Work In Progress Live

DFA, D.F.A. | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 20, 2001)
• Original Release Date: June 20, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Moonjune Records
• ASIN: B00005LP17
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #512,094 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

DFA specializes in a highly complex but richly melodic compound made of equal parts symphonic progressive rock and jazz fusion. Far from being the solo-happy wankfest it might appear to be from the description, the album is a testament to the band's strong ensemble work. The epic compositions, written by drummer Alberto De Grandis and keyboardist Alberto Bonomi, leave plenty of room for improvisation, but hew closely to tuneful outlines. Bonomi and guitarist Silvio Minella weave in and out of each other's virtuosity, creating a lush fabric of rich musical colors that never fails to engage. When either man solos, the break is equally impressive for its restraint as for its skill. De Grandis keeps the rhythm at a constant boil, with his jazzy cymbal work driving the sound as much as the kick drum; bassist Luca Baldassari holds steady, the pole off which the flags fly. Trip on Metro, a piece that dates back to the group's early demos, shows a subtle Mahavishnu Orchestra influence, while Pantera, Caleidoscopio and Ragno perfectly balance the blend of jazz rhythm, classical melody and rock firepower that is the hallmark of Italian progressive rock. Equally impressive and accessible, if this music is merely a work in progress, the final version will be drop-dead astonishing. --High Bias, USA

Product Description

Originally released in 2001, this is a live recording of D.F.A.'s first ever performance in America from June, 2000. Each successive song was greeted with a bigger roar of applause as the outstanding mastery of the four instrumentalists became obvious to all, in spite of their relaxed, almost laid-back stage presence. Many among the 1,000-strong audience of progressive music enthusiasts were seemingly unfamiliar with the Italian band and its music, but as the show progressed it became evident that history was in the making, and that D.F.A. were becoming instant stars on the international 'progressive music' scene.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MONSTRUOS LIVE PERFORMANCE!, August 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Work In Progress Live (Audio CD)

For fans of GENTLE GIANT, UK, NATIONAL HEALTH, BRAND X, RETURN TO FOREVER. Very fresh and inspiring blend of jazzy progressive fusion.
A killer live album!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the BEST live album ever made?, January 9, 2002

By 

Steve Jordan (Buffalo NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Work In Progress Live (Audio CD)

I received a promotional package of CD's from Moonjune Records, for review and 'air time', on my two internet radio stations. Well, I opened the large envelope and what do I find? Two of the three CD's are Italian Prog......oh no! The last Italian Prog I listened to was Banco at Nearfest 2001, and to tell the truth, I was not empressed, at all. So, out falls the DFA CD, Work in Progress, recorded at Nearfest 2000....oh no! The people at Moonjune Records were nice enough to send the CD's and info, so I had to listen. WOW! I was blown away from the first track Escher, reaching for the CD cover and info, I read all I could while listening to the rest of the CD. I won't even bother to getting into the the six tracks, there is no stand out, there all GREAT! No, SPECTACULAR!!!!! This is Progressive Rock at its finest. I noticed in the info that that some have called DFA a Fusion band. There are Jazzy moments but, don't be turned off by this, it just adds to the complexity of the music. These guys have the Chops to get the job done! Alone each solo with a masters intensity, together, the word 'Tight' mean anything! This is perhaps the finest live album I have ever heard! If not for the breaks and applause(Serious Applause!), you can not tell its a LIVE album! Its that Perfect! All six tracks are now into rotation on Odd Sky & Sound of Shadows Internet Radio Brodacast.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A killer live album, July 28, 2001

By 

Michael Prete (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Work In Progress Live (Audio CD)

DFA plays a modern symphonic fusion that draws on many elements to produce a dynamic sound that can be blistering symphonic one minute and quiet and spacey the next. While they can easily blow you away with their intense sound, their excellent compositional skills and sense of dynamics always keeps the music fresh with plenty of breathing room. The proceedings begin with "Escher", a standout track which starts out with a spacey intro that builds into a energy filled piece with great melodies. One of the band's most memorable pieces. "Trip On Metro" is a groovy cut, with a solid bass line and excellent drumming. "Pantera" is a nice and varied piece, with great electric piano in the quieter sections. The epic "Rango" is filled with all the different aspects of the band's sound, building up the intensity and coming down for the relaxed portions. DFA are one of the brightest stars shining in today's murky progressive scene. While great on their studio albums, this band is especially at home in the live element and this performance is certainly indicative of that. This was truly a magical set, and as great as it was to be there, it's just as great to hear it here on CD.