| "Voyage" continues where "Adventure" left off with more strange sonic cosmos and amazing percussive tones and moods. Essentially "Voyage" was a live in studio jam which got carried away one evening and was captured on tape for the world to enjoy. Once again we are surrounded by the electronic genius of Joel Vandroogenbroeck and his gang of merry men. "Voyage" seems to be more devoted to exploring the percussive side of their music in sharp contrast to "Adventure" and "Celestial Ocean". Voyage Part 1 would certainly rank as one of my all time electronic Krautrock favs . 3 more bonus tracks have been included as well in the same vein as those found on "Adventure". | |||
| For those who love long space excursions will absolutely love Moondawn. Sonic Nebula Cosmonaut Klaus Schulze once again takes us into the deep regions of outer space in a 2 song epic album full of deep harmonic analog sweeps and electronic clouds. On Moondawn Klaus is helped out by the percussive talents of Harald Grobkopf (Wallenstein) which seems to nicely bring the electronics into a different light. This album may be (next to "X") my favourite album of Schulze's work ! Once again Schulze draws on a larger arsenal of keyboard/elecronic instruments to generate his sound…..Moog, APR 6000 & Odyssey, Farfisa organ, syntorchester……Side 2's Mindphaser will simply blow you away with the heavy complex drumming of Grobkopf and the electronic mastery of Schulze…….essential electronica and very progressive. | |||
| Over his 46 year career, Miles was able to truly produce some of the most tantalizing Jazz-prog - rock music of our time. As a soloist his ideas were startlingly original with "In A Silent Way" representing a soft and gentle fusion experience. On this album Miles pushed jazz into another direction relying on more amplification, a larger ensemble and a rambling soft riff - funk based approach to composition leaving us miles away from "Kind Of Blue". Miles signed up Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea (Electric Piano), Dave Holland (Bass), Josef Zawinul (Organ) , John McLaughlin (Guitar) , Wayne Shorter (Tenor Sax) and Tony Williams (Drums) to help him pull this one off. In sharp contrast to "Bitches Brew" or "Pangea", "In A Silent Way" although contains heavy fusion composition does so while not allowing any crashing sounds always remaining In A Silent Way. Genius album and 100% essential. | |||
| Another succulent gem from Mellow Records full of beautiful symphonic progressive rock somewhere in the vein of PFM and Genfuoco. Apoteosi blends soft piano passages with mellotron, flute and acoustic guitar. Tempo is changed quite frequently with major mood swings. I love the heavy moog synth and electric guitar parts which fit in perfectly with the softer interludes. Many of the instrumental moments carry that intricate Ital-prog classical feel. Apoteosi have all the right stuff for this music lover with complex musical interplay, romantic interludes and delicate analog symphonia. The Italian lyrics are delivered quite delicately by female vocalist Silvana Ida who has a rich and lovely voice. | |||
| Frequently overlooked multi-instrumentalist Georg Deuter should really be acclaimed in the music industry as the first new age musician in the world. His blending of beautiful meditative Eastern -influenced music and nature sounds was way before his time. I have been a big fan of his for years with "Aum" remaining one of his finest albums of all time. "Aum" is Deuter's second release and was the first album which merged sitars, tablas & flutes to the sounds of birds, wind & water. The end result is one of the most clever and interesting albums you will ever hear (no John Tesh here kids!). Deuter's music has alsways been close to the earth and very natural sounding music with "Aum" perhaps encompassing the best of his work. Deuter's music combines elements of Vangelis, Tangerine Dream all wrapped up in his very own original style. "Aum" is a great headphone experience album and is a great way to lie in bed dreaming to. Astonishing music…. | |||
| Originally only thought to exist the Lost Trident Session represent the 3rd masterpiece album which unfortunately was lost and hidden in the Columbia Records vaults for over 25 years. Bootleggers had inferior sounding copies in circulation floating about costing loads of money and being hailed as Jazz's holy grail. Finally the tapes have re-surfaced and have been incredibly re-mastered sounding fresh and very clean. Mahavishnu were perhaps the best fusion band of the seventies led by John McLaughlin (guitarist) , Jan Hammer (keys), Billy Cobham (Drums) , Jerry Goodman (violins) and Rick Laird (bass). Like the music found on their first 2 albums, The Lost Trident Session is as intense with the same complexity of instrumentation carrying that unmistakable Mahav flare. Their music is ever shifting and probably more harmonically sophisticated than anything else that came out at the time and contains an instrumental virtuosity and expressiveness that musicians still aspire to today. How the hell this album never got released is beyond me….according to the liner notes, the band were at sorts with each other and never agreed enough at that time on the material to warrant apparently the 3rd release. For my tastes, the best fusion group to ever exist and the Lost Trident Sessions is an essential piece of history even if it is 25 years too late. | |||
