The Title Says It All - "Prime"
YesterDave | Midwest, USA | 04/11/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In 1995, a Yes tribute CD, "Tales From Yesterday", was released. Being a huge Yes fan, but not knowing what to expect, I loaded the CD up and was blown away by the first song - Robert Berry's version of "Roundabout". The rest of the CD was good, but I kept going back to Berry's unique take of this classic song. There are those fans who don't want the tribute performers to deviate from the original, but as a musician, I love when artists put their own spin on other artist's music. Berry nailed it.
Then in 2001, Berry contributed to the December People CD with a Yes-inspired version of "Carol Of The Bells". I detest listening to Christmas carols unless it's December. "Carol Of The Bells" stays in my car player all thoughout that month.
About that time, I learned that Berry had a solo CD out, had recorded a CD with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer entitled "3", as well as several appearances on other tribute CDs. I didn't get any of the tributes or "3" because of the large financial burden that would have been incurred, but I did find the solo CD, Pilgrimage To A Point. Honestly, I was less than impressed. It's good, but not great and slightly forgettable. I think that could be a bit harsh, but understand that my expectations were huge considering my limited knowledge of his work (two songs).
2006 rolls around, and I read that Berry/Magna Carta has released "Prime Cuts". I put off the purchase for several months, but now I wonder why. This was a perfect CD for me because I didn't have to dole out the cash for each tribute CD, and after the very first listen, I was absolutely astounded by these songs. The two songs from the soundtrack for The Wheel Of Time aren't horrible, and the unreleased "Life Beyond LA" isn't bad at all. The rest of the CD is nirvana.
It begins with "Roundabout", but being very familiar with this, I went straight to track 2, Jethro Tull's "Minstrel In The Gallery". I played it three times over, not believing how brilliant it was. Like "Roundabout", Berry blended his own style into the song, changing the arrangement so that it almost became a new song, which he did with every tribute song he performed. Pink Floyd's "Brain Damage", Genesis' "Watcher Of The Skies" and Rush's "Different Strings" were all breaths of fresh air, but ELP's "Karn Evil 9, 1st Impression" was the most pleasant slap in the face I've had in a long time. The original is 13:22, edited to 4:42 minutes for radio (okay - for you ELP purists, Part 1 was the end of side 1 of the "Brain Salad Surgery" LP and Part 2 - what we hear on the radio - is the first track on side 2), but Berry and cohorts (notably Jordan Rudess on keyboards) pared it down to 8:51 without losing the integrity of the original. Like the original, it's a roller coaster ride, and I got the distinct impression (no pun) that they had alot of fun recording it. Finally, the CD ends with "Carol Of The Bells".
I love this CD. After its purchase a few months ago, I'm still listening to it. It's my opinion that Robert Berry is at his best when performing other people's songs. I'm just not that crazy about his own material, which is why I only give this four stars. However, I will warn you that if you only want to hear the songs the way they were originally recorded, do not buy this CD. But, if you want a musical adventure, I highly recomend it."
Nice Record!
Alan J. Pasquinelli | San Jose, CA usa | 07/11/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I, like the first reviewer, first heard Robert Berry on the Yes tribute album and I thought he put a neat spin on on the Yes classic Roundabout.
I really never thought much more about Robert Berry. That was until Greg Stone who does a progressive rock radio show in the bay area, started to play some songs from this album Prime Cuts. Wow, Robert Berry, who is from the bay area has paid homage to some of the best prog acts of the 70's. It's neat to hear some of these songs with a screaming guitar in them and a different musical twist.
How cool is it to hear ELP with a raging electric guitar and the song not being overpwoered by keyboards? Very cool, not that ELP's version isn't great too.
He also has some differentt takes on the Genesis classic Watcher of the Skies and he covers Amborsia which he was once a member. He also does some interesting covers of rush, Pink Floyd and Jethro tull.
I would never say that this is essential prog material, but hey, for a few bucks you could buy this or buy some of todays musical drivel, I'll go for this Thanks.
"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1