Don Schiff - "Peering Over Clouds" Review

Artist/ Band: Don Schiff
Title: Peering Over Cliuds
Label: Think Tank Media
Year of Release: 2005
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Before I get started I have to say that Don Schiff, NS/Stick player is one of the most underrated musicians of our time. He should be regarded in a higher status level as one of the best bass/ stick players ever to grace this planet. He also gives some of the masters, such as Tony Levin a run for the money. This would give bands more choices of a stick player.

Now that I’m somewhat done with my rant, I’ll give you some recent history of Don’s. He’s mainly seen as a regular sideman of Erik Norlander, Lana Lane, and Rocket Scientists. I should point out on those bands, Don is never overshadowed, which is such a relief since those bands have such excellent musicians (and no egos).

To date, according to DonSchiff.com, his recent solo album Peering Over Clouds is also his third in the new millennium. This is an all instrumental album that showcases the talent that Don possesses and is joined by Greg Ellis on drums.. He is a monster when it comes to the stick. Such power, and beauty comes from his fingers. For those unaware, on this and most of the recordings Don has been on, he primarily uses the NS/Stick (an eight string fretboard tapping instrument created by Emmett Chapman, who gave us the original Stick, and Ned Steinberger, who popularized the Steinberger basses and guitars).

Peering Over Clouds, consists of 13 tracks , ranging from full progressive rock to world music and touches upon some jazzy moments. One of the songs is an instrumental version of Lana Lane's "Under the Olive Tree" as well as a very nicely done version of Whiter Shade of Pale. As with any Think Tank Media release, the production job is handled by none other than Erik Norlander. With all the years of playing together, Erik is the right choice for the job.

This is definitely one of my favorite instrumental releases so far in 2005. I certainly hope Don follows up with another wonderful collection of songs in this same duo format as showcased here. If you like instrumental music, heck if you like great music then you must add Peering Over Clouds to your collection today!

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on September 6th, 2005

Tracks:

1. Peering Over Clouds

2. Winds Of Fire, Winds of Change

3. Under The Olive Tree

4. Secret World

5. Inside the Color of Dreams

6. Tomorrow's Magic

7. Reflective View

8. From Where The Past Began

9. The Eighth Wonder

10. A Whiter Shade of Pale

11. Talking In Tongues

12. Between Sound and Silence

13. Crossing The Lines of Reason