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The Lonely Bears: The Bears Are Running
ByThe musicians meld British folk with cyclic themes on the compositions titled, “From The Nacfa Mountains” and “Hopping Down In Kent” led by saxophonist Tony Coe’s pronounced and at times majestic lyricism whereas, drummer Terry Bozzio enhances the already expansive demeanor with his impossibly complex - polyrhythmic style of attack! While the piece dubbed “No Picnic” features Tony Hymas’ abstract synth lines, upbeat themes and crushing impact.
Highlights on the seventeen-minute, “Looking For Maquah” include Coe’s ferocious sax work, Bozzio’s quadruple time pulse, Hymas’ tantalizing yet simply stated motifs and Burn’s slashing licks. The piece titled “Running Bears” is fairly indistinguishable despite the climactic evolvement and bouncy motifs as some of these compositions signify little more than extended workouts. However, “The Lonely Bears” prevailed as an exciting and altogether invigorating outfit while “Magna Carta” has performed a good deed by re-releasing their recordings. - Without a doubt, this band resides within the upper echelon of the prog-fusion scheme of things.
* * * ½ (out of * * * * *)
Personnel
Tony Hymas; Keyboards: Terry Bozzio; Drums: Tony Coe; Saxophones: Hugh Burns; Guitar.
Track listing: 1) Ma Grande Ourse 2) From The Nacfa Mountains 3) Eastbourne 1907 4) Happy Go Lucky Loco 5) No Picnic 6) I Listen To You Dreaming 7) More Than A Thousand Hours 8) Looking For Maquah 9) Joik 10) Spiderwoman 11) Running Bears 12) Hopping Down In Kent 13) Los Ultimos Dias
Album information
Title: The Bears Are Running | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Magna Carta Records