Randy Armstrong Echoes of Tomorrow Review by Gary Hill
The guitar work is the shining star of this disc, but it’s meant to be. All the music here is instrumental. It’s definitely not all prog. That said, the very concept of this should appeal to prog fans and most of this is either fusion or prog, so I’ve included it under that heading. This is a varied and effective set of melodic music that showcases guitar work.
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Track by Track Review
Choosing Love
Soft rock and jazz merge on this classy number. The guitar soloing is impeccable. I’m reminded a bit of George Benson on this number.
Courage
A bit more energized, this leans more toward fusion. It’s another melodic number that works really well.
Gratitude
I dig the world music vibe on this along with the sounds of nature.
Forgiveness
Melodic acoustic guitar work is in the driver’s seat here. This piece is classy.
Compassion
This starts in melodic fashion. It works out to more of a fusion jam from there with the acoustic guitar still delivering mellow, melodic music. As the track continues to grow, those fusion elements come more to the fore, and it even leans toward progressive rock at times.
Together
Intricate acoustic guitar gets things underway here. That instrument holds it for a time, but eventually more of a full fusion concept takes hold.
Memories Of Tomorrow
The title track is melodic, pretty and quite classical in nature. It really has a progressive rock vibe in a stripped down arrangement. The arrangement does get a little more filled out later. That George Benson reference is valid here, too.
Finlandia – Song Of Peace
This is an adaption of a piece from Jean Sibelius, who is one of my favorite classical composers. So, it wins points with me even before I hear it. This has a definite progressive rock vibe to it. I recognize the melodies of the piece.
Ode To Sibelius
This is the longest piece on the disc at nearly six minutes long. It’s driving and more pure progressive rock. There are some parts of this that make me think of Steve Howe. The whole tune is magical.
Light Of Unity
Prog and world music seem to merge on this melodic instrumental number.
Born In Appalachia
I love the intricate instrumental interplay here. There are hints of bluegrass joining the rest of the sounds we’ve heard throughout.
