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Portnoy - Sheehan - Macalpine - Sherinian: Live In Tokyo

By Glenn Astarita
February 15, 2014
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Track review of "Stratus"

Portnoy - Sheehan - Macalpine - Sherinian: Live In Tokyo

This 2-CD set highlights the progressive rock super-group's performance at a Tokyo venue in 2012. The material is culled from the respective artists' songbooks, yet their prior collaborations in various ensembles also signify a nucleus for modern prog-rock fare. As one would anticipate, sparks are flying all over the place via a high-velocity and impacting program in front of a very receptive audience. It is chock full of blitzing time signatures amid soaring and uncompromising solo spots by all. The album as a whole resounds with fluidly enacted brute force tactics and undeniable chutzpah. As the monstrous rhythm section of drummer

Mike Portnoy

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Portnoy and bassist Billy Sheehan lock-in and support the often bedazzling solo jaunts by the frontline.

The band knocks out drummer

Billy Cobham

drums
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Cobham's classic, rock-funk groove "Stratus" adhering to the familiar theme and melody, but extends the bridge section with guitarist Tony Macalpine's zinging crunch chords and spiraling solo. Keyboardist

Derek Sherinian

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Derek Sherinian's, textural Fender Rhodes notes, sweeping organ voicings and interweaving synth accents parallel the pace. The band moderates the pitch then revs it up into a whizzing jazz-rock workout. Here, the ensemble gives "Stratus" a bit of a modern makeover. (Emphatically recommended...) *Armoury Records/Eagle Rock Entertainment has also issued a separate DVD package of the concert footage.

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Personnel

Mike Portnoy

Derek Sherinian: keyboards; Mike Portnoy: drums; Billy Sheehan: bass; Tony Macalpine: guitar

Album information

Title: Live In Tokyo | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment

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