An immense supporter of the early works of Yes,
Kansas, and Genesis (among others), Metal Church guitarist Kurdt
Vanderhoof sought to create a project that reflected his predilection
of that era and he has undoubtedly achieved that objective with
Presto Ballet. Evoking a classic 70's feel,
their songs herald a return to a time when music was at its
most colorful and influential. With tasteful guitar parts, crunching
Hammond organ and rich vocals, the band follows a path previously
tread by rock pioneers such as Kansas, Yes, Genesis and Deep
Purple.
Vanderhoof describes the songs
from a production point of view, "We recorded the whole album
in a somewhat 'old school' manner, which means analog synthesizers,
real Hammond organ and real Mellotron sounds".
"For me, the seventies was the most interesting
time, with the most skilled bands, the best songs and the best
ideas", says Vanderhoof. "I've never understood why
nobody has gone back to that kind of music again".
Accompanying Kurdt is vocalist Scott Albright (who
also appeared on some of Vanderhoof's solo ventures). Having quite
a remarkable voice, Albright's tone ranges anywhere between Jon
Anderson, Greg Lake, Geddy Lee, and occasionally (for a modern
example) James LaBrie. Perceptive of a certain vocal style being
essential to the scene, Vanderhoof was wise in selecting Albright
to front his outfit.
Rounding out the new lineup is former Hall Aflame
drummer Bill Raymond, bassist Izzy Rehaume, and keyboardist Ryan
McPherson.
Click
here to read an interview with Kurdt Vanderhoof.
