"The third studio release from New York progressive rock quintet Frogg Café is here. 'Fortunate Observer of Time' delivers a combination of rigorous composition and jazz-and-jam improvisation, painted in a diverse array of instrumental timbres and layered under powerful vocal lines. In addition to traditional rock instrumentation, the Frogg Café sound incorporates trumpet, flugelhorn, violin, mandolin, trombone, vibes/marimba, cello, flute, and more. It’s a style that is ultimately rooted in the tradition of the band’s hero, Frank Zappa. These carefully crafted songs expand on musical textures and styles heard on their previous album, 2003’s critically well-received 'Creatures'. 'Fortunate Observer of Time' is the album fans of 'Creatures' have been hoping for; with its release, Frogg Café has stepped up to the next level. From the first downbeat of the rocking 'Eternal Optimist' to the closing notes of the motivic classical quartet 'Release', Frogg Café serves up a consistent offering of contemporary progressive music for people who love engaging songwriting. “Frogg music incorporates so many styles, ranging from rock to jazz to classical; we wanted to create an album that would incorporate the traditions and approaches we love into a unique music that makes a personal statement, that invites you to listen closely and repeatedly, while also seriously rocking your world.” said Andrew Sussman, Frogg Café bassist. “We started recording the week we got back from our summer tour of Europe, so that the momentum and the energy and the feel of the live show could be captured on our studio CD. I think we succeeded in that”. 'Fortunate Observer of Time' also introduces the band’s gifted new guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Steve Uh, who steps in to replace Frank Camiola after Frank’s unfortunate departure from Frogg Café because of a severe tinnitus condition. Sporting a guest appearance by former Zappa percussionist Ed Mann on the 14 minute epic 'Abyss of Dissension' and brilliantly mastered by the Grammy-award-winning engineer Andreas Meyer, this is a release that is not to be missed by discerning fans of intelligent rock, one that will no doubt be on many people’s best-of lists for 2005." [ProgRockRecords web-site]