THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(11-TRACKS)
1-REVOLUTION OF MIND
2-SLAY YOUR DEMONS
3-NOWHERE WITHOUT YOUR LOVE
4-ONE DAY DOWN BY THE LAKE(See You Real Soon)
5-WATER INTO WINE(Fassa Rokka)
6-QUESTIONS(It's About Time)
7-YOU CAN'T TAKE ANYTHING
8-LYING
9-THE WESTERN WOROLD
10-THATS WHAT YOU DO
11-DUST IN THE WIND(Bonus Tracks)
MASTEDON - LOFCAUDIO / 1990
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-HOLIEST ONE
2-LIFE ON THE LINE
3-RUN TO THE WATER
4-WHEN IT ALL COMES DOWN
5-TAKE DOWN BELOW
6-STAMPEDE
7-LIVING FOR YOU
8-THIEF IN THE NIGHT
9-PEOPLE OF THIS TIME
10-IT'S DONE
MASTEDON - IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE /1989/2009
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(12-TRACKS)
1-IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
2-GLORY BOUND(This Is The Day)
3-LOVE INHALATION
4-ISLANDS IN THE SKY
5-GET UP
6-LOVE THAT WILL SURVIVE
7-INNOCENT GILR
8-SHINE ON
9-RIGHT HAND
10-WASN'T IT LOVE
11-ISLANDS IN THE SKY(Bonus Track)
12-RIGHT HAND(Bonus Track)
BIOGRAPHY/REVIEW:
The first time I ever saw the name "John Elefante" was as producer on the Petra album "Back to the Street" in 1986, the one that also introduced John Schlitt as vocalist. That album was a return to a more organic rock sound for the band, after the very electronic "Beat the System." Soon after, I started seeing production credits for Elefante on Barren Cross albums, which was about as different from Petra as I could imagine. But I started equating the "produced by John & Dino Elefante" tag with quality, regardless of genre. Then the first Mastedon album came out, and I was floored hearing his Vocals. Who was this guy? He could produce, he could sing, play Keys, Bass, and Drums. What could he not do? Then, the 90's hit, and Barren Cross and Mastedon went on hiatus, and I quit listening to Petra (I was on an alternative/metal high horse). The next time I listened to an Elefante production was "Scarecrow Messiah" by Bride in 1994. He (and Dino) still had it. The following year ('95), I was in a used record store and saw "Drastic Measures" by Kansas, which had "Fight Fire with Fire." I remembered loving this song on the radio when it came out in 1983 (along with "Incident on a Bridge"), and thought, "Cool! I'll buy it!" (It was only $1.) Lo, and behold, was I in for a shock when I read the credits and saw that "Fight Fire with Fire" (and most of the rest of the album, except for three songs) was written by John & Dino Elefante, and that he had been the lead singer. How weird was that!? Around this time, John released his first proper solo album. But, being on the high horse I mentioned earlier, I didn't care for it. Too soft, too poppy, too non-alternative. Jump forward a full decade, and I find a "single" on eMusic of John.
covering "Dust in the Wind." Next thing I know, I'm in a Kansas revival of sorts, and I've got all of the Kansas albums, all of Kerry Livgren's non-Kansas albums, and all of John Elefante's solo albums. And you know what? I liked them. A lot. So much so, that I created a "John Elefante" playlist to include all songs he's had a writing credit on. I still listen to it several times a week. The only problem was -- where was a new album? Finally, on Kerry Livgren's site a few months ago, I saw a news note that he had played Guitar on John's new solo album, which would be coming out soon. I crossed my fingers, hoping it would really happen. So, finally, after 10 years, here it is. And it's very, very good. It's not as hard as earlier Mastedon and it's not as mellow as his previous solo stuff. It falls somewhere in between. In fact, it reminds me a lot of good ol' classic rock -- and I mean that in the best possible way. It's not trendy, but timeless, and will hold up well. It's great cruising music. I've been listening to it pretty much constantly the last few days since it was released. The production is solid (as I would expect) and John's Voice is in fine form. I'm amazed how he has maintained it. Bottom line: you're probably not checking this album out in the first place if you're not already a fan of his in some way. So, will you like it? If you like his solo stuff, but not his Mastedon stuff, maybe not. It's got a bit more of a rock edge and is definitely more Guitar-Driven. If, however, you liked his work with Kansas, Mastedon, or any of the heavier bands he's produced, then I think you will. It's a solid AOR album, and I've enjoyed playing it on my commute to and from work with the windows down. Why four and a half stars and not five? Mainly because I would have liked it to be a bit more aggressive overall. The songs do have a nice driving beat, but I would have loved a song or two along the lines of "It's a Jungle Out There" or "Fight Fire with Fire," to take it into true "hard rock" category. Still, this is just a personal preference, not a knock against the solid rock album he actually made, and I hope he doesn't wait another 10 years to release his next one. Way to go, John. Thanks for 26 years of great music, even though I didn't know it was you waaaay back in 1983! )
John Elefante was injected into my musical experience in August of 1982. As the new lead singer of Kansas, he had just recently replaced Steve Walsh - the legendary frontman from one of the most popular and successful bands of all time. In fact, in 1981, Kansas was the largest grossing live act in the world. John more than held his own though, with his incredible Vocal, Keyboard, and songwriting abilities. There has been a long-standing argument as to who is the better Vocalist. I don't go down this route as each musician brings his/her own signature - it's impossible to compare gifts. John's effect on Kansas was immediate. His songwriting brought Kansas more into the mainstream with many songs he authored for their album `Vinyl Confessions' and later release `Drastic Measures'. This is where many Kansas fans dropped off, and I understand that. Kansas' evolution followed in step with what was happening in music as a whole . The MTV age was just being born - in fact, I can still remember `Play The Game Tonight' being a featured video in MTV's regular rotation. Yes, John's songs were shorter, and yes his voice was more pop than rock and no...Masque, Leftoverture and Point of Know Return will never be outdone; but, like it or not, it was a different time and John added a couple of more years to a great band's career. Kansas disbanded at the end of '83. [Yes, they regrouped in '85 but in my opinion have never been the same. Why? One