Search - Jordan Macarus :: Balancing Act

Jordan Macarus - Balancing Act (from Edge of Time Magazine)

10/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jordan Macarus should be familiar to Edge of Time readers for his work with the legendary Winterhawk. Since his Winterhawk days, Jordan has been involved in numerous musical endeavours and "Balancing Act" sees Jordan surrounded by a range of different musicians. In fact, apart from Jordan's unique style of guitar playing, "Balancing Act" does not have that much in common with vintage hard rock of Winterhawk. The nine songs are more in the folksy and bluesy rock vein with a dominant role for the acoustic guitar and guest starring roles for the violin and harmonica (giving some of the songs that characteristic honky tonk sound). Although the songs might not be everyone's taste the talented songwriting and exquisite playing demand respect. The mood is mostly laid back and tranquil with an emphasis on bringing across emotions. It is only in a few songs that the wolf drops his sheep clothing and Jordan really pulls out all the stops. Examples are the title track with some of the best twin guitar soloing heard this year and the 9 minute epic "Wall of Fire" which starts peacefully before building up to a frenzy of intense guitar playing. Spine chilling, and the fact some of the songs were partly recorded live makes it even more jaw awe inspiring. It certainly tranquillises the agony of the wait for long-planned Winterhawk live album.(CR)"