Reviews

Interview with David
www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=71509

The opening track, 'Masquerade' is one of the highlights, and even features the guitar work of Andrew (nee Andy) Latimer from Camel. Turns out David Minasian directed a concert film and documentary for Camel back in the mid-nineties and they've been friends ever since. There's plenty time for both of them to shine as the song slowly unveils itself over twelve minutes. There are three instrumental tracks on the album with 'Storming The Castle' the best of them. It's a rare chance for Mr Minasian to kick out his particular jams, and there is some fabulous guitar work from his son, Justin. Out of all the exquisite tracks on offer, it's 'Frozen In Time' that is the winner for me. It's not for the faint of heart, being a fifteen minute long instrumental, which has its roots in the early eighties when he was recording his debut album. It's been brought up to date with some new material added, and is a full-on, proper, everything including the kitchen sink, over the top progressive masterpiece that throws lutes, flutes and a cathedral organ into the mix. It's utterly insane and utterly fantastic. In fact, I'm a wee bit dizzy just thinking about it. It's the best symphonic prog album I've heard in years, and the best prog album, full stop, of this year. Essential listening.
www.the-rocker.co.uk

...The compositions are lush and sweeping orchestrations with layers of keyboards (a deceptively wicked amount of Mellotron, no less), soaring guitars from both David and his son Justin, and vocal arrangements, both stirring and sublime, almost like a lullaby. Songs like Masquerade or the Chambermaid build with effortless pacing showering your ears with profound yet delicate movements. Then the instrumental Frozen in Time evades this subtly with a brisk, energetic, urgency only to be tempered by atmospheric symphonic prog as it concludes. The whole work is thoroughly engaging, and a delight to the senses. With little doubt, fans of classic symphonic progressive rock will find David Minasian's Random Acts of Beauty a brilliant, near flawless, piece of music. And they would be correct. Strongly recommended.
www.dangerdog.com/2010-music-reviews/david-minasian-random-acts-of-beauty-review.php

Another surprise that got dropped in my mailbox last week by HL. The album is influenced by Camel (music), The Moody Blues (vocals) and at times the vocals also remind me a bit of David Gilmour. Symphonic progressive rock with lengthy guitar and keyboard solo’s is what you could call it if i have to name a genre. While listening to “Masquerade” for the first time and getting to the point where Andy Latimer, as a guest, starts to play his solo it raised the hairs on my arms and neck immediately. It’s well known what health battles Andy has been fighting and to be honest it’s great to hear him play again. The track itself is the prime example of what we are getting on the whole album. Some vocals but most of the track you will be listening to the keyboards and guitars firing up one salvo after another...
harmoniclizard.com/?q=node/269

A propos of nothing, is there a statute of limitations on debut albums? That is, if one's first album was released 26 years ago and now another appears, is it another debut? Anyways, David Minasian has been nothing if not busy in the intervening quarter century, and his activities of greatest interest would involve mutual heroes CAMEL and ANDY LATIMER. Apparently Mr Latimer provided much encouragement to see this project to fruition, some of it tangible, as in lending guitars and voice to one of the best tracks. This is mostly lush and melodic music that lovingly recalls former symphonic glory days while establishing its own filter on that period. Soaring lead guitars, ethereal keyboards, and melancholic vocals blend appealingly. All are well played, and the song oriented tracks tend to hold together rather well. Apart from a more orchestrally inspired CAMEL, other comparisons might be to the MOODY BLUES, PINK FLOYD, and some keyboard wizzes, among them KITARO in the more mellow and reflective moments...
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=297017

Easily one of the most beautiful CDs I've heard and I'm not just saying that because of its title. Ive been a faithful reader of Prog Archives for years and was motivated to finally register and write a review after hearing this album. As a longtime Camel fan I was excited to hear something new from Andy Latimer after such a long absence. Andy plays guitar and sings on the first track Masquerade, and what a track it is. It begins with solo piano. Various instruments such as harpsichord, oboe, and cello are then added to the mix. Davids vocals take over and the track slowly begins to build. At the 4 minute mark Andy's trademark lead guitar enters along with drums and a powerful Squire-like bass. Andy's lead soars over a lush mellotron backdrop for the next 4 minutes, interrupted briefly by a moog solo. At the 8 minute mark the tempo dramatically changes and for the remainder of the song we have powerful twin guitars from Andy battling it out over Davids frantic piano. Andy's heartfelt vocals bring this stunning track to a close.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=368508

