Chemical Reactions is a joint album project presented by Gavin Harrison and Antoine Fafard. The original music on this album features a hybrid between the progressive-fusion approach and the world of chamber and orchestral music. Fafard’s compositions highlight Harrison’s innovative drumming through this intense and unique journey of epic proportions.

The album kicks in with Transmutation Circle, a piece where drums and electric bass interact with a string quartet, while Harrison provides occasional marimba parts to the music. The format on this first piece is the blueprint for almost half of the album. Singular Quartz follow, showcasing a different orchestration where drums and bass play alongside violin, cello, marimba and vibraphone. On this track, Jerry Goodman who has been a frequent collaborator on Fafard’s music, performs the acoustic and electric violin parts.

The album concludes with Holding Back the Clock and Chemical Reactions, two pieces where Harrison and Fafard perform with the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra. Based in Ostrava, Czech Republic, the symphonic ensemble was recorded in March 2016 and conducted by Anthony Armore.

Gavin Harrison’s work with Porcupine Tree, King Crimson and The Pineapple Thief is well known to progressive fans around the world. His discography includes some unique projects, including three albums made in collaboration with 05Ric, and his solo album, Cheating the Polygraph, which features the music of Porcupine Tree arranged for contemporary brass. Harrison has also authored several instructional drum books and DVDs, and received multiple awards from various publications.

Fafard has been releasing his music for 20 years, having collaborated with some of the world’s most respected and influential players, including Vinnie Colaiuta, Gary Husband, Simon Phillips, Todd Sucherman and Dave Weckl. Fafard’s music has been praised for its intricacy and originality by his peers.

Chemical Reactions offers a true fusion of musical styles and tones. It was created to expand artistic possibilities and open up new horizons. Released in December 2020, the album is distributed by Amplified Distribution.

Chemical Reactions (2020)

All prices listed below are inclusive of worldwide shipping (for CD product)

When you order this album, your will automatically receive a download link for the digital version of the album (in three formats – MP3, FLAC and ALAC), together with a PDF of the booklet.

$15.00 – $35.00

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