| In 1974 Gary Brooker and the new Procol line-up stepped into The Hippodrome in London to be recorded live for the BBC performing some of their classic numbers and in the process something wonderful happened…Ladies & Gentlemen please welcome the magical Procol Harum. I still can not believe that this fantastic recording has been hidden in the BBC vaults for so many years (released in 1999). I have always been a big lover of Procol Harum and this BBC live disc just puts it over the edge for me. This live disc is wonderfully remastered and sounds very clean and fresh offering great musicianship and some of Procol's most beloved melodies. This evening Procol were bang on and everything clicked with the lads sounding just incredible. Without a question a wonderful little piece of history that you need to get your hands on…..essentially scrumptious | |||
| Deep Purple Mk 1 (Pre "In Rock") as they have been oft referred to were really only introduced to me a wee while ago thanks to prog collector and master prog head "Jeff Ferguson". Shades Of Deep Purple was the 1st incantation from "the Purp" and is a wonderful little "psychy" classic rock album full of re-interpreted cover songs (ie. Help and Hey Joe). The fine folks at Spitfire records we able to track down the original master tapes and have done a commendable job in re-mastering this classic rock album. Deep Purple Mk1 emphasized Lord's warm analog keyboard runs, Blackmore's early guitar talents, majestic bass of Nic Simper and Ian Paice's drum interplay. Lead vocalist (Pre Glover) Rod Evans (Captain Beyond 1971 -73) carriers one of those kind, steady voices which fit the music quite well . | |||
| Without a question one of the all time greatest examples of space travel without the water wings! If Galactic Supermarket does not absolutely blow your lips off then I'll eat my spacesuit! Cosmic Jokers take Ash Ra Temple to the next dimension tossing in the sound-bites of classic psychedelia along the way. The Cosmic Jokers were a short lived German offshoot band who clearly had creative improvisation aspirations while writing and recording. This all star lineup includes Klaus Schulze, Harald Grosskoff, Manuel Gottsching, Dieter Dierks and Jorgen Dollase so this should sort of give a idea already as to the direction and sound of the band. Essentially Galactic Supermarket is 2 overly long but scrumptious epic space jams which are given pure unconditional space to explore space in a space like way. Musically this album blends acid laced guitar solos over Schulze's analog space bedding with zainy soundbites and forboding atmospheres. Galactic Supermarket will certainly freak you and your grandma out while sitting on the couch. An original and masterful piece of space prog ! | |||
| Welcome my little progressive rock space cadets to the Alchemic Universe..a place where your brain is going to get spun 180 degrees. Years ago I was introduced to the music of Brainticket which became an immediate addiction for me. Over the years Brainticket continued to release several albums and recently have released a wonderful little deep space album which I am quite fond of. Gone is the 70's psychedelia element, but Alchemic Universe blends the finer aspects of space travel more in a Tangerine Dream'ish/ of Kraftwerk sytle. This wonderful album is full of tons of space effects and some great voice overs….Without a question we are transported into another dimension with some excellent space grooves and moments of wierdness. Alchemic Universe is perfect for those rainy Sunday evenings for sitting outside getting a bit damp while you brush your teeth……A wild one but I love it……..Highly original | |||
| For those who love (like me) progressive fusion jazz/rock will need to get your hands on this masterpiece. Without a question the first few Mahav albums are some of the most aggressive and mind stretching albums of all time. The Mahav's output from the Trident Studio days are to treasure in your collection for sure. Once again here we get a fantastic collaboration of musical instumentation and musical ideas. John McLaughlin's guitar solos are simply killer and being back by Hammer (Keys), Laird (bass), Cobham (drums) and Goodman on violin makes this a real keeper. At times Birds Of Fire identifies a quasi - King Crimson feel with lots of originality and musical sophistication. If you have high blood pressure , you may not want to plug in this album to your stereo.
