"Arbutus and Jade" CD - Jim Meyer

musicians: Jim Meyer - StickMike Michalkow - drums and percussionDon Schiff - NS/Stick and GuitarVol (bowed guitar) on Downshift 405Zoran Todorović - Synths on Morning Light, Camucia and The BerrypatchBoris Dražić - The EggmanThese eleven original instrumentals are presented in a mainly Stick/drums duet format, with some additional colors added by percussion, synths and a wide array of effects on Meyer's Stick as well. Some have a straightforward "rock" feel, while others are more progressive, with intricate shifting polyrhythmic layers.Jim's ACTV-2 bass sound isn't "heavy" but rather clean and articulate, like a big baritone guitar, interweaving accompaniment arpeggios with Mike Michalkow's driving drums. He uses many familiar melody colors, like the whirling, distorted organ effect on the opener, "Ignition", and soaring distorted lead sounds and growly overdriven rhythm parts."Downshift 405", a mid-tempo rock ballad, introduces some great sounds from guest artist Don Schiff including