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Being a new artist these days has to undoubtedly be a labor of love. Just imagine trying to get someone to listen and be objective to your voice is almost impossible, that’s unless you’re striving to be an American Idle (at least someone listens). Maybe its time for “us” as music fans/consumers to stop being held hostage by the madness of the American media blitz of advertising while we’re gazing in the over cast skyline looking for that glimmer of light called stardom. It's very important for us to establish an intimate relationship with the inspiring voices of creative artists, they’re musical platter is filled with colorful and visionary expressions of passion. In most cases they’re music is non-commercial or draped with the cloned idealisms that we’re faced with daily.

 

Consider this, “Mars in October” by guitarist Mike Fageros. His voice and musical direction draws from guitarist Roy Buchanan, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, and Wes Montgomery etc. Now, in this mostly trio setting Fageros serves up a simmering dose of tasty cool jazz that spans from the 60’s into an atmospheric groove of the new millennium. Some people might say “old peoples music” (referring to 60’s jazz). I think not! Because Mike Fageros very well understands his instrument and respects the intimacy of this music that he so admirably executes with passion.

 

The Players: Jovol Bell ~ drums, Delover Axel ~ bass on 2, 3, 4 and 7, Kato bass on 1,5, 6 & 8, and Mike Fageros guitarist

 

Out of the eight tracks on “Mars in October” five of them are covers of classic jazz masterpieces. Don’t frit as Fageros opens with the title track “Mars in October”, his fluid guitar eloquent strokes shines with tasteful grace and beauty as his trio interjects with concise interplay. Fageros tackles sax-master Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints” in the next selection. He envelops this piece with a neatly wrapped package that derives from the Scofield and Coryell school of jazz guitar breathing his voice of freshness into this jazz classic.

 

“Tribute to Paul Yeargers” penned by Mike Fageros verbalizes nicely with this sonically in your face groove with tight infrastructure loosely provided by drummer Jovol Bell and bassist Delover Axel.

 

Fageros passion for classic jazz glows with sincerity on “These are Soulful Days”. This is jazz guitar at it’s best. On the fifth track Fageros and company digs deep into their fusion bag of tricks with “Dear Luis”.  Unfortunately this track it didn’t last long enough for this listener.

 

As a diligent student of jazz Fageros dives “In a Mellow Mood” originally recorded by guitarist Wes Montgomery. Fageros stays focused as he brilliantly attaches himself to the thread of Montgomery’s guitar artistry. 

 

The next track in my opinion demonstrates at some point in every jazz musicians career they must cover “Little Sunflower” by jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Artists record jazz classics in order to humbly secure their spot in the tradition etching they’re signature into the aforementioned masterpieces.

 

Fageros and friends wraps up this eight song set with what he calls “Mr. Jimmy Smith”.  Mike illustrates so eloquently that it doesn’t take nerves to play a bluesy Jimmy Smith jam if you’re not an organist. All you need to do is just play it and Fageros does it so very well at that!

 

Mike Fageros and his colleagues serve up tasty renditions of jazz classics shouldered by promising original compositions on this project. Sure, “Mars in October” by Mike Fageros may or not be your cup of tea. On the other hand if you’re seeking an alternative voice (that’s shaped by the influences of Roy Buchanan and many others) or you’re just craving good music with enduring qualities then this project is calling out your name.

 

 

  

 

 

q       Visit Mike Fageros web space: http://www.mikefageros.com/

q       Listen too and purchase his music here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fageros