Absolutely stunning musicanship and one of the best fusion/prog albums your money can buy....Even a Miles Davis tune to boot
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| Breathtaking instrumental progressive rock from Japan carrying a nice laid back Canterbury fusion element throughout. This is truely beautiful music with some great jazz-like imagery(jazz piano..), loads of atmospheric synths (aka Camel), wonderful guitar accents and superb bass and drum interplay. "A Story.." seems to progress seamlessly through its wild musical transformation which moves from the intro of fusion jazz into the lounge-like excursions to its grand finale resting spot, the title 20 mins track which is full of the most wonderful pastoral, space prog you have ever heard. This epic track nicely captures with the use of the mellotron the atmosphere of the fog laden imagination within the mysterious forest...sounds deep eh! Album offers enough mood and tempo swings to satisfy every progressive rock fan for years to come. Without a doubt this is an essential jem and would most certainly be one of my personal fav from Japan.......
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| Without a question Nektar's Recycled is an album you simply must have in your collection. In traditional Nektar fashion, Recycled while capturing all their Nektar'isms also expands into a space-like dream sequence throughout the album. Essentially Recycled is 2 album long songs each one containing some of Nektar's most memorable musical moments of all time. Overall Recycled is a highly intense piece of work with great care in song writing and theme building. Larry Fast performs synth work throughout Recycled with tremendous results. | |||
| Up until his untimely death, Michael Hedges was in my opinion a creative genius and a master of the guitar. Over the years he managed to write and record some of the most wonderful tracks for Windham Hill and helped establish this label as a label of true content. I always felt that Hedges brought a progressive element into his mainly acoustic influences with some unorthodox playing and song writing. This compilation album captures many of Michael's greatest musical moments and without a question "Rickover's Dream" would rank as one of my fav all time guitar tracks. This is an essential album as are all of Hedges albums and for the uninitiated a great place to start. Farewell Michael and thanks for the wonderful music..... | |||
| Delicate top notch classic psych folk prog from Canada mixing the atmospheric charm of the early "Trees" albums with a 60's West coast influence. Reign Ghost features Bob Bryden (guitars, vocals) who later would form Canadian prog legends "Christmas". Lead singer Lynda Squires has one of those great 60's psychy folk voices which seems to fit the music with perfection. These early Reign Ghost albums features some pretty trippy sounds and loads of warbled guitar and 60's keyboard jabs, just the way you like it. Songs are highly original and creative throughout with some great sonic explorations and progressive music moments….Even some Kazoo to boot ! The Laser's Edge have done a commendable job in re-producing these two great albums to CD .
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| Excellent symphonic prog from Yugoslavia in a musical approach not unlike Germany's ELOY in many ways. Tako blend loads of great analog space keyboard atmospheres with great e-guitar and bass/drum interplay. Lovers of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" will also drool over "U Vreci Za Spavanje" which delves into Floyd's backyard as well. This essential album is a milestone in the Yugo-prog chapter and would rank as one of my personal favs from this region of all time. A great album from start to finish. | |||
| Pre - SFF (Schicke Fuhrs Frohling) symphonic German prog offering some very tasty musical moments with tons of mellotron. In many ways I get a strong early Genesis feel throughout this album which I think rests in the Hacket'esque guitar solos with heavy mellotron laded backdrop atmospheres. The Laser's Edge have managed to also do a great job in re-mastering this ancient gem adding a live bonus track of over 20 Mins. (Spektakel were known for performing long shows and longer songs). Overall a great album which I find fits perfect for my tastes and has not been off my CD player since the day I first listened to it. A great find kids ! | |||
| Now get your pens and paper out kids and write this one down as it is a real keeper for sure. 6 piece Greek prog band who take neo - prog into a direction you won't believe. What is immediately recognizable is their compassion to the magic of Marillion and IQ, without sounding too cliché'ish or "tribute'ish" and in no way from my view are another one of those "Marillion rip off neo prog acts". For me the first striking element was the distinct vocal talents of lead singer simply called Ima who convincingly sings in english with a lovely voice. La Tulipe Noire musicianship in support is also very solid with dual guitars and keyboards very reminiscent of IQ's Martin Orford, early Marillion's Mark Kelly and certainly Clive Nolan. For those who do not really like neo-prog then I would recommend you stay away from this beast otherwise for the rest of you then I would put this into the essential category for new neo prog talents. | |||
