Future Shock
By
Michael Whalen
Written by
Steve Sheppard
Future Shock by Michael Whalen has to be one of the most original released albums
this year. Whalen, who is still fresh from chart topping success with his last
offering Sacred Spaces, has created a
splendid blended collection of fine songs, that range anywhere between
progressive jazz to electro-funk and more.
The opening piece is our title track, the grand and all
powerful composition entitled Future
Shock, a mixture of driving synths, an all-consuming engine room of
percussion, give us a undeniable opening moment of electronic magic, one that
floats it’s manifestations between funk and chill out.
The slightly Jazzy motifs of Hop, Skip And Jump are truly addictive, and at times reminds me of a
group from history that we all might know in the Average White Band, however Whalen’s keyboards and synths extend
that further and almost into the realm of a Keith
Emerson textured performance, this is something amazing to behold, and
perhaps single material as well!
Smooth, sensual and layered, that is a fine description for
our next track entitled La Hermosa
Noche, lush and colourful Latin vibes are here, and the textured and
tranquil global Jazz patterns really make this piece one of the most beautiful
to bathe within upon the whole album.
Lights Of Home is a composition filled with
expectancy, the gentle build and progression on keyboards is something one
would have expected from Tony Banks
of Genesis back in the day, then the
saxophone break by Bob Magnuson was
simply sublime; this tempered and soothing musical narrative would be one of my
personal favourites from this wonderfully cultured album.
As we approach the half way marker we come across a song that
is as radiant as the day is new, it’s called Memories Of You. This is one of those compositions that could
easily suite a TV series as its theme tune, apart from that, the wonderfully
fluent Jazz ethic here is so creative, and conjures up some really warming
images of times past and times enjoyed.
Whalen’s love for Jazz and his own interpretations for it are
well known and much appreciated, and on Poly
Jam we find that utter uniqueness that is the very heart and soul of the
artist. It’s time to push the boundaries with this effervescing and exciting
offering, from funk to progressive rock, from ELP to Yes and back, this piece
simply has something for everyone.
How can you ever come across a track like Miracle Mile and not utterly love it,
bathed in the energies of Caribbean ethic, and swimming with the heartbeat of
bands like the UK’s Level 42 or Spyro Gyra, with that ever addictive
funky drum beat and percussive vibe, this is Jazz Funk at its best, with
Whalen’s keyboards creating some of the most emphatic moments ever.
The light and artistic Morning
Song is up next, one could with ease imagine playing this as part of a
spring waking ritual in early April, this is a wonderful composition and a
beautifully chilled piece as well, where one can enjoy the symbiotic
partnership between Magnuson and Whalen on Sax and Synths, this track is a true
breakfast anthem.
To grace us with a penultimate piece like Wanderlust was a real gift from heaven,
its fast and vibrant tempo manifests a huge well of musical energy, and one has
to tip the hat for an utterly outstanding performance on percussion by the
simply amazing Simon Phillips, a man
who if I remember correctly, I watched perform with The Michael Schenker group back in the early eighties, and rated to
be one of the world’s best ever on the skins, whatever genre he performs in.
The last chilled offering off this quite breath taking
release is entitled Your Eyes, Your
Touch, Your Kiss, I mean what a great title. This has to be the sexiest
arrangements off the entire album, here is a piece that exudes sensuality through
performance, and of course, leaves you wanting more at its conclusion.
Future Shock by Michael Whalen is a journey of musical class you’re all going to
want to travel, it’s funky and soul filled compositions are all produced with
such quality and precision it’s impossible to resist, in fact resistance is
entirely futile. The tip of several hats has to go here to his collective of
stunning musicians including Simon
Phillips (Drums &Percussion) Bob
Magnuson (Sax and more) and Tony
Levin Basses galore, each artist’s imprint of perfection is upon this album,
and Michael Whalen’s sheer
brilliance on keyboards has brought to the world one of the most desirable
albums to enjoy this year with ease and named Future Shock.
Here is the sale/streaming fanlink for the album: https://fanlink.to/michaelwhalenfutureshock
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