fingerings and hard hitting rock chords, you will feel like you have heard, and lived, a lifetime.

"A single 44-minute work with the architecture of classical music but the drive of rock. Intense ambient masterwork that weaves classical, jazz, pop and rock into one fantastic musical tapestry. Gorgeous playing by Nicolella, a guitarist with lots of talent and technique" JUNE 2002 issue

Well I reviewed this CD after just two listens (a mistake I know), but after having it for two weeks now I have been able to really gain an appreciation for this music. It is quite original and has some outstanding sections. I still don't quite give it 5 stars due to the meandering, noodling sections at the beginning of the CD. But all in all it is quite stunning, especially the guitar work. I highly recomend this work. I appologize for previously reviewing this after only two listens. I won't make that mistake again. One MUST listen to progressive music several times to really get it me thinks. Have a good day. Enjoy this CD, and really crank the last two tracks!

The first listen was not the last. Each time there is something new. A different dimension of sound that draws you in and makes you actually 'listen'. A feat of guitar and modern musical architecture Transit is wonderful.