Upholding the tradition, Jeff Cannata is once again making a comeback (after four years of complete silence) with a new album on a new label. Although “Tamorok”, his latest album for the now defunct Atenzia Records label, was a mix of old and new songs, it sounded pretty cohesive as a whole. One of the songs was a new version of “Stars”, which was originally to be found on the “ArcAngel” classic.
True to tradition, Jeff’s new album – titled “Mysterium Magnum” – again contains a pair of old songs and as it happens, both have again been taken from “ArcAngel”. The two (wonderful) tracks in question are “King Of The Mountain” and “Wanted: Dead Or Alive”, both written by Jeff Cannata and Michael Soldan. The other tracks are all new and to be honest, some of them were hard nuts to crack, for instance “French”. But as with so many good albums, the material grows with every spin it’s been given…
Stylewise, “Mysterium Magnum” is probably the most progressive oriented album Jeff Cannata has released so far. No wonder a track like “Somewhere Beyond The Sun” (8:47) nods to Jasper Wrath, the 70s progressive rock trio, which conisted of the above-mentioned Michael Soldan, Robert Giannotti and Jeff Cannata. All three of them can be heard performing on this particular track, together with some other musical friends of Jeff’s.
Self-produced, “Mysterium Magnum” comes as a beautiful digipak, provided with a professional looking 16-page booklet, not only containing the lyrics to all of the songs, but also a lot of mysterious illustrations… A nice example of a grower… (CL)
 

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Stefantyketto (on 11/07/07) Jeff Cannata has crossed a long-lasting route in music and yet he has the ability to amaze us, for he never compromises with his achievements but on the contrary he’s always pursuing his self-transcendence. His music always verges among two genres: prog rock & AOR, and together with his spiritual / mysticist orientation, which is becoming obvious in the lyrics & the artwork, Jeff Cannata has rendered to us some fine pieces of work. As he did in the past, same in the present time his music has specific benchmarks, such as: symphonic arrangements, demanding and often ambiguous lyrics, dominant keyboards, ethnic hints, melodic vocals, majestic AOR hook lines and, finally, all the aforementioned virtues are developing in a progressive wrapping up. Jeff Cannata delivers a superb specimen of a progish AOR album, way better than efforts like GPS’s last year. If bands like Spock’s Beard, Jadis, Ozric Tentacles, Yes, Saga, Caravan or Kansas are your cup of tea, then don’t hesitate. This is the real thing!   AOR Ive (on 10/05/06) With 3 classics under his belt you can definitely call Jeff Cannata a legend . This new cd isn't from the same level as the Arc Angel cd and the two first Cannata albums , but their are enough genious moments to be heard on this cd . It's far more progressive as his previous cd's and if I will listen to it some more I expect this album will be getting better and better .   Jez (on 1/05/06) A very strong release & one I prefer over the 'Tamorok' CD from a few years back (although that was a strong album in itself). This is nice collection,taking in most aspects of JC's varied career so far. The 2 Arcangel re-workings,'Wanted: Dead Or Alive' & 'King Of The Mountain' are great aswell. 'Spirit Of The Four Winds' & 'Kalli Allah' are my standouts so far, but there are alot of very strong tracks on this one. An album I didn't know was in the pipeline and a VERY nice surprise indeed.   i see red (on 30/04/06) this new one from cannata must grow and i think the previous one tamarok was better. this one is more progeressive but not a bad one. except that awful number "french" i forgive jeff ian"s song on the great watching the world but wat the hell must a melodic or aor fan with a number as french!!!!!! thanks god there 12 left   loudnes (on 27/04/06) -   GlenRavine (on 21/04/06) I like - not bad, ,it took a couple of spins but I enjoyed. Very progressive though, IMO.   melodic rocks (on 19/04/06) Well, well, this is a very pleasant surprise..........a perfect sounding disc, introvert lyrics, nice, caracteristic sound and songs with a little more depth than we expected from him......this album fills the gap between his mystic, progressive side and his AOR-approach. And yes, some old faves are revitalized by this master. I like the album a lot !   WOLF 359 (on 19/04/06) A much more progressive album from Jeff Cannata and a little belter as well , very personal to him ( read the lyrics ) and played beautifully , for fans of old and new alike .

 

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