Jelly Jam, The - 2

Year of Release: 2004
Label: InsideOut Music America
Catalog Number: IOMCD 183/SPV 085-60822
Format: CD
Total Time: 43:06:00

Supergroups are ubiquitous these days in the world of progressive rock. It seems just about everyone who is anyone in the genre is eager and willing to work with others. Many of the top artists have performed in rock operas like Aina or Ayreon while others have put together side-projects like The Tangent. That's good for music and its great to be a fan these days. However, the magic and mystery of this rare anomaly is lost.

The Jelly Jam tries its hand at something original. They have formed a Supertrio and there is some serious talent peddled on the album. We have Ty Tabor playing the guitars and leading with his tender voice. John Myung, the bassist, comes to the crew from Dream Theater. Rod Morgenstein of Dixie Dregs joins us on drums. There is no keyboardist, yet they manage to make the music progressive in many ways. This is their sophomore release, hence the title 2 and it is much better than their debut.

From the very first note, "Not Today" is an attention getter. Their songwriting has improved. The melodies, the energy, and the organization of the material are several notches up. They take what they have and use it effectively.

Going into the next track, "Coming Round," nothing is lost, something is gained. Rod gives us some great breakout solos. The guitar riffs grind like a sharp drill bit.

Continuing on, the next song "Empty" takes us to a mellower place. It could have been lifted off a Platypus album and nobody would be the wiser.

The next two tracks, "Drop The Gun" and "Allison," work in conjunction with one another. These playmates share their toys nicely. It was wise to choreograph them together in the sequence. The combination of the two is the closest the album gets to an epic.

The next song in line, "Maybe," is a ponderous piece and a qualifier for a sing-a-long. It is cross between The Beatles and Hootie and the Blowfish. There is a great guitar solo that takes us to the end.

The remainder of the music continues with a consistent quality. The pieces get harder-edged as we near the end.

While the band has three of the four members from Platypus (Derek Sherinian is missing on keyboards) they have their own identity and the music takes its own direction. The album channels a different sort of power.

The Jelly Jam has put together a fine album. Fans of Platypus or Jughead, even the debut album, will really like this release.

Tracklisting:
Not Today (3:22) / Coming Round (3:37) / Empty (5:24) / Drop The Gun (3:04) / Allison (5:32) / Maybe (4:45) / She Was Alone (4:34) / Angel Or Devil (4:50) / You Don't Need Me Anymore (2:40) / Runaway (3:15) / War Is... (3:27) / Message (0:36)

Musicians:
Ty Tabor - guitars and vocals
John Myung - bass
Rod Morgenstein - drums

Discography:
The Jelly Jam (2002)
2 (2004)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: August 22nd 2004
Reviewer: Joshua "Prawg Dawg" Turner
Score:
Artist website: www.kingsxonline.com/jellyjam/
Hits: 2649
Language: english