Record Reviews

GILGAMESH ~ GILGAMESH ESOTERIC 2242 (Barcode: 5013929734227) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1975 Released: 2011 This amazing album is the first of the two studio albums the short-lived Canterbury Scene outfit GilgameshFind albums by this artist managed to record. Led by keyboardist / composer Alan GowenFind albums by this artist, who was the group´s main contributor, the group on this album also includes guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummer Michael TravisFind albums by this artist. Singer Amanda ParsonsFind albums by this artist is also featured on two tracks. Of course every Canterbury Scene fan knows about this album and no introductions are necessary, as it is an absolute classic. Impossible (so far) to find on CD, this is a most welcome reissue, which closes a huge gap in the recorded legacy of the scene. An absolute must!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

NATIONAL HEALTH ~ NATIONAL HEALTH ESOTERIC 2129 (Barcode: 5013929722927) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009 1st album by the exquisite band National HealthFind albums by this artist, which was the last of the great original bands and the centerpiece crown jewel of the Canterbury scene, as it combined all the elements that made this musical excursion so unique and important, crystallizing a decade of development and constant search for new forms of musical expression. Formed by keyboardist / composer Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, who previously led such cornerstone Canterbury ensembles like EggFind albums by this artist and Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, combining musicians of the last and another sublime ensemble GilgameshFind albums by this artist, which also recently fell apart. After several personnel changes, the band stabilized as a quartet, including in addition to Stewart guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, all veterans and immensely gifted players. The album also includes guest contributions of other Canterbury luminaries, like Alan GowenFind albums by this artist (keyboards), Amanda ParsonsFind albums by this artist (vocals), Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist (flute) and others. Overall National Health was an ideal tool to deliver the intricate melodic content of Stewart´s compositions, spiced with lengthy jazzy improvisations, which could go on for several minutes and allow ample opportunity for the players to stretch out, probably more that in any earlier Canterbury ensemble. There is never a dull moment here, with ideas chasing ideas at all times and the listener is drawn into the music completely. This album is a timeless masterpiece and an essential cornerstone of any serious record collection!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend