Reviews

There is something to be said for the number of tribute bands making the club circuit these days. Not only are they playing to the audience’s love of the band being showcased, but there is also the opportunity for musicians to hone their craft before going on to their first love. That seems to have been the case with Jonathan Saunders and his solo effort Zen Rock and Roll. Born in Tennessee Saunders started piano lessons at the age of 10 and by the time of college had formed his first progressive cover band called No Drag Revolution. Following that bands demise he wound up playing keyboards in a Led Zeppelin tribute band through the late Nineties.
ghostland.com/ghostland/cd_reviews.asp?ID=64

...His album "End of the Age" is a stand alone work. I don't have anything quite like it. I found it appealing at first listen. Musically, the work is founded upon pulsing electronic keyboard rhythms which transform nicely into satisfyingly melodic lyric sections. The interplay between the lyric sections and the basic rhythms is what I found special about the album....
www.prog4you.com/cd-reviews-06-03/Zen_Rock_And_Roll.htm

...Most modern progressive bands make a long song that usually is dull with being repeative after the first 5 or so minutes. Not here! Jonathon does some wonderful instrumentation that makes each track not feel long at all, which is always a great thing. Like progressive bands of the past, each of the three songs on End of the Age takes you on a journey for both your ears and mind. Once the CD ends, you find yourself hitting the repeat button to restart the journey...
www.geocities.com/prognaut/reviews/zen-rnr.html

...This music is complex and well played, and it is enthusiastic and … raw. And that’s a good sign for a debut album. It means that all the fundamentals are in place, and with improved production and a professional singer, Saunders’s next release could elevate Zen to the forefront of modern progressive music.
www.progressiveears.com/asp/reviews.asp?albumID=1717

...End of the Age is divided into three tracks, but you should listen to it as a whole and then you will discover its beauty. The lyrics are worth your attention and will keep you busy, as there are a lot of theories and questions in them. The artwork adds to the 70s feel. The booklet contains three images, corresponding with the three tracks, with a lot of symbolism in it. A great album, that brings back that feeling you get when you play old Genesis or Yes albums. Thank you, Jonathan Saunders, for keeping this music alive and for bringing us an album we can enjoy for ever!
www.progpower.de/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=561