| One genre I rarely do enjoy is the prog - metal genre with one of the exceptions being this dandy 2 CD tribute to the music of Jason Becker who after only a few albums under his belt was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease. Inspired by the man who had such a short rein yet influential one on guitar playing, a large number of the world's top musicians showed up to help contribute to this tribute album. Talents include Steve Morse, Stormwind, Rolf Munkes, Eric Mattsson and Marty Friedman (Megadeth). Jason's music was classical, heavy and progressively all combined in 1 musical form. His guitar fingerings were simply amazing and highly accurate with some blistering moments. This tribute album replays some of his finer moments with some fresh new interpretations of his music. Considering the "heavy" talent on this album the songs are not surprisingly heavily progressive with some lovely blues work tossed in as well. For those who love their music more on the heavy side of guitar driven progressive will simply love this 2 CD tribute album showcasing a vast array of different musicians. You can order this CD by contacting the good folks at Lion Music "www.lionmusic.com" | |||
| Brilliant delicate instrumental progressive rock carrying a strong allusion to the work of early Camel. Gotic combine loads of flute with lush keyboards (Piano, Moog, Mellotron ..), guitars , bass and drums to create one of my favourite light fusion albums of all time. The instrumentation is completely fabulous with inspiring flute and keyboard interplay. Songs are well written and performed with flawless perfection with some great sound dynamics. Highly recommended album reaching spiritual heights for this music lover. | |||
| Tertio was Atoll's 3rd album furthering their exploration into the symphonic world of France's 70's progressive rock genre. Atoll were a talented French ensemble who very much carried their own symphonic sound blending the finer aspects of fellow acts Ange, Pulsar and Mona Lisa. Their music is prominently guitars and keyboards with some excellent drums and bass interplay. Vocals are well done and are sung in French. I love when these guys get going as they get into some lovely deep instrumentation. Their style is very theatrical in nature offering dynamic and melodic arrangements with some great song writing. | |||
| Ever since I first this band I have held their music in my heart with admiration with their honest patronage to the 70's Ital-prog era while mixing many different unique elements. Storybook documents Finisterre's first US appearance at the Progday Festival in 1997 drawing on material from their first 2 albums. In their mission of preserving the 70's influences they also play a wicked version of PFM's "Altaloma". Although portion of this famous Progday show was previously available on a limited edition released, the fine folks at MoonJune records have added a number or two and magically re-mastered the whole sh'bang. For those unfamiliar with their music it is very rich in the classic italy prog vein with flute, acoustic guitars, classic keyboard work , great vocals and punchy guitars, bass and drums. Songs generally move through a variety of moods and different tempo's always building into explosive crescendo's. You can order this CD directly from moonjune records at www.moonjune@moonjune.com. | |||
| One of the most famous progressive rock masterpieces from South America carrying a resounding resemblance to the 70's Ital-prog scene. Armando Tirelli wrote this concept album and performed all the gorgeous keyboard work on the album (piano, mellotron, synths, organ ) and also adds his soft vocals. There is a small amount of narration throughout which actually reminds me of Pholas Dactylus',"Concerto Delle Menti" and actually helps hold together the concept nature of this work. This classic album carries an overwhelming parallel to that of Italy's Latte E Miele - "Passeo Secundum Mattheum" with melodic, but synth and piano driven instrumentation. All vocals are also excellent and are sung in native language with great conviction. Without a question another one of my top albums with music reaching your spiritual limits. Highly recommended masterpiece. | |||
