Mariani - Perpetuum Mobile

Year of Release: 2001
Label: Akarma Records
Catalog Number: AK140
Format: LP
Total Time: 48:11:00

A trio called Mariani originally recorded Perpetuum Mobile in 1970. In 2001 Akarma Records resurrected this sought after collectable. A young 16-year-old guitarist was making some noise then, his name was Eric Johnson. Many music lovers found out about Johnson through his breakthrough album Ah Via Musicom in 1990. After The Ventures had initiated me and opened my ears to instrumental rock, I heard Johnson's song "Trademark," which was enjoying a steady rotation on FM radio. Enamored by the new sound, I consequently started my search for all the instrumental guitar music that I could get my hands on.

This reissued classic rock-blues album comes packaged in gatefold sleeve with the original stunning artwork and lengthy and informative liner notes that fill up both sides of the inner sleeves.

I really did not know what to expect when I put this platter on my turntable. I thought it might have been one of those castaway recordings that you hear 30 years after the fact. This however was not the case. Johnson, Vince Mariani (drums, vocals), and Jay Podolick (bass, vocals) were a powerful trio. Johnson was only a 16-year-old kid but he sounded years beyond capabilities as a lead guitar player.

The cuts recorded for this album were not for the faint of heart or meant for top-forty airplay, some are complex jams that run for over five minutes. The beginning of side two starts things off with a Vanilla Fudge/Cactus like blues-rock session. That song was the decisive factor for me. It solidified in my mind that Johnson was indeed big league material long before he received that recognition.

It is time to blow the dust off your turntable and start your LP collection again. This album will inspire you ... I guarantee it. Even if you are not interested in the music, the cover alone is a real eye catcher for science fiction buffs or album art collectors. I loved the entire package myself, and was enlightened once again about an artist I have always enjoyed.

Originally released in 1970 by Sonobeat Records (HEC-411/HEC-412)

Eric Johnson: www.ericjohnson.com

Tracklisting:
Side One: Searching For A New Dimension (5:40) / Re-Birth Day (5:52) / Things Are Changing (4:42) / Lord I Just Cant Help Myself (2:55) / The Unknown Path (5:58)

Side Two: Euphoria (11:23) / Message (2:19) / Windy Planet (6:09) / Re-Birth Day (45 Version) (3:05) / Memories (2:08)

Musicians:
Eric Johnson - guitar, vocals
Vince Mariani -drums, vocals
Jay Podolnick - bass, vocals

Discography:
Perpetuum Mobile (1970/2001)

Genre: Rock

Origin US

Added: October 20th 2002
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website:
Hits: 1867
Language: english