reason and one reason only - Kerry Livgren. Who and what is Kansas without Kerry Livgren?] Kerry went on to form `AD', a contemporary Christian rock band (which featured Dave Hope, Kansas' former bass player); John, along with brother Dino, moved into producing (Petra, Guardian, Sweet Comfort Band, etc.). In fact, their influence on Christian music at the time cannot be understated. You could hear their signature sound on everything they touched, and the quality of the music as a whole, from a production perspective, was head and shoulders above everything else in Christian music at the time. John resurfaced in my pathway again in the summer of 1991, at the Cornerstone Festival, as a member of recently formed Christian rock band, Mastedon. This performance was the highlight of the festival. I'll never forget John's piercing voice, strong as ever, in the sweltering July heat, belting out `Islands In The Sky' - a Mastedon cult classic. Mastedon though, for me, never fully met expectations. Instead of the typical band approach, their releases featured a mixture of several different lead singers. As a fan of John's, this was always disappointing to me, because none of them held a candle to his ability. I always remember thinking `how great this song would have been if John had sung it!" After Mastedon, John's career transitioned into mainstream Contemporary Christian Music both as a producer and solo artist. Even though his material was always at the top of this genre and of the highest quality, those of us who knew John, knew not only was this not his style, but it was nowhere near what he was capable of. There were flashes of his greatness at times that could be heard on songs such as `Don't Leave The Band' off the `Defying Gravity' release, but for the most part it was adult contemporary pop. Flash forward to 2009. Ever have a favorite artist, after a long hiatus, reappear with the former energy and artistic edge that caused you to fall in love with them in the first place? That is `Revolution of Mind' for me. This is John Elefante at 100%. Not only are these songs edgy and well-written, but they have a blatant disregard for modern day musical rules - one example is `One Day Down By The Lake' which is almost 11 minutes long and will make Kansas fans proud! But, best of all - John sings lead vocals on every track! Also, Kerry joined up with John for the first time since their Kansas days and provided his obvious lead guitar talent. I won't go through each song, but I will tell you `it's all here' - great vocals, incredible transitions, fabulous guitar work, deep and thoughtful lyrics - this is 60 minutes of music that will surprise you. It was great the first time I heard it and it's getting better. Another thing, and you hear this alot usually turning out to not be the case - this is the best John has ever sounded - better than anything he's ever done. Not just sonically, but his control and range have improved as well. If you were a fan of Kansas (pre or post Steve Walsh or pre or post 1985), Mastedon, John's solo work, or if you just simply enjoy music that is well done - get `Revolution of Mind' - you will not be disappointed. I must add one thing that has my heart heavy - if you have not heard yet - Kerry Livgren suffered a serious stroke in early September. Updates can be found at [...]. Rock On!
John has collaborated with some very great musicians to make this CD even better. I agree with the other reviews to this point, but also wanted to add a few things. I know that my wife really enjoyed his pop sounds in the solo projects, and the somewhat prog sound has needed to grow on her. I would say that this makes it a little harder for a non AOR fan to really get the full benefits from this project on a first listen. I must add that this Mastedon release has really grown on me upon each listen. I still sorta wonder why track 5 was thrown into the mix, as it just has one of those generic rock filler sounds, but nice lyrics. Slay your demons has certainly grown well for my personal listening, as well as the first track. They give you a bit of a rock edge. Songs 3 and 4 are certainly ones that can bring chills to a person. Just knowing that song 4 was done with Kerry Livgren, and all the other guys, makes this complex song really sound and come across great. It is sorta a 2 song in one lengthy story, but it won't lose you. Perhaps the irish sounds will lose ya for a second or two, but some really amazing transitions take place; love the piano/ballad part in the middle. And cudos to John for dedicating this song to his earthly Father, who passed in 04'. Song 3 just really speaks to me personally, and not just on a lyrics basis. I don't even typically get too wrapped up in lyrics, but this one has found me capturing them all. A few songs, such as "Western world" are just pretty good, as it has a bit of a keyboard simplicity to it overall. Still it is unique. The "Dust in the wind" remake has been done with a touch of a jazz to it, and still I feel it is better than the original. Overall, I found that the contribution of D'amato made this a very good guitar driven cd, as well as the certain helps by brother Dino. Even found a few times when I heard some good old Whiteheart music influences, and was pleased to note that the bassist was formerly in Whiteheart. You'll have to give it a good listen to find those parts, but they are there. This disc has served me very well over the last month. It has spiritually awakened me in ways that I can not describe. So glad that John is not shy to speak about the Truth of Jesus, and His love for us. If you are a secular listener, you will note the biblical lyrics at many times, but not thrown in your face excessively. I still find it very comforting, even when listening to the song that speaks about our "lying". So good to get the whole perspective. Musically I would rate this a 9.5 at many times, and dip slightly below that on a couple songs. Lyrically I would rate this very highly, even if it does get a few secular listeners pondering about every person will confess, that He is Lord. It is what John Elefante is about, and no apologies are needed. I love the way that this disc just finds it's way back into my car player. I may be in the middle of a crazy Winger listening, or Skillet; but back I go to this one. A wonderful gem, and I hope that some prog listeners, particularly those that do enjoy the Kansas sound will give this a thorough listen. Great stuff!!.(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)
