Short Reviews [Art Griffin's Sound Chaser - 2022 - "The Seven Ages Of Starlight"]

Art Griffin’s Sound Chaser have returned with their second album, ‘The Seven Ages Of Starlight’. Recorded over several years by a core quartet of Griffin, former Saga drummer Steve Negus, guitarist Kelly Kereliuk and electronic violinist Victoria Yeh, it also features special guests Jamie Glaser (Jean-Luc Ponty Band), Todd Sucherman (Styx), Michael Sadler (Saga), Frank Wyatt (Happy The Man) and keyboardist Sarah Westbrook. The previous album, ‘Visions From The Present’, came out in 2016 so there has been quite a delay on this one, but given that Art provides bass, keyboards, electric and acoustic guitars as any good multi-instrumentalist should, then perhaps it is not too much of a surprise! Given that Art provides all the material (apart from one co-written with Kelly), one might expect him to feature far more prominently, but what makes this album work so very well are the arrangements, and he often sits back in the pocket providing the support for the others. Often it is Victoria who is having a blast on this instrumental album (Sadler provides some background harmonies but there are no words), although there are also times for Kelly, and the result is something which is both progressive and fusion, while also at times being wonderfully commercial without ever going too far in that direction. It is an intensely enjoyable album on the first time of playing, but the more it is listened to the more it is possible to discern just how much is going on, and how everyone is putting in the hard yards even when they are in the background. The bass on “Mona Lisa Smile” is a fine example, as it just pulls everything together while never been too showy, although there are times when it is really lifted into new dimensions when the need arises. Victoria and Kelly have a wonderful understanding, which makes for a fascinating and interesting album. Certainly, one to investigate.