| Dutch prog band whose music I have always enjoyed and although granted a little thinner than the 70's heavy Italian prog or 70's Kraut Rock, still carries an attraction for this prog music lover. Taurus always were able to write great short songs which cross a prog/pop line. Their music is somewhat influenced by YES, Genesis and Machiavel for sure but of course deliver their own unique sound. The lead vocalist Martin Scheffer sings in a very high register and deliver a more feminine sound (aka YES) but does so with great energy and accuracy. Without a question I would register Taurus in the symphonic school of prog as their music certainly is keyboard dominated with heavy emphasis obviously on the Taurus Moog Pedals. Overall I love this band and really like the melodic style these fellas groove into. | |||
| For those who think that Neo-Prog is code for stifle & lifeless synthy prog then you really need to hear Immortal. These guys just keep on getting better as time goes on and Immortal is a great aggressive neo-prog piece of work. As with many of the Arena albums we are introduced to new lead singers with Immortal also revealing new comer Rob Sowden who adds another strong chapter in the lead vocal role. Musically Arena slides somewhere in the Pendragon/Marillion school of prog but really have found their own sound. This time around Arena have written a grand magnum opus track "MovieDrome" which clicks in just shy of 20 Mins of pure ear poppin' candy. Instrumentally I would say that Arena are at their best yet on Immortal with some great musical melodies and incredible bass/guitar interplay…these guys sound tight. Without a question for me it is Clive Nolan's keyboard work which makes this album even better. Always known for his heavy forboding atmospheres and high skilled digital runs as is on Immortal with even some Mellotron and organ accents. | |||
| Ken Baird's new album "Orion" is yet another tasty installment in the progressive music endeavors of clearly one of Canada's best hidden musical secrets. Ken's frist two albums proudly displayed his fine musical talents as both a singer and songwriter with Orion continuing this momentum. Once again Ken is supported by a rather fine cast of crafty musicians featuring the unforgettable wholesome-like voice of Sue Fraser and the guitar talents of Steve Cochrane. This album features 2 grand epic tracks "Orion" and "Shadow Walls" which are simply worth the admission price alone. Baird's music conveys strong romantic dream-like atmospheres and employs as we have come to expect a fine array of classically keyboard dominated symphonia. "Orion" is an essential album for your collection and can be ordered though Ken Baird's Home Page | |||
| Classic French Progressive rock with fantastic melodies and some grand musicianship along the way. Ripaille were certainly less known than Ange but lived in the same era and in fact toured with them at one time. Ripaille's music is rich and full bodied with some wonderful songwriting and heavy use of analog synths. Like Ange, Ripaille's music was centered around concepts and full of theatrical moods perfect for their lavish stage shows. Vocals are sung in French and are quite well done with great expressionism. Instrumentation used throughout is exceptional and nicely varied and contrasted. We are also treated to a few tracks from Ripaille's second album which I had never even heard of before. In many ways their sound is reminiscent of Canadian 70's prog band Harmonium with their slight electronic folk influences and quirky little moods. Songs are greatly landscaped with analog keyboard sounds while the guitar bass and drum carry the melody. French prog lovers sanctuary for sure | |||
| Korni Grupa were one of the better known 70's prog bands which helped define and spring the recognition and popularity of the "Yugo - Prog" musical vein. Unfortunately this vein of prog has been for the most part under-exposed and some of this marvelous work has gone unheard for too long. Korni Grupa were seminal figures in Yugoslavian music in the late 60's/early 70's and for good reason. Their music blends the beauty and imagination of the top 70's Italian prog and in fact if it were not for the lyrics many would think they were listening to classic Ital-prog. Korni Grupa blend heavy organ, vibratron and piano with dense e-guitar soloing and wild bass & drum interplay in a wide range of styles. Vocals are exceptionally well done with loads of vocal harmonies. Songs are nice and varied and range from harder edged prog to rock/jazz formed musical tones to soft almost dream like musical moments. Without a question the musicianship here is high with some pretty tasty grooves and mood/tempo swings. | |||
| Excellent French instrumental prog with heavy emphasis on violin and Camel-like symphonic atmospheres. The music of Terpandre is rich and layered with dual keyboards (synth, acoustic, e-piano and of course mellotron). Violinist Patrick Tilleman (Ex ZAO) is all over this album with great talent and clearly makes this album a standout. Their music overall is quite romantic and emotional with great beauty. Songs are well written tending to stay more on the gentle delicate side with a few great big break outs. The fine folks at Musea have included 2 rare bonus live tracks from 1977 as well. A beautiful album from start to finish….and loads of mellotron as well….
