The man, the myth...Jeff Cannata has over the years created somewhat of a cult following in Europe. Judging from reader feedback as well as observations over the years, it seems as if everybody that has heard Jeff Cannata's work is stunned by his talent. And rightly so. With "classic" albums such as ArcAngel and arguably his best, "Images of Forever", he will forever have his true and devoted fans. Now almost five years have passed since his last effort "Watching The World" was released and now the world is waiting with anticipation wondering: Will there be a new release from Cannata? I tracked the man down and here's what he had to say about his past, present and a teaser about what's to come. Jeff Cannata was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut USA. Among his earliest influences belong Elvis Presly and Gene Krupa, which he says initially made him begin with music and that it was merely "a matter of feeling" that got him started. The early years In 1969 Jeff, who at the time played (drums) with the band Christopher Hawke, and Michael Soldan (keyboards) and Bob Gianotti (guitar) who were playing with the band Buckle, started a collaboration together with bassist Phil Stone which turned into the original Jasper Wrath line-up. Bands like Yes, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd and other bands were part of their influences. The Yes influence has a story of its own, as Jeff back in the early seventies met Yes' Rick Wakemen pre-show backstage where he found out about the mellotron, which obviously had drawn his attention. In 1970, Jasper Wrath released their only full-length album but still created a following back in the early seventies, or as Jeff says: "Jasper Wrath had an enormous following between 1970 and 1976. About a few thousand at out door shows, several hundred at indoor clubs." In the mid-seventies, Jasper Wrath recruited vocalist James Christian (House of Lords), who at the time played with the local band Magic. Despite being a popular act in America, Jasper Wrath eventually fell apart. One can wonder was it because of the regular "musicial differences" or if there were any other reasons, but as Jeff says: "Our likes and dislikes musically were very similar at the time. The breakup was more or less a need, for some, of commercial appeal instead of artistic. The band had simply come to an end." Any chance there will ever be a reunion or likewise? "We've been asked by some of the New Haven radio stations to play at their summer concerts, but... is it possible? Yes and no. James (Christian) lives in LA, Phil in Florida, Michael works in his own band, Jeff Batter produces and writes Country, and Bob Gianotti is ready and willing. Putting the material back together would be very involved. But we'll see what happens" The ArcAngel Project After the demise of Japser Wrath, Jeff moved onto work on a new project, which eventually would turn out to become the classic "ArcAngel"-album (Portrait/CBS, 1983). This marked a new direction compared to what Jeff had done with Jasper Wrath some years back. Jeff tells the story: "Between the breakup of Jasper Wrath and the ArcAngel record I began to work more with guitar and keyboards to develop my writing capabilities. Along with Michael Soldan, we wrote a number of songs that were presented to the A&R staff at CBS who later signed to Portrait/CBS. And since there was no live band, I decided to take on the lead vocal duties. My intention was to do sort of an "Alan Parsons Project" project. Songs off that record that I like is "Stars" and "King of the Mountain". Images Of Forever Despite the fact that the ArcAngel project never took off, Jeff eagerly continued to write songs for a new album. This time he showed yet another side of his talent with an even more keyboard-oriented outing under the title "Images Of Forever" (Carrere, 1988). And it also was the mark of his first completely solo effort. Why was the "Images Of Forever"- album released under your own name? "It seemed to be more of a solo effort than the ArcAngel record." The album consisted of some of his finest material ever, and the album itself is still being regarded as an essential release among his followers. Among Jeff's personal favorites off the album, "Fortune Teller", "Sailing Ships" and "Hand In Hand", all belong. As with the ArcAngel album, "Images Of Forever" never took off either, and there was no accompanying tour either. Watching The World A couple of years later, more precisely in 1993, Jeff released his album "Watching The World" on the Now & Then Records label in Europe. The album consisted of yet another batch of melodic yet powerful pomp/progressive rock, of the highest quality. Among Jeff's more satisfying moments, according to himself, on that album are "When It's Love", "Let It Be", and the title track. It was a much praised album in European AOR-press, and it most certainly established his name, and gained some new fans, too. But unfortunately, the release wasn't followed up with an accompanying tour to boost the sales this time either. But there were talks to arrange a tour. Or as Jeff reveals: "I was asked to do a number of dates by the record company, but when I presented them with the financial needs to get the right players to reproduce the music live, they couldn't support that kind of cost. I was against doing a tour that wouldn't be intense." Which of your albums are you most satisfied with and why? "I don't think I have reached that level yet, although there are certain tracks on each album that I gotten close. When I record my albums I try to keep it interesting, melodic, powerful and true" and try not to take 3 or 4 years doing it." The future Now, as it has been almost 5 years since his last release, one can wonder what the man has been up to all these years. Especially as it has been so quiet from the Cannata-camp. So what about your musicial activities these days? "Actually my studio has been busy with a number of groups, which unfortunately, has really slowed down my working on my personal projects. But there are a number of ideas developing. Release hopefully late 1998." Will it be released under your own name, i.e. a pure solo album or will it be a project of some sorts? "That, I am not sure of yet. There always seems to be a common thread. My main love right now is writing and producing. In the event that one of these CD's requires a tour that a major label will give video support and real tour support to, I'm there!" Okay Jeff, as a concluding question; Are you raised on radio? "I sure was! And I still am!"