If James Cameron decided to halt work on the Avatar sequel and the 3-D conversion of Titanic to record a progressive-rock album, it would probably sound quite a bit like David Minasian’s lofty, keyboards-rich Random Acts of Beauty. Minasian also is a film director (plus multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer)—just a much less famous one than Cameron. In prog circles, his name might ring a bell with fans of Camel, the band whose new DVD, The Opening Farewell, Minasian produced and directed. He recruited Camel vocalist/guitarist Andrew Latimer for the lush opening track, “Masquerade,” and Minasian’s 20-year-old son, Justin, plays guitar throughout this rare solo album. Random Acts of Beauty boasts soaring orchestration, lengthy arrangements and gorgeous melodies that evoke Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues and Camel, and parts of these seven songs contain passages that sound as if they’ve been lifted from soundtracks to yet-unseen Minasian films.
www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-13407-david-minasian.html

All in all David Minasian has really captured a mood here. The lush orchestrations building up some classic guitar and synth lead lines is both nostalgic and forward looking in that it really doesn’t in any way sound dated. Fans of bands such as Barclay James Harvest, Moody Blues, or Camel will I think find much to enjoy here. Random Acts of Beauty is a really good disc, thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
www.jerrylucky.com/reviews%20k-o_046.htm

...The emotional 'Blue Rain' follows before the long instrumental 'Frozen In Time'. If you thought that prog rock was dead, think again; this track sounds fresh and is filled with memorable moments. Unlike the overindulgences from the some of the older prog rock bands of the past, the fusing of classical and rock tempos and instruments here gives a pleasing result. This is symphonic progressive rock at it's best; just enough orchestration, just enough rock. Throughout the album the use of multi-layered vocals is often used; this is especially evident in 'Summers End'. Acoustic guitar and synthesisers also feature along with the obligatory lead guitar break to keep it all together. The synthesiser work here deserves a mention, as does the overall exquisite phrasing of the piece. The album finishes with 'Dark Waters'; where clarinet meets piano and synthesiser. A fitting end to a great album, the atmosphere is gentle and mood is slow; the instrumental arrangement featuring some excellent guitar.
www.roomthirteen.com/cd_reviews/11611/David_Minasian__Random_Acts_Of_Beauty.html

The emphasis on Random Acts Of Beauty lies definitely on melody, pure dynamics and really lots of Mellotron. You can also enjoy a couple of outstanding melodic guitar solos and it's needless to say that the solo of Mr. Latimer is the best of the entire album. You can marvel at that solo in the opening track Masquerade. Every time I hear it I'm deeply moved and touched. This man really can play emotional and heartbreaking solos! The other six tracks are all a mix of symphonic rock, prog rock and sometimes even neo-classical rock. Most of these mainly long tracks are rather melodic and full of keyboard parts and great guitar solos. These solos are played by Justin Minasian, David's twenty-year old son, who did a great job. David Minasian also used a couple of curious instruments like the harpsichord, the oboe and the flute which all add something extra to the tracks. The longest song Frozen In Time is an instrumental beauty that sometimes reminds me of good old Mike Oldfield. So if you like dreamy, melodic symphonic rock and the music of Camel then you can buy this album even without listening!
www.backgroundmagazine.nl/QLinks/CDReviews.html

After hearing the latest release from David Minasian I feel my spirit has been lifted up and it brings emotional warmth, such is the power of the lyrics, the huge keyboard motifs and dynamic guitar breaks. The music is all gentle and lucid, ethereal and dreamy at times, but never too dark, rather a collection of reflective heartfelt compositions. It is easy to tell that the band members have poured their heart and soul into this album and it translates to the listener. The album cover for a start is a beautifully realised portrait of a goddess in white with the Saturn rings and the waves ebbing around amidst a castle, perhaps an enchantress luring us into her charms, and it certainly reminds me of the album covers of more Gothic bands such as Epica or Nightwish. However there is nothing really Gothic on this album, and there are no female vocals. Instead there are conceptual songs that are rendered with fragility and serenity, beauty and tranquillity expressed in long instrumental breaks and soft vocals.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=293206

