Dutch drummer Rene Engel`s second album, Spheres Of Samarkand, appeared in 1998, and features nine Engel instrumentals and one co-written by keyboard player Maik Schott. The fusion album also offers blazing guitar work courtesy of Richard Hallebeek, who appears inspired by Allan Holdsworth and other great fusion guitarists. As the album art and many of the song titles suggest, the music has an exotic feel to it, fusing a number of world influences with as many jazz/rock textures and tones. Fans of Engel`s "Nostalgie" will find Spheres Of Samarkand a must-have, and if you`ve not been turned on to Hallebeek yet - well, you`re in for a nice surprise!