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| Rich in the French prog tradition the music of Mona Lisa is emotionally dramatic with great emphasis on the theatric impact of this concept album. Le Petit Violon De Mr Gregorie parallels the dramatic symphonic tendencies exhibited in parent french prog band Ange in which one can draw many parallels. Lead Singer here sounds to my ears as a cross of Ange's Christian Decamps and portions of Peter Gabriel. One of my favourite French prog tracks of all time is "Allons Z'enfants" which blends all the right elements for me….dramatic lyrics, great melody, excellent musicianship and poignant atmospheres. The fine folks at Musea have done a great job in re-packaging this magnificent piece of prog history with some great liner notes and photo's. Musically Mona Lisa's compositions are dramatic and complex with some lovely melodies and musical moments. Guitars and bass are standout instruments here with some truly unmistakable originality in compositions throughout. Without a question "Le Petit Violon De Mr Gregoire" would rank as one of my personal all time fav French prog albums and is considered by this music lover as a masterpiece. | |||
| What happens when a band re-visits the spirit of a classic like Genesis' "Lamb Lies Down" with emphasis on building on the creativity already started….is this progressive? As long as it sounds like Rael then I say who cares. Rael's "Mascaras Urbanas" is a fine piece of work very much in the spirit of classic Genesis with some nice influenced musical moments. Songs are actually quite original with a few "borrowed" musical allusions throughout the album. Vocals are well done with most of the lyrics being sung convincingly in English. The instrumentation throughout Mascaras Urbanas is exceptional with a nice wide range of instruments. Overall this album is well worth tracking down and fans of Genesis will need to have this one in their collection in my opinion.
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| To begin with I must thank my good friend Cedomir Bjeletic for introducing me to this incredible Yugoslavian band whose first 2 albums are among the best from the classic Yugo-prog era in my opinion. Leb i sol (The Bread and the Salt) were a high skilled 4 piece prog band from Skoplje (capital of Macedonia) who took great care in writing and performing great symphonic music. Songs range from delicate symphonic prog to more jam based complex structure with jazz/prog like qualities throughout. I hear elements of Nektar, Curved Air, Brand X, Pink Floyd and Camel throughout, but Leb I Sol also bring forward their own well defined approach in their music. Vocals are well done with some great harmonies and are sung in native Serbian, and a little bit in their mother tongue, Macedonian. The end result is consistently jazzy and often complex, with the odd trace of "Gilmour -esque" jams of the highest calibre. At times actually kind of reminds me of Tako as well….Brilliant stuff. | |||
| Leb i sol's second album continues the fine musical exploration found on their debut album with a few differences. Songs take on a stronger Camel influence here with a stronger Jazz/prog approach overall. Key change on the second album is the higher emphasis on drumming which is simply exquisite with some of the best drumming I have heard in a long time. Once again songs are quite atmospheric and at times reach a stunning cosmic quality. Overall a superb and a wonderful contribution to the world of progressive rock. | |||
| Gather all your friends this weekend and jam as many of them as you can into it while you play Brainstorm's "Tales Of The Future". Brainstorm are an Australian space rock band who combine many different musical impressionism's throughout in their music. Hard to really peg this one down as it covers quite a bit of ground but always seems to come back to a space rock form. At times I actually get a slight David Bowie / Bruce Cockburn / Gary Numan / Melting Euphoria kind of feel to the singer/song writing which should give you an idea as to how expansive these guys are. Brainstorm's music is quite smooth with gentle musical curvatures and time changes. Songs continuously cross back and forth throughout hitting prog/space and AOR musical elements. Highly original music which works very well on many different levels. Inquiries for Brainstorm's music can be made directly at Brainstorm's Home Page | |||
