Points Unknown

The title of this disc is somewhat misleading, as there is very little music on it originally composed by Shostakovich. The Overture (Entr’Acte) to Poor Columbus was written by Shostakovich at the behest of Soviet officials to add the appropriate political “spin” to Ervin Dressel’s opera. It’s in the chaotic style of the Russian master’s other theater works of the period, notably The Nose and The Bolt. Cut from the same stylistic cloth are the Two Preludes of 1920, orchestrated by Alfred Schnittke to sound nearly as if written by Shostakovich himself.

Aeon Zen are a progressive rock/metal band formed in 2008, led by the only permanent member, vocalist, guitarist, bassist, keyboard player and drummer Rich Hinks.
The music of Aeon Zen naturally points out to the music of Ayreon, Danielle Liverani’s Genius and even Avantasia. The similarities are probably caused by the fact that these ‘bands’ are the brainchild of one very gifted multi-instrumentalist, using the vocal skills of some of the most talented vocalists in the genre. The combination of Rich Hinks’ great compositions and the diversity of these vocalists, make this an album that easily can compete with the aforementioned artists, or better: it exceeds some of the albums made by those well-known names…

POINTS OF VIEW, the title of his first solo album in ten years (and first since leaving Santana in 2016), perfectly reflects the great array of influences and the freewheeling playing and stylistic approach he brings to a wide range of classic pieces while leading an ensemble of fellow Bay Area greats in addition to legendary featured guests, drummer DENNIS CHAMBERS and saxophonist AZAR LAWRENCE…