Ken Ramm ‎– Dragon (1981, LP, Canada)

Side A
A1. Centrespread (4:10)
A2. Cathay (5:26)
A3. Just Like I Remembered Her (6:40)
Side B
B1. Koh-I-Nor (7:17)
B2. Charpit Rumba (4:48)
B3. The Bash (5:14)

Musicians
Drums, Percussion – Martin Deller
Guitar – Ken Ramm
Mandolin [Electric], Violin [Electric] – Ben Mink
Piano, Keyboards – Ted Moses

In early-80's Ken Ramm was an unknown Canadian guitarist from the Toronto area. However he had to have some tight relationship with the FM crew. And that's because the whole FM team participated in his solo album ''Dragon'': Martin Deller plays the drums, Ben Mink uses the electric mandolin and violin and even Cameron Hawkins appears on vocals in one track.Ramm was also supported by David Piltch on bass, Ted Moses on piano/keyboards, while saxophonist Michael Stuart appears in one track as well.The album was privately released in 1981 and distributed also in the UK via Rag Baby Records.

The first pair of tracks indicate that here we have to deal with a fiery Fusion album with incredible twists and turns, having a melodic but very adventurous sound full of nasty keyboards, jazzy piano and violent violin and sax solos, maybe akin to Dixie Dregs.Ramm's guitar work appears to be very consistent and enjoyable, but ''Just like I remembered her'' will reveal the composer's more emotional side, an atmospheric, laid-back piece with smooth guitar lines and background synthesizers/ pianos. Things will get back on track on the flipside with the intense Fusion stylings coming back, led by Ramm's tight guitar moves and the nervous keyboard plays of Moses, offering music close to Ethnic Jazz and tropical Prog/Fusion with Mink delivering again some nice EDDIE JOBSON-like violin scratches. Again the last track of a vinyl's side will be a pleasant surprise.''The bash'' features Ramm's best guitar performance, passing from nice leads to clever solos and captivating the listener with his unique touch.

Even if ''Dragon'' remained an under-the-randar release, Ramm would enjoy a nice career with his band Euphoria, far from his early style and closer to the likes of modern Electronica.

Well-played and intricate Prog/Fusion with balanced senses of melody, complexity and virtuosity. Strongly recommended. (apps79)