Another Side of Genesis by Daryl Stuermer

To Mike, Tony, Phil - Thanks for the great music and wonderful memories."

REVIEW From JOAN LYNCH, JazzReview.com, 07/17/2000

How often does an artist successfully musically transcribe rock into Latin jazz? How about rock to acid jazz? Or for that matter, rock to soulful R&B? A challenge for most, impossible for some, this is the production amassed in Daryl Stuermer's latest "Another Side of Genesis". Taking the best known and loved creations of Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Michael Rutherford, Stuermer, a former Genesis band member unleashed his own ambitious versions of these by arranging all of the album's songs except for two where he combines his arranging skills with that of his album pianist/keyboardist Kostia.

The work kick starts from the first cut, a Latin and lustful version of "Follow You Follow Me", and one appreciates immediately the nostalgic yet new road Stuermer has plotted. Stuermer lyrically and beautifully translated "Hold On My Heart" and "Taking It All Too Hard" brings that same lyricism adapted to his electric guitar with clear skill. There's a hint of Ritenour in "Throwing It All Away", and the vocals midway as performed by Amy Keys will have you humming along while tapping your toes to the percussion mastery of Luis Conte.

Stuermer works the frets of both acoustic and electric guitars as well as electric bass, keyboards and various percussion, himself. No where does one appreciate his skill with a Fender Strat better than in his cover of "Land of Confusion" where Stuermer crosses over from the subtleties of musical melodies he's put together in the early part of the album into the strong tones of acid and fusion. This is where his Genesis experience shines and having toured with the famous group from the late 70's through 1992, he delivers those influences especially in this song. Back to a cover of "In Too Deep", with borderline smooth jazz tendencies he's taken what was in itself a beautiful melody to start with and on electric again, delivered it clearly and skillfully...you can hum along to this one too. You'll continue to feel the diversity of this guitarists techniques as the album closes out with more of the Genesis favorites such as "No Son of Mine". Mysterious moods created at the beginning of this song develop into precision and clarity of the famous tune with powerful and masterful technique displayed by Stuermer reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix.

This CD gives a comfortable mix of styles, songs and arrangements that are not only diversified in their arrangement, but also technically sound. Stuermer's jazz guitar has taken a gradual turn on this album by holding on to the comforts of acoustical melodies, while bringing forth the strength of electric guitar's unique metal sound. He's arranged the famous tunes in a way that appeals to lovers of all forms of jazz; you'll hear similarities with many of today's smooth jazz guitarists and still be able to hang on to what made you a Genesis fan from the start. If you're like Stuermer, you'll be an even bigger fan of both!

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