| After the highly crafted release "Eliogabalus" I felt all later albums were basically a re-hash of this album, but with Dies Irae I have been once again blown away….this album definitely has caught my ear kids! As you would expect this album continues to follow that patented Devil Doll formula with rich orchestral and gothic influences contrasted sharply with piano-led passages that feature the sinister, bizarrely twisted voice and antics of "Mr. Doctor" (the band's mastermind). The sound on this album is quite enormous with the addition of full orchestration combined with a wide range of instrumentation highlighted by stunning violin work. Best way to describe the music of Devil Doll is to imagine a dark foreboding horror music soundtrack combined with classical and progressive leanings and you may not be far off this music. Devil Doll contrast heavy searing orchestral strings with grand synth and organ work with the occasional brilliant progressive rock breakout. The musicianship is extremely high with some simply captivating instrumentation. In many ways this album actually runs like a movie soundtrack with full theatrics and animation of imagery. The vocals are as you would expect are quite contorted featuring once again Mr. Doctor who sounds more like a specter of macabre than a lead singer. For those unfamiliar with his singing style may find it a bit out of the norm as he tends to talk his way thru the songs instead of singing. The end result is something that only personal taste can really judge…some will love this and find it highly inventive while others will likely not get it . Without a question the music is heavily avante garge and should only be listened to by a mature audience. Overall Dies Irae is an excellent album full of innovation and that heavy classical, soundtrack'ish macabre that this music lover loves! | |||
| Yes believe it or not even the Split Enz had their progressive moments with "Mental Notes" representing their first and IMHO best piece of work to date. Mental Notes combines "Foxtrot'ish-moods" with hints of Steve Hackett early solo efforts and of course accents of their own quirkiness. Instrumentally these guys are solid with a great tight sound and unique charm and character. Eddie Rayner plays a heavy dose of Piano, Mellotron, Synth , Organ , Calvinet and Electric Piano throughout . Songs tend to border on the zany / arcane and are generally more bouncy than some prog fans will like but in opposition I find this aspect quite intriguing as it is so well done. One thing for sure is that this album covers a wide range of ground with a wide range of moods and beats. Another great album with some excellent song writing and thoughful musicanship. | |||
| B Side music has always presented an opportunity for some bands to try soemething more experimental and this is certainly true of Porcupine Tree. Recordings draws mostly on B-sides from both albums Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream with a couple of amazing new tracks tossed in. IMHO the 1st new track on this album ("Buying New Soul" makes the whole purchase worth while even if you own all the treasured singles. This CD comes as a Limited Edition numbered copied package with minimal literature. Recordings also contains the full 14 Min version of "Even Less" and the full version of "Cure For Optimism". My favourite PT single is a track called "In Formaldehyde" and this also is included. The whole CD is nothing short of amazing and PT fans will simply need to own it. Excellent music for your mind. | |||
| Recorded live at NEARFEST 2000 Prog rock festival, "Work In Progress Live" represents DFA's first live performance in North America. This young quartet based out of Verona Italy play a delicious blend of fusion and space progressive rock. I must tell you that this album did totally take me by surprise with their big complex sound and detailed instrumentation. Their music is ever changing and there is something special here with their wonderfully constructed compositions and arrangements. Hard to directly compare but I would say DFA blend elements of Djam Karet, King Crimson, Weather Report and Gentle Giant, while holding on to their own unique character. As the album progresses through you can actaully hear the audience applause get louder and more appreciative of this bands talents. Althought there are some vocals (sung in Italian) the real strength lies in their instrumental work. Highly captivating and an excellent album all the way through..... | |||
| For those who love the music of classic era Camel will unequivocally love Rajaz with their vintage swooping symphonic tendencies and excellent song writing. This version of Camel put Andy Latimer (Guitars, vocals) up with Colin Bass (Bass) , Tom Scherpenzeel (Focus), Barry Phillips (cello) and Dave Stewart on the drum kit. Rajaz blends the sharp arabic sounding guitar fretting of Latimer with the symphonic keys of Scherpenzeel all encased with the soft caressing vocals of Andy. Songs are exceptionally well written and offer a great mix of themes and moods. Rajaz was also recording in HDCD so the sound is quite lovely with great deep tones from Colin Bass and the cello strokes of Phillips. Overall Rajaz is equally as good as early Camel and I am sure will become a fav of yours…gets better ever listen.. | |||
