Band: Andrew Gorczyca

CD Title: “Reflections”

Band Website: www.myspace.com/actofglass

Label: ProgRock Records

Label Website: www.progrockrecords.com

Release Date: 2009

 

There is a rather poignant story that goes with this recording. And that is that Andrew Gorczyca is no longer with us. He passed away in his sleep in August of 2004 at the age of 40 and this recording is a tribute lovingly put together over the past four years by Andrew’s brother Chris. Entitled Reflections – An Act of Glass this is The Music of Andrew Gorczyca and within a few short minutes of listening to this album you come away realizing there was something special behind these tunes.

 

Chris Gorczyca (drums) managed to assemble a stellar cast of prog performers to help translate his brother’s vision. Music that never did see completion during Andrew’s lifetime. The primary performers here read like a who’s who of contemporary prog; Adrien Belew (guitars, vocals), Bryan Beller (bass), Nick D’Virgillio (vocals), Ted Leonard (vocals), Mike Kineally (guitars) and Ryo Okumoto (keyboards). The challenge for Chris was to take his brother’s musical vision and have these performers not only translate that but allow them the freedom to provide their own feelings all the while holding true to the musical intent. On that score this is a hard record to find fault with.

 

Stylistically the music on Reflections – An Act of Glass is a modern, arty, melodic progressive rock that is brimming with great melodies and hummable tunes. There are eight compositions here most in the five minute range allowing plenty of time for some interesting musical change-ups. As sonic reference points, I was strangely reminded of bands such as Esquire, Art InAmerica and Big Generator era Yes. These tunes first and foremost are great songs, but within each are any number of proggy embellishments and sophisticated arrangements. The odd-time the music shifts quite dramatically but more often than not, it slides into a different musical style seamlessly. A couple times the tune will start out a certain way but will end with a completely different coda. Perhaps the thing that was most noticeable was the upbeat nature of this disc. One is left with such a positive feeling….it like driving in your convertible with the top down on a sunny day. A fitting tribute to what was clearly an amazing musical talent.

 

The Music of Andrew Gorczyca was a pleasant surprise that’s been finding a lot of time on my CD player. Fans of the band’s mentioned above might want to check it out, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.