We are delighted to present you with a review by Richard Kolp, he's with us for the time in the guest review seat penning a terrfic review by guitarist Carl Eichman, and their latest cd titled "Hidden Symmetry." Thank you for stopping by contemporaryjazz.com and making us part of your journey to discover creative music.

Carl Eichman
Hidden Symmetry
[Carl Eichman, 2006]
Guest/Reviewer - Richard Kolp
Date: April, 2006 [10 Tracks 51:32 Total-Spin-Time]

The cyber collaborators are once again in full swing. Carl Eichman’s “Hidden Symmetry” is a luscious sonic adventure of guitar proportions. He’s the secret guitarist with his band of unknown worldly musicians piecing together a musical artwork of fusion, jazz rock, Latin and even some blues. The worldly musicians consist of Bill Lawrence on bass from Albany, New York, Filippe Bertacche on drums from Vicenza, Italy and Kyle Whitlock on keyboards from Columbia, South Carolina (Cintra). If you’re not familiar with Carl Eichman or his band mates the way they create their music is from home studios via sending and sharing wave files to create their own part for each song. Oh! By the way Carl lives somewhere in Florida or Connecticut depending on what time of the year it is. I also heard other sounds and instruments but noticed that they weren’t listed in the credits so I asked Carl about this. He said the percussion was done with midi keys or acid loops and the sax and trombone parts with various loops that he cut and pasted together. The quality workmanship and production in any case are world class. Why the secret guitarist you say, well it’s because I can’t think of anyone who plays guitar like him. In this day and age of copy cats and imitators Carl Eichman has his own unique playing style, sound along with uniqueness in writing style that tends to make me scream “Let This Music Be Heard”. Let’s see what this sonic adventure has in store for us.

On The Never – Sonic marvels abound from the opening note in this one. Bill Lawrence’s catchy bass along with Filippe Bertacche’s steady drumming and some of that percussion work are joined by a strong but yet free flowing guitar from Carl. It’s has a deep groove with a rock edge and pace that gives you that get up and go feeling. Might the song title be telling us that once we listen we may never want to stop?

I Fool - A sweeping dreamy guitar melody with a nice little sax solo midway through followed by an edgy guitar solo that adds just the right touch of attitude. Carl tried to fool us into relaxing on this tune but it didn’t work.

One Thing I Know – I just love the acoustic percussion in this song. It reminds me a lot of Daryl Stuermer’s “Waiting In the Wings” and master percussionist Luis Conte’s work on that CD. It’s all over the place and in just the right places. The guitar work is soothing but edgy and we have a little sax mixed in for spice along with a short keyboard solo at the end.

Congo – Were in a jungle trying to get out but are trapped buy the intoxicating melody. The keyboard starts it off and all of the sudden we are surrounded by all kinds of acoustic percussion. A midi soprano sax adds to the flavor and setting as well as joining forces in keeping us trapped. Ahhh! But wait a minute, it was all just a dream and in reality we are on a southern beach soaking up the sun along with one of those umbrella drinks. Life is good.

Cintra – This one is a dog fight between the guitar and keyboard. Both are extremely busy taking punches and counter punches from each other. Who will win in this knock down drag out affair? The answer no doubt comes at the end of this tune in the way of a fiery guitar solo that wins by a knock out.

14th of May – I’m still trying to figure this tune out. What is it exactly? Could it be a soulful ballad highlighted with oriental accents and touches of bluesy influences? It’s sour but sweet, Light and heavy all at the same time. I love the way this tune meanders about.

Crooked Mile – Is this tune coming or going. With so many breaks one doesn’t quite know what to expect. One thing is certain and that’s everyone gets some space to play. Carl and his guitar get the first shot before breaking for some nice drum work by Filippe Bertacche. Carl’s back on the gas pedal once again before breaking and handing it over to Bill Lawrence for a bass solo. The breaks, changes and rhythm make this the most interesting tune on this disk.

Deep Inside A Real Big Empty – The crying towel is indeed needed for this tune. It’s got hurt written all over it. All kinds of bad moments come to mind while listening to it. Some would include, like the last strike needed for a perfect game in bowling when you end up with a nine count, the big fish that broke your line and got away, the girl of your dreams dumping you. The guitar however helps to soothe the pain some.

Rebel In The Wheel – A big bass groove drives this tune. It’s got big band influences with rock rhythm and a wild melody. It really takes you for quite a ride. You might get that sassy feeling listening to it. It’s like a kid stealing candy in a candy store and feeling good about getting away with it. This song is most of all a rebel of rebellion.

Following You – This might be the most perfect song to end a CD. Deep inside its soulful groove is the happy side that isn’t let out. It’s like Carl is thanking us for the good times we had listening to this CD but it’s now time to close the show and hit the road. The feeling is like when you know you must leave even thou you don’t. It’s that feeling you get when the bars close and you still want to keep partying. It’s the feeling one gets at the end of a great Canadian fishing trip. It’s the end of something really good. Thanks Carl for taking us on this wonderful musical journey and hoping for many more to come in the not to distant future.

Carl is a master of melody and guitar playing that fits a style all his own. It’s edgy without being overbearing and the sense and feeling he creates with his music just blows me away. It’s also obvious that when it comes to production of needed musical components such as acid loops and the matching, phrasing and transposing that is involved Carl is once again a skilled technician at the top of his game. Visit Carl’s web site for all the details plus give your ears the chance to hear what this talented musician has to offer.

Richard Kolp has a variety of contemporaryjazz and fusion reviews and featured recordings at his site ...

Visit, Carl Eichman web space: ceemusic.com

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