| Recorded at Carnegie Hall in 1974, Miles leads a spacey Bitches Brew-esque jam session, always loose in the middle but tight at the ends. The music on this double CD, released domestically for the first time in 1997, was only previously available in Japan and was formerly among the rarest of Miles Davis recordings from this classic improv era. "Dark Magus" is clearly one of the trumpeter's most controversial bands and in fact live sessions ever - a noisy ensemble with three guitarists (Reggie Lucas, Pete Cosey, and Dominique Gaumont), electric bassist Michael Henderson, drummer Al Foster, percussionist Mtume, Dave Liebman on tenor, soprano, and flute, and guest tenorman Azar Lawrence. Although not credited there is also some electric sitar being played. This highly spontaneous sounding fusion has plenty of heavy funk grooves to keep your toes tapping. There is almost too much to take in to be honest and every time I listen to this album I hear and pick up something different. Progressively speaking this album will clearly expand your mind with some heavy guitar and trumpet interplay all surrounded by some pretty groovy hand percussion. Musically I guess "Dark Magus" takes the classic fusion album "Agartha" to another dimension. The album is really divided into four jam sessions which all kind of connect nicely together. This gem of an album has been pain stakingly re-mastered using the Super Bit Mapping processing bringing amazing new life to this lost recording. For those who love the jam centric Miles will absolutely need this album for sure! | |||
| After "Cobra And Phases" release in '99 I thought it would be next to impossible for StereoLab to match such a clever little album, but they have certainly rivaled it with "Sound-Dust". I caught on to the genius of Stereolab's music a few years back with "Dots and Loops" (another great album) and have not looked back since. "Sound-Dust" contains some great little grooves with a very wide use of real instrumentation including horns, vibes, strings, piano, rhodes, mellotron, organ, harpsichord, trombone, brass, french horn, flutes, marimba, bongo and of course their patented use of the glockenspiel. The genius of their music rests in their clever command and use of all elements…always grooving and exploring but never becoming repetitive or unimaginative. At first listen on the surface prog fans may be turned off this outfit at first glance ,but I only think you need to listen 1 layer below to get it. Don't think you'll see them at a prog festival but then again I said that about Buckethead so you just never know… Incredible mind food | |||
| As most of you know The Flower Kings have always held a very special place in my heart with most if not all thier albums reaching gold status in my mind and on my CD player. Certainly after seeing them live 2 nights on their 2001 USA tour has made this strong musical attraction all that much clearer....these guys kick! Rainmaker is the recent release for Roine and the lads taking us back into their tight knit symphonic prog layer. Rainmaker is another superb installment with no signs of weakening in any way. This full length CD contains 3 huge epic tracks (over 10 mins) and contains some of the most beautiful and emotional music I have heard in a while. This album houses a few more sound effects than other albums and Hasse Froberg has taken on a greater degree of the singing. Dominating this album is of course Roine's wonderful inspiration guitar playing and the brilliant master keyboard strokes of Tomas Bodin. Overall Rainmaker is a huge listen and is highly recommended by this Flower King fan. | |||
| The Electric Family features Dieter Serfas (ex-Amon Duul II) and Volker Kahrs (rough cut/Grobschnitt) with Tom "The Perc" Redecker who has one of the most distinctive low voices you can hear. Family Show is really one huge concoction of musical genres mixed together ….World music, (space)Rock, Folk, Psych, Prog and Trance. This stonker of an album contains real psychy, fuzzy guitars, strange instruments, with some crazy lyrics. I think the greatest part of this album is that throughout you hear so many different elements with the dreamy - folky passages doing it best for me. 4th track "Space Caravan" will simply blow you away with great guitar work and heavy space symphonia. Definitely an acquired listen but enough quirky strangeness and clever musicianship and instrumentation to have my ear ! | |||
| The Bevis Frond have been producing through the fret work of band leader Nick Saloman albums for many years with the latest stunner being "Valedictory Songs " . This album finds Saloman in more ballad-heavy territory than on previous releases. Breathtaking moments like "High on a Downer," "The Speed of Light," and the mid-tempo, '70s-inspired "Early Riser" certainly mark some of the finest Frond moments I have heard. Saloman has brought along his power trio comprising Hawkwind alumnus Ade Shaw on bass and former Camel drummer Andy Ward. Bevis Frond's musical allusions include odes to the likes of Hendrix, Cream, early Pink Floyd, the Beatles, and the Byrds. On the surface Valedictory Songs may sound like nothing other than a good pop / alternative album but after a few listens you will find the truth. | |||
