Customer Reviews

View

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"A Bassist's solo debut" - The sentence that drives fear into the hearts of musicians worldwide, and boredom into music consumers universally. You see, in the realm of progressive/technical rock, the vast majority of "solo bass" recordings are simply an excuse for frustrated guitarists to showcase their ability to play Flea inspired slappity-slap white boy funk, Billy Sheenan-esque tapping runs, or Jaco fretless fills at 200 beats-per-minute. Hell, I'm a bassist who listens to a great deal of music in this genre, and apart from Tony Levin's catalog I can't think of a single bassist that had produced an album's worth of material that can be consumed in one sitting...

Make that two, because Bryan Beller has changed the notion of a solo album by a member of the traditional rhythm section with his new release, View.

I'll be upfront with my non-objectivity in this matter. Beller, or "Bassboy" as the legion of fans from his work with guitarists Mike Keneally and Steve Vai among others refer to him, has been an influence as both a bassist and writer to myself since becoming aware of both via his now-deceased column in Bass Player magazine. While not a fanboy in terms of the ability to critique and criticize, I do enjoy a friendship with the man. That being said, I've also never skirted away from the opportunity to mock him at a given opportunity so I'd consider the scales to be balanced.

Unlike the vast majority of (mostly, in this case) instrumental albums (and these days most albums period), View is less a collection of individual songs and more a gathering of interlocking pieces along the same theme. Much on the same level as Pink Floyd's The Wall, or Nine Inch Nails' The Downward Spiral, View is a loose concept, one Beller has described as a collection of "alone on a dusty highway" songs. He succeeds greatly in this regard, as all of the songs flow together with ease. The only jarring moments are the ones planned for in advance.

The CD starts off with one of three pieces featuring an acoustic bass guitar, "Bear Divide", which sets the outdoors vibe perfectly. You can just imagine a dusty artist playing this by a campfire in the western desert, alone except for the thoughts expressed by music. The tone of Beller's Taylor acoustic bass shines on this track as well as the others, not sounding like the pale imitation of an upright bass but as a true "bass guitar". Most players are hardpressed to play chords on bass without them sounding like mud - Beller chooses his intervals wisely, and it shows in the clarity of the music.

"Seven Percent Grade" follows, showing off the interplay of guitarist Rick Musallam and Mike Keneally on piano, with Beller not simply holding but flying over the low end, mid-range and high end - all without losing the cohesiveness that bass brings to music. Drummer Joe Travers manages to keep things in lockstep, a task I do not envy.

"Supermarket People" is a bit of a conundrum: Is it jazz?... well, it's jazzy. The blues? Elements of, yes. Funk? Most definitely funky, but certainly not slap-funk. Gospel? Owing to Jeff Babko's monster Hammond organ riffs, it could be thought of. One thing's for certain - it's a monster piece that grooves, featuring self-proclaimed "I dislike soloing" bassist Beller who manages to pull what most bassists strive for - complexity with melody.

The distortion-heavy piece "Elate" is next, fading in bass chords like modern day Bach and setting up "Get Things Done", a pure driving song if ever I'd heard one. This screams to be blasted from a convertible with the top down on a stretch of open road... with a finger-blistering solo by Beller. Fingerstyle and chords flow together with a bebop-like structure. I'll take this moment to say:

Beller, stop telling us you can't solo. You're doing a damn fine job of it here.

The second acoustic bass song is a cover of John Patitucci's "Backwoods", and a masterful job is done adapting it to the realm of bass guitar instead of a straight cover. Pulled, almost "snapped" chords share space with arpeggios and fingersyle riffs, creating a mesmerizing mood piece that is the perfect setup for...

"Bite", the album's first song featuring vocals and most certainly the most traditional "rock song". It's distinguished by tandem rhythm/lead bass by former Duran Duran bassist Wes Wehmiller and Beller, cut-to-the-bone lyrics, and the vocals of Colin Keenan. Heavy in a Stone Temple Pilots fashion, it's down and dirty on the floor and proud of it.

"Eighteen Weeks" can be called the epic of the album. The addition of vibes, keyboards, multiple tracks of electric and acoustic bass, and a string trio give this track a sense of ambitiousness without becoming overblown. In other words, it never quite crosses the line into "prog", owing to the strength of the melodies and the arraignment and not the number of notes it contains. Ambitious progsters would do well to take a note from Beller's playbook.

Beller's first stab at vocals follow on "Projectile", and it's a sledgehammer to the frontal lobes in classic industrial fashion with distorted vocals and rip-'n'slash guitars by Seattle's Shawn "Yogi" Farley (who has created his own amazing albums such his own debut "Any Raw Flesh?" under his "Yogi" nickname as well as in a full-blown band format in Half Zaftig's "Life Like Luster"). Short, not quite sweet, and to the point.

