Two new releases here form the Tributary Label. These two records are actually one unique work of art. A Rock Opera written by John Miner and performed by his ART ROCK CIRCUS. The group differs from live and studio versions only that John Miner is on Guitar and is the composer, arranger, and producer on both versions. ( not to mention some vocals on the studio version as well)

In a fundamental sense the group is bass/ guitar/ drums (trio with violin on stage and a panel of six singers and a baby on the the studio version!) This Rock Opera has been performed to live audiences in Las Vegas...and according to the pictures in the booklet it didnąt seem too bad at all!

The album displays a relatively complex concept even without the staged actors, dancers, singers, and musicians. A type of initial voyage or journey (on this subject I would recommend the Live version due to itąs integral use of lyrics and words different from the studio version which is basically a bit less elaborate)

Like Miner's other project "Mantra Sunrise" (but when does he sleep?!) reviewed in these pages as well, Heavens Cafe' is profoundly rooted in the stylings of the 70's. The guitar playing of Miner is particularly superb. the different singers excel and the rhythm section assumes their role perfectly. A few unique and only spoken segments are featured on the Live version. To see the opera live would be necessary I'm quite sure to get the full effect.

So all in all what we have here is nothing but good!

The Tributary label site is very informative should you desire more info on the work or group. We have learned the next CD is called "A Passage to Clear" featuring two art rock goddesses on vocals (ah, look forward to hearing that!) The label also announces the Nolan Stolz Project which will feature rock interpretations of such composers as Stravinsky and Mahler (ah, I look forward to this as well!) Finally coming will be a CD of solo Chapman Stick music by Ron Parrish, being one of the first to work with Emmit Chapman on the development of this famous instrument.

Tributary is definitely a label to follow!