Quantcast
NEWS |   Sign In   |   I'm New Here
Return to home page





Moods
Michaela Rabitsch & Robert Pawlik Quartet
Go and Find
Leanne Weatherly
First Steps
Min Rager
In Between Moods
Tony Foster
This Heart of Mine
Pamela Hines
Shambhala
Susan Wylde








Pete McCann
Info | Enter
Gretchen Parlato
Info | Enter
Henry Threadgill
Info | Enter
Keith Jarrett
Info | Enter

Invisible Map
BIOTA | ReR Megacorp


By Glenn Astarita
Comments        

Invisible Map represents the eagerly anticipated follow up to Colorado-based BIOTA’s 1995 release, Object Holder. Here, the large ensemble continues their distinctive melding of multicolored psychedelic dreamscapes, bustling backbeats, odd-metered rhythms, unfathomable EFX and much more. Throughout these thirty-seven pieces, the band pursues disparate textures of sonic beauty consisting of integrated themes amid existential implications along with the angelic vocals of Genevieve Heistek.

Basically, BIOTA’s modus operandi features homogenous abstract/folksy musings surrounded by traces of Middle Eastern motifs, Indian ragas, surreal or perhaps roguish pop-rock melodies and wistful harmonies. On the piece titled “Mineral”, the band executes slightly contorted proclamations in concurrence with a seamless blend of North African themes and ethereal interludes that might elicit notions of time travel or a lucid dream. At times, you will hear lap steel guitarist Mark Piersel plucking away with countrified charm atop accordionist Gordon Whitlow’s Parisian accents and Randy Yeates performances on something called a Biomellodrone keyboard. Hence, Invisible Map indicates another milestone for a band who inhabit a very special musical world. One that should be investigated by more than a select few. Highly recommended!!

BIOTA

ReR


Track listing: Moment, The Rapid Color, Port, Call, Landless, Air on Water, Mineral, Common Broom, Birhtday, Dustman, Sleeping Car, Snake Out, Occurrence, Top Ray Done, Glass Lizard, Telegraph Plant, Spoonbender

Personnel: Genevieve Heistek; lead vocals, violin: Steve Scholbe; slide guitars: Tom Katsimpalis; guitars, Clavioline, balalaika: Gordon Whitlow; accordion, pump organ: William Sharp; electronics, hurdy gurdy: Larry Wilson drums: James Gardner; Rhodes, noe, trumpet: C.W. Vrtacek; piano: Randy Yeates; Biomellodrone keyboard: Mark Piersel; acoustic & lap steel guitars: Andy Kredt; electric guitars: Visuals by

Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock
Published: June 01, 2001


Be the first to post a comment on:
BIOTA's Invisible Map

Signup & post a comment!






More articles by Glenn Astarita

Love Kills
The Long March
Avanti!
In Search Of A Standard
Hot Dog




Recent CD Reviews
Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz - Two Not One Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz
Two Not One
Henry Darragh - Tell Her For Me Henry Darragh
Tell Her For Me
Jeb Patton - New Strides Jeb Patton
New Strides
Michaela Rae - Blues with a Backbone Michaela Rae
Blues with a Backbone
The OtherTet - The OtherTet The OtherTet
The OtherTet
George Garzone - Among Friends George Garzone
Among Friends

CD Review Search
Artist Name  
Album Title  
Record Label  
Author  
 




 
(20)




The New Five

New York Hotel
From Introducing The New Five

More | Recent | Top










.. Privacy Policy | AAJ Supports: Lens Lady All material copyright © 2009 All About Jazz and/or contributing writer/visual artist. All rights reserved. Advertise | Contact Us