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review by Michael Debbage After being very impressed with his self-titled debut of this very original sounding pianist, I really was eagerly anticipating this album. This time around Zade passed on the assistance from the legendary Will Ackerman and also showed some significant experimentation musically. While I will give him kudos for the courage to do so, the album is a mixed bag of triumphs, pleasantries and significant misses. Instantaneously, Zade lets his listeners know that they are in store for new frontiers with the lengthy progressive track "New Beginnings". Opening with melodies that are reminiscent of Abba's "Dancing Queen", the song is multi faceted with several movements and themes. It also features the emotive violinist Charlie Bisharat. However, the production seems to bury Charlie in the mix, thus lacking the intensity that one has come to expect from this exceptional player. However, the track has its moments and still kept me wishing for good things to come. My wish was granted temporarily courtesy of the upbeat and unusual Middle Eastern influenced title track "Roads To You". Equally as impressive is the more commercially appealing "Stolen Moments" with a strong Yanni influence. For a change of pace there is the brooding but moving ballad "Toi Et Moi" which once again prominently features Bisharat with more pleasing results. Unfortunately, the results are not always so gratifying largely due the quagmire of vocal tracks that utterly bog the album down. Though I do prefer instrumentation, I do not despise vocal tracks when done well but these particular arrangements add nothing to the album. Okay, "Behind Closed Doors" is tolerable but "Inta" and "Canto Para Celebrarte" only prompt me to hit the skip button every time. Clearly Zade could not avoid the dreaded sophomore slump but this was largely due to the fact that he was willing to take risks that did not always work. And though he is not completely successful with this task I have to admire him for taking the chance. Closing with the majestic "Kingdom Of Peace" only reminds me what this very young artist still has much to offer. Perhaps he will return to form next time. |
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