The band M.C.M is made up of three of the worlds most respected and exciting musicians: Alex Masi (guitars), John Macaluso (drums) and Randy Coven (bass). If you are a practicing musician the thought of a recording featuring these three musical masters just “going for it” will probably have you positively salivating at the mouth.

“1900: Hard Times” is a live album featuring twelve tracks recorded at different shows throughout the USA and Central America. The album could best be described as spontaneous theme elaboration done on the spot. To get a grip on what this means it’s worth quoting Alex Masi who says of the music “The only written, composed parts are pretty obvious, most intros, some outros and occasionally some bit in the middle, but each piece includes at least 80% of improvisation”.

Another description comes from John Macaluso who says, “M.C.M gives us an outlet for our need to let go of all the do’s and don’ts associated with the life of a professional musician. Sometimes the level of synchronicity among us is downright mysterious…when it happens it feels like something else is moving our hands and fingers and all we have to do is get it out in our own way and let things happen”.

Randy Coven also comments “It’s absolute freedom from pre-fabricated structures and disregard of general experiences and that’s exactly where we are in M.C.M, listen with your mind wide open”.

From the opening track “(1900) Hard Times” right to the final dying notes of “For Every Colour You Know” this release is a thrill ride of dazzling licks, melodies, rhythms, musical interplay and creative vision. In fact it’s a mind blowing tour de force of instrumental music played on the edge with musical ideas being born right they’re in front of ones ears.

Stylistically the band cover lots of ground, which is what one would expect in heavy fusion music of this nature, but the sheer quantity of moods and vibes on offer will knock “open eared “ listeners for six. The songs are a melting pot of jazz, heavy rock, Hindu, qawwali, drum n bass, carnatic and funk influences. Believe me when I say there are even more ingredients if one listens closely. The amazing thing is that each musician seems to just inject these flavours at will, not self consciously, but in a way that feels instinctive and natural. The music at times is almost spiritual as chords hover in and out and guitar lines are looped with heavy doses of reverb and delay around which each player dances in and out of the limelight. The music never sounds like one player is the feature or focus of a song, instead the band have accomplished the ultimate statement by sounding like one cohesive unit.

For anyone struggling to get their head round what this music sounds like I would say imagine a huge jam session featuring Shawn Lane, Eric Johnson, John McLaughlin and of course Alex Masi and you will start to tap into the vibe. I am a huge fan of the greatly missed Shawn Lane and for sometime have wondered if a player would be brave enough to carry on the “spirit” that was so inherent in his music. Well with this release Alex has done just that. Anyone familiar with Shawn Lane's live album will feel very comfortable with M.C.M’s live release (and believe me when I say that is a huge compliment). For lovers of guitar led instrumental music played by individuals who are brave enough to musically  “fall down the stairs and land on their feet” this album is essential listening.

Let us know your views on 1900: Hard Times 

Track Listing

(1900) Hard Times
Raw Extremities
River Offering
Emergency Poncho
Mutual Assured Distraction
The Ground Above
Them Ain't Us
30 Seconds Over Your Land
Esse'n'Emme
Unmatched Fragment
House of Deviants
For Every Color You Know

Line Up

Alex Masi – Guitar, Loops.
Randy Coven - Bass
John Macaluso - Drums