“Moving Star” is 2013’s EP by Mount Dora, FL based progressive rock songwriter, keyboardist and singer Steve Hillier. For more than 30 years, he worked as a session musician for South Florida blues and soul artists like Bobby Stringer and Betty Padgett. On “Moving Star” Hillier is joined by a trio of guest musicians, including Mike Noegraf (electric and acoustic guitars), Zamm Kenobi (drums), and Rafael Freitas (bass guitar on two songs).
This project is primarily song dominated and does not involve long instrumental sections or many solos, as is default for progressive rock releases. However, there are quite a few tasteful keyboard and guitar solos throughout the EP, always well integrated into the songs. Noegraf is a very talented guitarist, but in Steve Hillier’s music guitar plays only a supporting role behind the dominating keyboards and vocals. The sound of “Moving Star” is very organic due to the inclusion of several acoustic instruments and a much more timeless keyboard sound (often piano, symphonic synthesiser and some flute-like sounds) compared to the thin, more electronic sounds of the 80’s.
The sound palette of “Moving Star” is surprisingly rich and the sonic quality of the record is pristine. It is hard to pick favorites since the quality of the music is quite evenly spread over the release. But the opening, self-titled track and the closer (“Nancy”), as well as the ballad “And I Want You to Know That I Love You So” are probably the best moments
The conclusion is that “Moving Star” is a very well made record from most perspectives. It may not be the kind of music that will take the average prog fan by storm, but still, this is a good addition to any prog collection.
The conclusion is that “Moving Star” is a very well made record from most perspectives. It may not be the kind of music that will take the average prog fan by storm, but still, this is a good addition to any prog collection.
