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Put a CD in front of me with images of ancient Egypt and I’ll
admit I’m more than interested. It’s one of the most fascinating
and intriguing periods of human history. So when K2’s Book
of the Dead arrived in the mail with some classic Egyptian
images on the CD packaging I couldn’t wait to get in the player.
I certainly wasn’t to be disappointed. Wow – what an impressive
recording! ***
K2 is first and foremost the work
of Ken Jaquess, best known for his work with the band Atlantis.
Jaquess’ musical history goes back to when he was 11 and taking
guitar lessons, which by the time he was 13 changed to bass.
But while he’s written, arranged and produced everything you
hear on Book of the Dead this is far from a solo project.
Jaquess has assembled a mighty mix of musicians to help fulfill
his musical vision. Jaquess handles bass, keyboards (including
Mellotron) and 10-string acoustic guitar and then is assisted
by Allan Holdsworth and John Miner on guitars, Ryo Okumoto
on piano and Moog, Doug Sanborn on drums, Yvette Devereaux
on violin and Shaun Guerin on vocals. It’s an impressive lineup
whose collective skills are easily detected as you listen.
***
Book of the Dead is classic symphonic
progressive rock. From the get-go you are drawn into music
that is larger than life and so far beyond what is considered
popular on radio these days. The music created here is timeless.
Huge swells of notes descending into wonderful Mellotron accents
of both choral and strings. Soft acoustic guitars lead into
melancholy violin providing yet another variation on the timeless
symphonic prog genre. There are five tracks on this 46 minute
CD. Five “chapters” as they’re called the first of which is
a tick over 23 minutes, the others mostly in the six to seven
minute range. Throughout the proceedings a nice clean sounding
guitar adds a jazz inflected sound keeping the music one step
ahead of the listener. You’re never quite sure what comes
next. Songs move from huge crescendos to soft pastoral moods
in the blink of an eye all strung together with hauntingly
familiar keyboard textures. I love it! And to top it off Shaun
Guerin’s tenor vocals blend into the proceedings in a most
magical fashion. ***
For my money K2’s Book of the Dead
is clearly one of the top releases of 2005 and certainly on
my top 10 list. It’s impossible to find fault with it on any
level. A concept piece about ancient Egypt set within a modern
symphonic prog setting, what more can you ask for. It is everything
a symphonic prog recording is meant to be. ***
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