Band : Jimmy Hotz
Album title : Beyond The Crystal Sea (30 Anniversary Edition)
Label : Born Twice Records
Distributor : PHD
Release date : 08/06/2010
Review : CD

Multi-instrumentalist master composer Jimmy Hotz began playing guitar at the age of 7 and is most noted for his pioneering work with electronic music synthesizer midi controller development programming and as a technical consultant to Microsoft, Intel, Electronic Arts, Atari, JBL and other concerns for new product development. He is the inventor of the "Hotz Box", Hotz "MIDI vest" and the "Atari Hotz Box", "Hotz MIDI Translator" (Computer Software) which has won interest and acclaim at the annual NAMM show. Performers such as Mick Fleetwood, Jon Anderson, Paul Haslinger, Scott Gershin and others have been using Hotz products in their creative work. (wikipedia)

Beyond The Crystal Sea is actually a re-release of his out of print ‘80 debut and only album, with two new tracks tacked on to the end, intended to stir up interest. The feel of the album is in the definite symphonic prog rock mould, and it definitely has all of the elements of the timeless classic, which apparently it is. Initially, as I listen, the atmosphere stirs me very much in the vein of distant past Yes/ Pink Floyd/ ELP and others of the same ilk? For those who can’t get enough of the majestic, epic power prog, the first song “Observations of a larger reality” is sure to please. The disc has a couple very short instrumental pieces on it making room for some longer tracks. Whether heavy or mellow, the music is well orchestrated with lots of layers. The songs are sung with emotion and conviction. I wouldn’t classify this as a concept disc, but the songs do fit well together. Cool cosmic grooves, mind bending atmospherics, deep space keyboards, alien electronics, and some high intensity symphonic moments that will appeal to prog rock fans.

It is a definite journey album. It is something that I will be listening to again and it is music that sits today, as it did yesterday, quite comfortably. From start to finish it kept me interested, it never got boring, and it was a pleasant surprise for me to review it.

Cosmicmasseur.