In 1983 Arc Angel issued a lone expansive album of explosive yet masterful album rock before retreating into obscurity. The project originated in the mind of versatile singer and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Cannata, who had previously played alongside James Christian in the quasi-prog band Jasper Wrath throughout the 1970s. From his home in Connecticut, Cannata shaped Arc Angel into an expansive, melody-driven realm of ambitious scope. He composed the songs and performed most of the instrumental roles on the confident self-titled debut. Keyboard specialist Jeff Bova, the New York wizard from Distance, added ornate Baroque touches, while April Wine eventually recorded one overlooked Arc Angel composition. The album’s first half included the radiant “Stars” and the forbidden “Tragedy,” both of which received substantial radio play; its second half offered strong tracks such as the polished “Just Another Romance” and the wistful “Sidelines.” Widely regarded as a Boston/Kansas imitation, Arc Angel failed to reach the commercial heights attained by many of its AOR contemporaries, even though Cannata’s endeavor clearly held considerable promise.
