New York progressive and fusion-based trio, Magic Elf, has been creating their brand of instrumental rock since 1983, releasing three CDs since 1998. Heavy Meddle is the latest from these extraordinary musicians. From the standpoint of playing ability, their music reminds me of old Cream, only in a sense that each player stands out prominently yet separately from each other, almost always. In other words, the music tunefully overflows thrice endlessly. But their progressive and diverse magic is more along the lines of King Crimson, Dream Theater, and Rush. Their lead and bass riffs and runs are reminiscent of Tull and Yes, minus the vocals. The storylines within the music evoke both past and futuristic themes, and can be said to be storytelling at its finest instrumental level. They're good enough to pull this off, as the music stays melodic and stimulating from start to finish. I like the fact that their sound is crisp and clear, too, even when the recorded volume appears to be a good deal beyond deafening decibel levels. Some bands and their producers don't always do as good a job at this. The CD's title tells the truth, as the music does meddle in heaviness, and it's rocked up to its progressive fullest.

The journey begins with spoken words at 'Calamity Castle': "Bring me forth, into thy castle! Forward! Forward!" Next, the fantasy entwines and intensifies in musical mayhem, becoming a hodgepodge of progressive rock and jazz-fusion. In 'Battle Axe', the players take their expertise to a higher level. Guitarist Carl Roa is a cross between Alex Lifeson, Joe Satriani, and Steve Morse. His tone is massive. 'Visions In Green' is an excellent example of the band's attuned attribute, and of the colorful tonal variations they utilize from top to bottom. Roy Altemus' bass playing is monster in sound and structure. His mole stoutness is put forth at the conception, as his thumping runs glide flowingly and smoothly along with drummer Dave Miranda, almost as if the drum hits are actually triggering each note. Roa picks a chord, repetitively and leisurely, until it's time for blastoff. He then dives solidly into an enormous riff, one that's filled with chunky tube tone.

Even though it's a couple of years old now, I've been listening to this one a lot lately. I'm not always the biggest fan of instrumental rock as it sometimes leaves me yearning for something significant, melodic, and well ... something I can sing along with between solos. Heavy Meddle has personality of its own, and it's very interesting and listenable. It's even groove instrumental music at times, yet never boring. Roa, Altemus, and Miranda are pros at keeping the composition intense. This may just be the best instrumental rock I've heard in quite awhile.

Carl Roa uses Brian Moore guitars, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier and Tech 21 Amps, and GHS strings. Roy Altemus uses many basses, including Steinberger, Music Man, and PBC, into a Walter Woods, Hartke, GK MBS112, or an Edin Nemesis 210 combo. Dave Miranda uses Vater drums and Sabian cymbals.

The guitars and basses are green, of course.

Heavy Meddle

1. Calamity Castle

2. Battle Axe

3. Visions In Green

4. Godspeed

5. Better Days Ahead

6. Heavy Meddle

7. Scrambledreggs

8. N.S.D.

9. Gnome Poem

Copyright 2003 Big Shoe Music

You can listen to more song streams and buy the CD at the band's site: www.magicelf.com.