This latest release from the Cincinnati guitar wizard is the first recording under his own name and not under the Monk moniker. I have always enjoyed Ric's post Over The Rhine material but this album is without a doubt his best effort yet. The album opens with a haunting instrumental piece called "Any Second Now" and proceeds to go back and forth between instrumental and vocal pieces. The usual cast of players is along for the ride, Paul Patterson, Josh Seurkamp, Brian Kelly and Mike Georgin are all here as well as a few newcomers to the fold. David Wilcox adds some background vocals to the mix and a former Ohio resident by the name of Phil Keaggy adds some really nice guitar work throughout the project.
It seems that Ric and Phil have been working together a bit lately and the results are nothing short of outstanding. Ric seems to bring out the more experimental aspects of Keaggy's playing such as in the laid back lead guitar part in the piece entitled "Dover Beach". These two guys were meant to play together, their subtlety and technique complement each other perfectly. As usual all of the lead vocal parts are handled by Ric and his singing just gets better as time goes on. As with the Monk projects released in the past, the album artwork is an integral part of the overall feel of the album. One can't be separated from the other without taking away from the whole picture.
There are many great guitarists out in the field today but for my money, Ric Hordinski is undoubtedly one of the very best. He can cut loose when he needs to, but he can also lay down layers and textures that would make Robert Fripp stand up and take notice. I love it when an instrumental piece takes me on a journey of wonder and discovery, that happens each and every time that I listen to this wonder filled album. The vocal pieces are just as good, young Mr. Hordinski has developed into quite a proficient lyricist. On top of all this his web site is just as cool as his music. Ric Hordinski and Paste Records have done themselves proud, good work guys.
5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2004Reviewed by Bert GanglMost listeners of Top 40 Christian rock and pop were first introduced to Ric Hordinski through his backing slot on Margaret Becker's Front Row Series live concert video. While the better portion of those who watched the video probably never saw nor heard from Hordinski again, those in the indie and alternative communities are well aware that the talented guitarist has been anything but dormant…Opus 2004Reviewed by Jason MoreheadI first became familiar with Ric Hordinski's music through his work as one of Over the Rhine's founding members. He played with that celebrated group for 8 years, and when you go back and listen to albums like Patience and songs such as "Jacksie," it's obvious that his subtle, yet atmospheric guitar work was just as fundamental to their music as Karin Bergquist's sultry voice or Linford…Similar sounding releases
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