...The musicanship involved is astonishing, but is also deceivingly simple. Like good classical music (Minasian is obviously a trained pianist). In fact, the tasteful arrangements and the melodic compositions hide it´s complexity to most people. Random Acts of Beauty (a reference to the 7 wonderful tracks? well, it surely fits that bill) is a fine tapestry of gentle melodies and terrific harmonies. Quite elaborated when the music calls for it, and simple when necessary. Nothing more and nothing less. And it´s hard to compare the music here to anything in particular. It sounds quite familiar, and yet it is also very original. However, some influences are clear. Early Camel is the most obvious one for Andy Latimer even plays on the opening track, the 12 minute Masquerade. The Moody Blues also seems to be a source of inspiration specially for the vocal parts. Blessed with a very good production, David Minasian´s album is a startling showcase of his incredible talents both as a musician, songwriter and arranger. I was not sure if I should give this album a five star rating since it is only his first solo efford (not counting an obscure release in the 80´s). But the music here speaks for itself and it is truly a masterpiece of progressive music. A prog heaven for my ears. /And I´m looking forward to listen to his future works. Highly recommended!
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=293561

...The use of the spacey keyboards throughout the record adds an almost heavenly feel to each song, building the momentum nicely to give way to some excellent guitar solo leads. The soft undertones of “Soft Rain” setup the rest of the story and writing as it feels almost as if a story is being told from a work of literature. If painting a picture can be so vivid then listening to “Frozen In Time” sounds like watching a lifetime production of someone’s life. The rest of the album follows it’s melancholy suits very well as the dreamy keys and lengthy guitar solos take hold to add more substance to each track. Not easily digested as any fan of Prog Rock knows, you have to give it’s share time to appreciate it. The musicianship is very well done, and overall is nice piece of work albeit maybe too dull in some spots for my likings. I would of probably liked more moving vocals to compliment the great keyboard and guitar playing but is a double edge sword as David Minasian is known for his compositions not necessarily for his vocals. Regardless of some low key points the music remains strong and is a nice touch to hear Latimer back in action even if it’s for one track. If you’re a progressive fan check it out when the full length release comes out in October.
myglobalmind.info/2010/08/12/david-minasian-–-random-acts-of-beauty

...Storming the castle (5:30) is a jaunty instrumental track with keyboards to the fore. Blue Rain (7:35) builds from a gentle vocal/keyboard introduction into stunning guitar passages that are intensely beautiful; the counterpoint with the rippling keyboards is striking. Frozen in time (14:37) is the longest track, composed of a series of flowing segments, varying from quiet acoustic passages to the most rock-oriented on the album. The musicianship is faultless and the interplay of David and Justin is a joy to listen to. Summer's End (7:55) builds on this interplay and Justin's guitar solos are wonderfully emotive; I think this is my favourite track on the album. The album closes with Dark Waters (5:03) which again paints a picture of light and shade with airy keyboard passages and intense guitar. It's hard to buttonhole this album; you can hear influences, but the musicianship and music stands on its own. Intensely melodic, emotive and uplifting, no one else sounds like this. I love this album already and think it will be on my CD player for months to come. I hope the album gives David the exposure he deserves and spurs him to create more of this wonderful music; there's nothing random about it, it's all beautiful and I can heartily recommend it to you.
www.amazon.co.uk/Random-Acts-Beauty-David-Minasian/dp/B003VC6ESG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1282614989&sr=1-1

Latimer, who has not recorded anything new since 2002 but decided to contribute to this record playing guitars and lending his voice to the opening track, "Masquerade". Along with David Minasian, who plays all the instruments, we find - besides Latimer in that song - David's son Justin on guitars and, in only one or two songs, drummer Guy Pettet (who also assisted in the engineering proces), who adds his contribution to the drum tracks recorded by David Minasian himself, Don Ray Reyes jr. (also a drummer) and Nick Soto (guitars). Guitars, with the soaring style typical of David Latimer sometimes reprised by the two Minasian, are central, but keyboards and Mellotron also have a vital role in the structure of the album. Of the seven very good songs, particularly memorable are the wonderful "Chambermaid" and "Summer's End".
www.movimentiprog.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Recensioni&file=view&id=3290