"Wildflower" starts off with a plaintive piano figure that would fit one of Trent Reznor's quieter pieces from his deconstructionist CD Still and straddles the border between that and a Tori Amos ballad quite nicely (guitarist Rick Musallam 's wah-inflected playing shades the track with a vibe borrowed from longtime Tori guitarist Steve Caton). Again, vocals by Beller, but this time they're upfront and uncovered.

Folks, he's a singer as well. A good one.

"No" is the last solo bass piece, and possible the most technical of the trio. It still manages to be memorable and not a NAMM show riff-o-rama, thanks to its recurrent walking line/chordal interplay punctuated by harmonics and lead lines.

"See You Next Tuesday" (no, it's not meant to be alluding to that) is a fusion stomp by the mid-nineties classic "Beer For Dolphins" line of Beller, Keneally and Toss Panos on drums. Think you know the capabilities of your respective instrument? Give this a play and join me in the woodshed.

The album closer is also the title track, and wonderful chance to reflect on what's come before it, with a pensive piano track and lead guitar courtesy of Griff Peters. Given the variations on mood and sonics though the previous hour, it's much needed.

Can any album be perfect? I doubt it, as perfection varies greatly from person to person. View, however, is bound to contain a song, a mood, a lyric that will undoubtedly strike a chord with just about anyone that comes in contact with it. I'd never suggest that you "steal this album". It's unethical, immoral, and besides - it's only available online.

...however, feel free to steal the money to purchase this album. ;-)

I absolutely love this CD. This may be Bryan's first solo album, but nothing about this piece of art says "rookie". If you've never heard Bryan play acoustic bass you will be amazed at the lovely melodies and harmonies he creates. The electric songs are SO good. "7% Grade" is dangerous to play while driving as it leads to heavy acceleration... "Bite" is great crunchy rock ... it's not too hard it's not too soft.. if Goldilocks were shopping for a CD, she would choose "View". And then she should go next door and try out Mike Keneally's CD, "Dog".

I first discovered Bryan Beller in the pages of Bass Player magazine. I loved his stuff from the first article. Through Bryan I found out about Mike Keneally and the then Beer for Dolphins. All of this music is wonderful. Bryan's first solo album is an absolute delight. He mixes his solo work with wonderfully funky and soulful post-prog-neo-classic-rock. That is to say, when he rocks he rocks. My favorite rocker is 'Bite' which showcases wonderful writing with a great beat and a good voice. It makes you want to get up and move. Obviously, there is not enough space for a song by song analysis, but each song contributes to a overall picture of Bryan as a musician and composer. A must have for any one who enjoys MUSIC! (and not just really good bass playing!)

I love The Mike Keneally Band. So I bought this CD by the Keneally's bassist because I thought it would be "interesting." I was unprepared for the mind blowing journey Beller has in store on View. Unparalleled musicianship is an understatement in describing this CD. And the guys you've heard of (Keneally on keyboards, Joe Travers on drums, Beller) give you everything you'd expect and more. But its the guys you may not have heard of that really knock you socks off -- Griff Peters and Wes Wehmuller, guitar and bass respectively. Beller said in his live performance of View that Wehmuller is a guy that makes Beller wish he played a different instrument so that he (Beller) could play with him (Wehmuller) -- that about sums it up. The bass playing on this record is, as expected, compelling. The guitar tone contributed by Peters is very special -- not "super fast" shredder material -- just unbelievable tone and an awesome sense of restraint and power (Hello, David Gilmour!) Every track is a stand out but for my money Get Things Done and View are just about the finest musical pieces that I've ever heard. Keneally "shredding" the keys on Seven Percent Grade ain't too shabby either. To me, Beller is like the best of Stanley Clarke -- phat and driving rock/fusion (and no cheesy psuedo-funk vocals either). Just one more thing -- if you are ever in the fortunate position to see Beller and this band play live (either on the same bill with the Mike Keneally Band or alone), rush to the venue and camp for good seats. Unless you don't want your mind blown!

Whether you're a musician or just someone who likes listenting to good music, this CD really stands out as unique and very enjoyable. The driving rhythms of the bass playing and the overall arrangement really show off Beller's talent as a performer and writer. The compositions on this album are a very complex mix of styles that really come off well, and I would recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for a refreshing new sound.

