Like Setting Myself on Fire

Label: Sharpeworldmusic Category: Music Average customer rating: Media: Audio CD Number Of Discs: 1 UPC: 649288040928 EAN: 0649288040928 ASIN: B0000690AH Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

1. Like Setting Myself on Fire
2. Refuge
3. Trance-formation
4. Heritage
5. Generations
6. A Legacy
7. Imagine That You Are Light
8. Now is the Time
9. All that is Seen and Unseen
10. Bring Me Back Her Heart
11. Like Waking out of a Deep Sleep
12. From This Dream Forward
13. The Burning Sands
14. Until the Day Breathes

Customer Reviews:

Like Setting Myself On Fire.......2002-08-15

From a compositional standpoint, the "LSMOF" merges tribal/world elements with an almost New Age element, although that comparison really isn't fair because the blend is high-energy, stormy and dark at times while peaceful and introspective at others. And, throughout the entire disc, special attention is paid to thematic melodic elements that are intelligently foreshadowed and referenced on multiple occasions. The resulting sonic tapestry is nothing short of a modern symphony with a highly cinematic feel. The merging of styles is one of the greatest strengths of this disc and Sharpe's artistry is unique in that he is able to transcend the usual boundaries of the genres mentioned.

For example, the energetic motion of the piano lines in "Heritage" and "Generations" is pinned down by a clever percussion arrangement that almost hints of electronica. Another example: the main theme of "Bring Me Back Her Heart" could easily have been a hook in a rock song, and here it provides a foundation for an excellent drum solo.

Sharpe's technical skills are nothing short of amazing. He is easily in the same league as well-known drummers like Dave Weckl or Neil Peart, but the difference here is that Sharpe's album is heavily focused on composition whereas the works of Weckl and others are generally more chops-oriented.

It is rare to find a debut project of this depth and vision. "Like Setting Myself On Fire" is a bold musical statement.

A Percussion Symphony.......2002-07-18

As a drummer/percussionist, I particularly appreciate those elements in his composition and arranging. I think percussion can be orchestrated as richly as strings or brass, but I rarely hear it done. You will certainly hear it done on this album. I love to drive with this on.

But this is not just a drumfest: Tom Sharpe can apparently be any member of an orchestra he wishes to be. Soaring voices ornament the enormous emotions generated by his rhythmic foundation, and then he can turn on a dime and demonstrate piano virtuosity in a number of moods. "From This Dream Forward" made me think I had accidentally shifted to a disk of Beethoven Sonatas (Pathetique, for you Ludwig Van fans). Sharpe displays a lot of Beethoven's kind of stormy brilliance, lots of power tinged with delecate melodies.

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