Ajalon

Prog rock is a genre that manages to straddle several fences. At its best, really good prog might also encompass art-rock, while still employing elements of metal, classic rock and pop. All of this often makes it frustrating to use the generic catch-all of progressive for bands such as Ajalon. Certainly, the most identifying traits would be: A) complex compositions that usually run well over the usual three or four minutes, and B) impressive displays of musicianship, often including extended instrumental soloing. Add to that basic formula insightful lyrics, impressive vocals, and a solid concept and you have an idea of what to expect from Ajalon’s This Good Place.

The basic foundation of Ajalon is Randy George (who many will recognize from his work, often as a bassist, with Neal Morse), Will Henderson, and Dan Lile. The amazing thing is that these three men manage to create such a rich wealth of sound and fury – especially considering that Henderson handles only the vocal work. Lile is the drummer and George handles bass, guitars and various keyboards, occasionally assisted by the talents of Fred Schendal and Jonathan Sindelman on synths and organ, and the astounding fretmeister, Paul Bielatowicz, who adds his guitar pyrotechnics to two tracks. Still, the sound is basically the work of two men – Randy George and Dan Lile. The overall effect is full, rich and textured, with jazzy, powerful work by Lile, who gives us just enough finesse and fury to keep things exciting, while George lays down a firm musical foundation of funky but sophisticated keyboard work, juicy bass playing and articulate guitar solos.

None of the above should diminish the importance of the vocals on This Good Place, which are handled by Will Henderson with passion, style and some classy Crosby, Stills & Nash influenced harmonic textures. Henderson is joined on some tracks by Robyn Dawn, who adds occasional harmonies and gets a significant solo shot on the Epic, three-movement track, “Redemption.” The vocal stage is also generously shared with the wonderful Rick Altizer, who makes one of his all-too-infrequent appearances to sing “Not Man,” the album’s third track.

The almost one-hour project is made up of seven songs, one of which is a three part piece (“Redemption”) lasting nearly twenty minutes. The album starts off with “Love is a Dream,” a melodic, prog-pop composition that sets the stage for the musical and lyrical journey. By the time we get into “Nickels and Dimes, Marbles and Stones,” the music becomes more jazz-flavored, the harmonies become richer, and the themes become more socially and spiritually conscious.

“Not Man” features the sharp lyrics and Donald Fagan-like delivery of Rick Altizer, one of the few singer/writers (other than maybe Steve Taylor) that can deliver a line like, “Not Man is senseless and motionless as he stares at his Cheerios,” and pack it with meaning. The multi-faceted, complex song shifts through time signatures taking interesting twists and turns all the way, as it weaves its story of the futility of modern life in the city.

“Abstract Malady,” the album’s only instrumental, is a progressive tour de force – more than six and a-half glorious minutes of powerhouse playing that will more than satisfy any prog fan. This sets up “Lullaby of Bedlam,” a lyrical Prodigal’s Travelogue – a theme that will take us through to This Good Place’s musical and lyrical destination.

“Redemption,” a three-part epic, takes us from one person’s despair to hope, and ultimately to the Doorway that leads to “This Good Place,” which closes the project with, “you and I with our entourage of angels / stroll past the mansions in this good place / I reach out with innocent hands/ to touch Your face,” and suddenly we know just what ‘this good place’ is.

As you listen through to this prodigal journey you’ll hear musical influences such as Yes, ELP, Glass Hammer, Neal Morse and certainly Kerry Livgren – good company, indeed. Thankfully, Ajalon synthesizes these elements without ever becoming imitative or derivative.

Ajalon has created a very good thing with This Good Place.

I recommend that you visit This Good Place with your ears as soon as you can.

Tagged as: Ajalon, This Good Place

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