Bryan Beller is a fantastic bass player. Anyone who has heard his work knows that. His debut project shows that he's also a solid composer. Now, if your idea of "music" is the radio-friendly, corporate approved, focus-grouped crap in regular rotation on your favorite pop station there are better ways to spend twenty bucks than buying View. However, if you enjoy well thought out composition with soul, texture and a taste of Jaco, JPJ and even some Metallica if you listen carefully this is a great CD. 7% grade and Supermarket People stand out in my mind as the best tracks, but that's just me. The players all are of the caliber to execute on music that most mortals couldn't fathom playing. I just hope its not another decade before he does it again.

Bryan Beller has hiked various and, from this outsider`s "Life Of Bryan"- based (you better check out www.bryanbeller.com/literature/)point of view, most interesting mountains (musical and otherwise) from the days of 1993 when he joined the Zappa- brothers, Mike Keneally and Joe Travers in "Z" in LA and started reporting happenings around his musical and private (well, some...)life of Bryan to the release of his first album called "View" (Onionboy Records).

One could take "View" as a little miracle from a man who not so long ago insisted that he just couldn`t come up with own songs. But as "Life Of Bryan" has shown us Bryan Beller is a special case and so is his head which all of a sudden began to compose! Lucky for us. "View" is a fine collection of songs, this music has character of it`s own, so it won`t wear out but it will last. Variety of songs from Beller`s solo- preformances to group- instrumentals, and a couple of them with vocals, gives you a chance to pick up own favorites. My top five of the day could be: "Seven Percent Grade", "Supermarket People", "No", "See You Next Tuesday" and "View".

"View" gathers together a bunch of fine musicians: BB, Mike Keneally, Joe Travers, Toss Panos, Rick Mussalam, Griff Peters and more... Nick D`Virgilio has done superb recording and mixing for this music, "View" really souds good.
And last but not least: "View" has one of the coolest albumcovers for a long time, thank`s to Katy Towell!

So, get Bryan Beller`s "View" and you`ll see and hear more!

I've played this CD 38 times in 5 days, and I keep hearing it........and seeing it..........in different, exciting, personally creative ways that make the music "my" journey on the road. Bryan has created a magnificent album with his talented crew, and I hope they give a concert for all of us rock/bass/guitar/fusion/ballad/classical/jazz fans.......SOON!!

Every track has gold for the music miner to find. Most of the nuggets are obvious and expected, but everywhere sparkling musical treasures are concealed.......waiting for the enraptured listener to uncover. Bryan and his buddies have "salted" this territory with fabulous rewards! Can you VIEW it?

My introduction to Bryan Beller's playing came through Dweezil Zappa's Z and the Mike Keneally's Beer for Dolphins. I then became hooked on Bryan's "Life of Bryan" web journal and my passing interest became a scary obsession...

I have waited for almost a year year now to hear Bryan's solo CD and I was not dissappointed. Joyous and tasty instrumental workouts rub shoulders with introspective solo bass interludes and at least one tune is a bona fide RAWK calssic! The musicianship throughout is of the highest standard, featuring LA's finest - many Kenneally bandmates amongst them.

In short this is music to web-surf by, drive to, work out to, make love to... aaaah its the perfect soundtrack to your hectic modern life so buy it NOW - you won't be dissappointed!

The Who perfectly sum up this stellar effort from Mr. Beller for me. Driving, working, relaxing, this music is great for anything. View is easily one of the biggest surprises this year.

First off: the music itself. Well, actually, first and last off. Because that's what this is. Simple, pure, beautiful music. It is not at all surprising that Beller completely "strangles the bass monkey" during the 60 minutes of View. What is surprising is the amount of heart, passion, and craft he puts into constructing View as a complete album instead of just a showcase for his formidable bass playing. There are hundreds of records out there where 7-10 different musicians walk in, toss off a few solos, blast a double bass 300 times a second, and basically create a record with all the subtlety of a sucker punch to the groin. This is not the purpose of View. Take, for example, the opening track "bear divide." Although it features only bass, one is struck more by the composition as a whole, rather than the chops displayed (which are great; don't get me wrong. Bryan Beller is truly one of the most gifted young musicians out there, and I have yet to hear something from him that hasn't impressed me with its skill, grace, and passion to co-exist with the accompanying instruments instead of bluster against them).

I won't get into reviewing each song; each is incredible and impresses the listener with images and sensations that seem to be plucked right from his or her own life. I will venture to name a few of my current favorites: "bear divide", "supermarket people", "get things done", "eighteen weeks", "wildflower", and "no." All the tracks feature an incredible assortment of friends and (musical) family, including Mike Keneally, Rick Musallam, Joe Travers, Toss Panos, Yogi, and Griff Peters (among other greats).

I also forgot to mention that Bryan sings on a few tracks. And yes, he does handle his vocal duties admirably.

All in all, this is one album not to be missed by anyone who just plain loves music. Buy it and smile...