Interview with David
homenucleonics.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/interview-with-david-minasian

...The genre of this album is easily distinguished as symphonic progressive rock. Epic, almost medieval song structures, heavy keyboard and guitar sounds and – certainly a key element – lots of Mellotron (for vintage choirs, horns, flutes and strings) are featured on this one. Yet, the music doesn’t sound as dated as the description may lead one to assume. In fact, Minasian has created beautiful timeless songs – so in a way the album title almost says it all. The opening track Masquerade already shows the direction that all songs take and it is a good example for the overall sound. This song song features Andy Latimer of Camel fame on vocals and lead guitar which is a real treat. Minasian‘s son Justin plays all other guitar parts and solos on the rest of the album. But it actually isn’t the sound of a single instrument that makes this music so special – it’s the whole “wall of sound” that impresses, indeed...
homenucleonics.wordpress.com/2010/10/14/david-minasian-random-acts-of-beauty

Reviewing music is a lot like getting Christmas presents. Sometimes the giver thinks what's inside is the most magnificent gift when in reality you cannot wait to stand in line at the return department to get rid of the monstrosity. Other times you get something that is likable but you can't say much more than that about it. Then comes the time when you rip the wrapping paper off and find a true gift which touches so deeply it echoes the thought and caring that the bearer put into finding just the perfect offering. Something you will smile and think warmly about every time it's used. This is what David Minasian has blessed us with. Random Acts of Beauty contains a musical gift that cannot help but touch your soul and make you feel better about yourself and the world around you. He has created a masterpiece which will touch your ears, mind, heart and most of all your soul.... Well, the long and the short of it is Random Acts Of Beauty needs to be in your collection. There is no way that you can come away from listening to it and not feel better. It is one of the times when music can provide the healing properties for what ails you. David Minasian is the doctor and he has the proper prescription to lift your spirits and restore your faith. Just don't forget your daily dose if you know what's good for you!
seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=10039

...The penultimate Summer’s End wears its Barclay James Harvest credentials firmly on its sleeve with soaring guitar flights and orchestral keys to the fore complete with mellotron crescendos. This would have been very much at home on BJH’s classic Everybody Is Everybody Else album and it also has more than a hint The Enid about it in its classical aspirations. The same could be said for the concluding piece Dark Waters which despite the implications of the title provides a suitably uplifting instrumental finale. Like The Moody Blues, a band upon which the sound here is conspicuously modelled, David Minasian possesses a fine sense of melody which makes this album very easy on the ear. For some tastes it might be just a little too easy even though he stays on the right side of blandness, a tendency of the Moodies in their later life. In addition to the aforementioned acts this release should also appeal to fans of The Alan Parsons Project. It’s certainly a beautifully crafted album and although it is fairly derivative in places it is a work that I’ll happily return to when the mood takes me.
www.dprp.net/reviews/201060.php#minasian

David Minasian has made his name as a composer and video director. His music has been featured in over sixty films and DVD’s and this marks his debut release. As you’d expect the music is grand in size and scope plus the added bonus is it features the first new recorded work since 2002 to feature Camel’s Andy Latimer (Minasian directed the Camel DVD ‘Coming Of Age’). Andy Latimer adds his vocals and wonderful guitar passages to the opening song ‘Masquerade’, which will come as no surprise to hear it sounds like Camel. The guitar and keyboards on this one really do bring to mind Gilmour led Pink Floyd and Camel, wonderful stuff. ‘Blue Rain’ features vocals and more delightful keyboards along with some drawn out guitar solos from David’s son Justin. He really has a touch of the Dave Gilmour’s about his playing but still manages to add his own style in, particularly when the tempo increases on ‘Storming The Castle’ – very Yes in feel on the keyboards. ‘Blue Rain’, along with ‘Masquerade’ are the album’s stand out moments. There is a big emphasis on the keyboards and guitar throughout the album with vocals used sparingly. Not that the listener misses them much as you are drawn into the music and it stands up to repeated plays. Camel fans this is one to get simply for the Andy Latimer guest spot and those who enjoy cinematic soundscapes.
www.hotdigits.co.uk/cgi-bin/diary2/journal?user=jason

