Canadian composer and multi-instrumentalist RICK MILLER made his debut effort as a solo artist back in 1983 with pop-new age style which shifted a highly respectable 30,000 units at the time. He would follow up this venture with Windhaven in 1987, and his efforts Interstellar Passage from 1998 and the EP No Passion, No Pain from 2009 would continue exploring similar musical territories.
But after honing his craft working at Sound Design Studios in Toronto throughout the 80s and 90s, Miller wanted to have a go at his true musical love as well, crossover progressive rock inspired by artists such as Pink Floyd, The Alan Parsons Project, The Moody Blues and Barclay James Harvest.
This lead to 4 album releases following the start of the Millenium. These efforts gave Miller a good reputation, and in 2009 he was signed by Canadian label Unicorn Records. Since then Miller has put out nine CD’s with them.
A painting of legendary prog metal artist Duncan Storr adorn the cover of Rick Miller’s new album ”Altered States” which sees the musician handling all aspects of his music with a few guests providing color to the music such as cello, violin, etc. The aforementioned influences are quite exact, the music here varies from melodic atmospheres to rock&pop musicality.
Rick describes this album as being “in the genre of what I would call Progressive Rock. That term defining the type of music that was made famous throughout the 70s by bands such as Genesis, The Moody Blues and Pink Floyd, all with a modern pop twist.”
To be honest, that is a pretty good description, Rick (who provides vocals and all other instrumentation) music is ‘dreamscape’, yet while there are huge Pink Floyd influences within this, there is also plenty of the more dreamy Eighties The Moody Blues.
It is an incredibly easy album to listen to, with well placed guitars throughout which provide a welcomed sound as only a Stratocaster can do, but this contrasts against the rest of the music which is far more sedate and relaxed.
With more than ten albums under his belt, it’s surprising the name Rick Miller isn’t more widely known, as he delivers a quality product here – from refined songwriting, arrangements and performances to pristine production & mix. He provides solid songs, knows exactly the vocal style it needs, and brings it all together each and every time.
This is light, crossover prog in a more relaxed tone than your regular offering in this genre, very well done, melodic, easy to ear.
Tracklist:
01 Altered States (10:00)
02. New Moon Prelude (2:45)
03. Wolf Moon (9:42)
04. Borrowed Time (08:51)
05. The Trap (4:23)
06. Old Secrets (05:57)
07. Half Moon (3:46)
08. A Dream Within a Dream (4:59)
09. Full Moon Rising (1:39)
line up:
- Rick Miller / vocals, performer, composer & producer
With:
- Sarah Young / flute
- Giulia Cacciavillian / flute
- Mateusz Swoboda / cello
- Barry Haggarty / guitar
- Kane Miller/violin
- Will / drums & percussion
Rick Miller – Altered States (2023)
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