Artist:	Art Rock Circus
	Album:	Heavens Cafe' Live - A Rock Opera by John Miner ( 1998 )
	Format:	CD
	Label:	Tributary
	Genre:	[Psychedelic Art Rock]
	Overall Rating:	8.0
	Music:	8.5
	Production:	7.0

Since the "Heavens Cafe'" rock opera took the stage again (currently on six week run in Los Angeles with Insurgo Theater), a review of corresponding live recording could be in place. John Miner is the man behind Art Rock Circus, and he recently did the guitar work for the K² album "Book of the Dead" except for the guest guitar solos by Allan Holdsworth. As the name of the band (Art Rock Circus) suggests, the music they play is art rock in the vein of the acts of seventies. Unlike the so-called metal operas that are quite popular these days, ARC's Heavens Cafe' is a real play with dancers and all - a true musical.

It's a shame this release doesn't come as a DVD, since it would have been great to see the play in addition to the music and the story, which by the way is rather good. Musically this album is laid-back art rock with great performances by the cast members (the lyrics are eloquent). The songs float effortlessly and blend together almost seamlessly.

Unfortunately the recordings on this album aren't as good as the music is. There's slight background noise on the recordings, which luckily isn't too obtrusive. The sounds, on the other hand, are quite atmospheric and fitting but I reckon this would have sounded great on the spot.

If you listen to art rock and are intrigued by concept albums, you should check out Art Rock Cafe. This live album captures their lively performance, to which one can come back from time to time... but if you get a chance, I recommend you to check out the whole performance live.

Visit Artist's Website


- MAGE (May 27th, 2005)

LINE-UP:
Miner, John: Guitar Cornell, Jon: Bass Weisberg, Jon: Drums Grimmett, Melanie: Violin The Cast: Ashmore, Todd: Lark Gifford, Allison: Robin Burris, Timothy: Kral Critchfield, Sean: Classical Man Miche': Guardian Angel Josh: The Dark One In addition there are the dancers...
Producer:	Miner, John
Mixing by:	Miner, John
Mastering by:	Digital Insight

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Last Smile Sunshine 02. Astralography 03. Heavens Cafe' 04. Never Alone 05. Classical Man 06. Labyrinth 07. Tower of Information 08. Again 09. Flowing Home 10. The Dark 11. Robins' Lullaby 12. Length: 46:04