(Jazz Rock/Fusion/Canterbury) A Triggering Myth - Forgiving Eden - 2002, FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

A Triggering Myth biography
The band was formed in 1989 by Rick Eddy and Tim Drumheller, an American duo of multi-instrumentalists who handle keyboards, guitars, percussions, flute and trumpet, although they regularly enlist the contribution of talented guest musicians on drums and percussion. Heavily keyboard based (especially the piano), their style is a curious mixture of jazz, rock and classical (symphonic) music with dark, mysterious overtones without being sinister - more like suspenseful. Even when the guys kick into high gear the atmosphere remains tension-filled. As far as comparisons go, names such as GENTLE GIANT, VDGG or ELP have surfaced but none truly convey the originality of this twosome, whose sublime interplay and strong emphasis on counterpoint cleverly blends all of these bands' styles and more, resulting in a unique contemporary sound of its own.

Their music seems to become more unusual and complex with every new output. Their second album, 'Twice Bitten", already shows much maturity over their self-titled debut, both in playing and in composition. Their second and third releases, "Between Cages" and "The Sins of our Saviours", continue somewhat in the same vein whereas their fifth, "Forgiving Eden", is a single 43:32-minute suite divided into several movements. A superb work of art where the addition of guitarist Scott McGill and drummer Vic Stevens infuse the music with still more fusion elements.

From www.progarchives.com:

Two hypes of the moment have been used on the last album of A TRIGGERING MYTH : the combination of jazz and progressive rock and the use of a single long epic track on the album. Bands like THE FLOWER KINGS tend to make a blend of progressive, jazz and classical music, thus making albums that are perhaps less accessible to the common listener, but surely with high quality standards. And that's ecaxtly what you can expect of the last 'instrumental' cd of A TRIGGERING MYTH, formed around two keyboard players.
Although these guys are perhaps not so well-known around here, 'Forgiving Eden' is already their fifth release since 1989. For their fifth album, this instrumental rock duo of A TRIGGERING MYTH has created a cd as one long instrumental track, divided into several movements (the tracks are identified on a cd player) They are assisted by two members of former Hand Farm, guitarist Scott McGill and drummer Vic Stevens. These guys introduce elements of fusion to the symphonic approach of A TRIGGERING MYTH, as a result the music will certainly appeal to lovers of both progressive rock and fusion. The quality of this recording is really superb.

Switch off all the lights, light some candles, take a beer and listen to the introduction of this album and you will have the perfect atmosphere for this piece of music, you could call it 'ambient jazz'. But immediately after this, 'Embrace reconciliation' will drive up the tempo and will immerse you in a sometimes chaotic fusion, alternating with keyboard fragments in the vein of Keith Emerson and Par Lindh and again switching at the end in ambient fusion. Although you know that only keyboards are used throughout the album, it seems that a lot of other instruments are involved, which makes the music always differentiated. In fact, it is nearly impossible to describe all tracks on the album, you just have to listen.

There are beautiful melodies from the keyboard players while the amazing McGill on guitar and Vic Stevens on drums and percussion are really high skilled musicians and are perfect for the job. This results in a musical experiment going from acoustic to electric, from progressive to jazz, from ambient to heavy stuff. I also really appreciate the presence of the Hammond, sometimes jazzy, sometimes smoothly. Difficult to pinpoint some references for this, but names like BANCO and SOFT MACHINE can be mentioned.

'Forgiving Eden' comes in a nice artwork cover (without booklet), but with unreadable characters. Guys, try to have some compassion with reviewers, they are getting older and their eyes are getting worse!

But A TRIGGERING MYTH has set a new standard with this album. If you are into a mix of progressive rock and fusion, this album is definitely for you.

From www.proggnosis.com:

With 2/3rds of the former Hand Farm or more currently known as theMMS(McGill/Manring/Stevens) band in Scott McGill(guitars) and Vic Stevens(drums), Tim Drumheller and Rick Eddy take their dualling keyboards, and fine studio savvy to higher ground with this 2002 release called Forgiving Eden.

On this, the bands 5th cd, the most impressive feature apart from their previous cds, is in fact the additions of McGill and Stevens, while they never lacked in the compositional department, nor keyboard skills, the music did lack in personality due in part to the programmed percussion, and with McGill lending his superlative skills on guitar they have found a perfect complimentary 'voice' to enhance the bands sound.

This music is a full on keyboard symphonic rock treat for the senses, and the recording quality is stellar. The cd was written as one long song, divided into several movements, all instrumental, and beautifully arranged as well. The keyboard talents of these two are right in line with the eclectic styles of the greats such as: Dave Stewart, Kurt Rongey, Eddie Jobson or Chris Buzby, keeping in mind that the players listed here are anything but conventional, but outstanding, unique voices in the progressive rock world.

While the music could stand on it's own as a keyboard featured cd, McGills' presence on both acoustical and electric guitars provides just that little ingredient to make this a must have cd for fans of symphonic progressive, and don't mind a hint of fusion to go with it. I should also add that Vic Stevens lays down some dynamic drumming, some of the more interesting I have heard from him, showing that sometimes certain composers can bring out the best in other musicians as seems to be the case here, In many ways the music takes on a National Health feel, or even Brufords early recordings with Stewart & Holdworth. This is top notch prog, and a real treat to hear on a great system, be sure to visit Laser's Edge and check out a sample.

- Tim Drumheller / keyboards, programming, production
- Rick Eddy / keyboards, titles, poetry

Guests:
- Scott McGill / guitars
- Vic Stevens / drums, percussion