...'Blue Rain' features vocals and more delightful keyboards along with some drawn out guitar solos from David's son Justin. He really has a touch of the Dave Gilmour's about his playing but still manages to add his own style in, particularly when the tempo increases on 'Storming The Castle' - very Yes in feel on the keyboards. 'Blue Rain', along with 'Masquerade' are the album's stand out moments. There is a big emphasis on the keyboards and guitar throughout the album with vocals used sparingly. Not that the listener misses them much as you are drawn into the music and it stands up to repeated plays. Camel fans this is one to get simply for the Andy Latimer guest spot and those who enjoy cinematic soundscapes.
www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2010/david_minasian.htm

My interest in this CD came from the special guest appearance of Andy Latimer on the first track "Masquerade". After what Latimer has been through with his health, it's so great to hear him playing and singing again, even if it's only on one track. His guitar play his quite recognisable and the style of the song, pretty much in a Camel style, suites Latimer well. A great beginning for Random Acts Of Beauty but the rest of the album is not to be considered weaker in any way. Random Acts Of Beauty is a symphonic progressive rock album that seems to come directly from the seventies. All the songs are well crafted and performed. Minasian's voice can surely not be compared to Greg Lake's or Peter Gabriel's, because his range is somewhat limited. Still he has a nice singing voice, perhaps something like what Steve Hackett offers us on his solo albums. I've enjoyed listening to this CD from beginning to end and it will find it's way to my CD player many more times. Random Acts Of Beauty can certainly be recommended to fans of classic symphonic progressive rock. Good stuff!!!!
www.proggnosis.com/PGRelease.asp?RID=32313

Interview with David
www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=3575&lang=en

Although some musicians have stayed out of the limelight for many years, there is always the right time for them to shine. David Minasian is a classical trained pianist, who in the 80s chose to follow another career path (the one of filmmaking). His personal path crossed Camel’s in the 90s and he’s been involved (supervising, directing or producing) in seven of their DVDs so far. And that’s where Andy Latimer comes into the picture. He encouraged Minasian to record a new album (his debut was released in 1984 under the title ‘Tales of Heroes and Lovers’) and, furthermore, he played the guitar solo and sang vocals on the opening track. “Masquerade” sets the tone for the rest of the record perfectly, as Random Acts Of Beauty is melodic symphonic prog in the pure 70s tradition. Moreover, it showcases Minasian’s strong classical roots, his talent in delivering a deeply ethereal yet melancholic sound, the clever use of long forgotten musical instruments (grand piano, mellotron, harpsichord, moog, pipe organ, cello, oboe, flute and sitar), the lush orchestration and some heavy parts (second half of ‘Storming The Castle’ e.g.). All these and much more are there for you to discover. However, if I had to find one word to describe it, it would have to be dreamlike. David’s son, Justin, makes quite an impact with his guitar solos on “Blue Rain” (very David Gilmouresque) and “Summer’s End” (somewhat reminiscent of Barclay James Harvest), both firm faves off this unexpectedly wonderful album. Thrilling synths, flying guitar lines, complex when it needs to be (not for complexity’s sake) and simple when it needs to be simple. Glowing and uplifting.
www.metalperspective.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=4&sobi2Id=147&Itemid=4

...I know that it is difficult for people to commit their hard earned money to a brand new album from someone most will not, it must be honest, have ever heard of, and especially when there are so few reviews upon which to make a judgement. Well, it really has to be a matter of trust. For my money, if you buy no other album in 2010, make it this one. This is an album which will still be played on the Lazland deck in many years time. This is an album of such outstanding power, beauty, and powerful beauty, that it simply cannot be ignored and allowed to be quoted as some form of "cult" following. This album deserves the support of everyone who calls themselves a prog fan, and is, in my mind, an absolutely essential masterpiece of modern symphonic rock. I am a little bit more sparing with 5 star ratings than I was. Not with this one. 5 stars. A masterpiece of progressive rock music. Buy it.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=313236