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For over 25 years now, Steve Walsh has been
the anchor of the legendary band Kansas. With Kansas, Steve
has reached platinum status and has performed for countless
crowds. Now, Steve releases Glossolalia, his first
solo album since 1980's Schemer Dreamer. And if you're
looking for a Kansas album, go pick up Somewhere To Elsewhere
for Glossolalia is not exactly Kansas. The album
ventures into uncharted territory in brilliant fashion.
As a matter of fact, Glossolalia takes you on a magical
journey deep inside the mind and soul of Steve Walsh.
It has been documented that Steve Walsh is
a movie fanatic, and every song this album plays just like
a movie. Each song tells a story and is theatrically composed,
to the point that you can actually picture things as they
are playing out. What's even more impressive is that Walsh
handles ALL the vocal tracks. From the soaring angelic vocals
at the end of "Serious Wreckage" to the almost
demonic growls at the end of "Kansas," it's all
Steve and his incredible range. Impressive, to say the least.
Joining Walsh on this journey are mastermind
Trent Gardner (songwriting/keyboards/production), former
Streets cohort Mike Slamer (Guitars), Kansas' Billy Greer
(Bass) and Magna Carta mainstay Virgil Donati (drums). All
musicians do a superb job, they all have their shining moments.
The production, handled by Steve and Trent Gardner is excellent,
all the instruments are up front, in your face and heard
clearly. But it the strength of the songs that make this
album so good. Let's go track by track:
1. Glossolalia (5:20) - The heaviest thing
Steve has ever done. A powerful and angry opener that will
definitely reach your darker side. Steve's vocals are nothing
short of amazing.
2. Serious Wreckage (6:01) - This song brought
tears to my eyes. A heartfelt story that tackles the evils
of alcohol through the remorseful eyes of a man who's made
an irreparable mistake. This is a very powerful song that
will send chills down your spine.
3. Heart Attack (4:18) - An upbeat rockin'
dance song. Steve's vocals totally make this song.
4. Kansas (9:00) - Very progressive and melodic,
almost in the vein of Kansas (the band). An Epic that tells
a tale.
5. Nothing (3:08) - A beautiful heartfelt
ballad. Steve tears it up towards the end.
6. Haunted Man (5:35) - A catchy, hook-filled
rocker. Mike Slamer really shines.
7. Smackin' The Clowns (10:05) - One of the
best tracks of the album. This progressive epic tells a
story of a circus fire seen through the eyes of a small
child. Walsh manages to totally capture your mind with this
one. A stellar vocal track as well.
8. That's What Love's All About (5:05) - A
funky, upbeat track that features Walsh's experimentation
with the lower registers of his voice. At times, it's hard
to believe it's him, specially when he cranks it up on the
upper registers and shows you the contrast between both.
A true showcase for Steve's vocal range.
9. Mascara Tears (7:05) - Smoky lounge Jazz.
This song takes you back in time. Steve totally shines once
again as you get to see him sing in a totally different
style.
10. Rebecca - Totally based on the Alfred
Hitchcock classic, this song will manage to capture and
enchant you.
Glossolalia is the most intense, most
theatrical thing Steve Walsh has ever done and it showcases
an experimental side of Walsh's creativity that was previously
untapped. Steve experiments with unorthodox orchestrations
and modern sounds while still maintaining his good sense
of melody and instrumentation. Glossolalia is Steve
Walsh's Magnum Opus (pun intended) and the work of a musical
genious.
Shred Pick - "Serious Wreckage"
(6:01)
Reviewed by Henry
Bocanegra
Want more insight on Steve Walsh? Check Out
our interview.
Also, check out our review
of Kansas' Somewhere To Elsewhere.
And visit the Official
Kansas Website.
Order
Steve Walsh's Glossolalia from
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