Record Reviews

GREENSLADE ~ AT THE BBC REPERTOIRE 1468 (Barcode: 4009910146828) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2024 This is an archival album by the British Progressive Rock quartet GreensladeFind albums by this artist, formed by two members of the iconic ColosseumFind albums by this artist, following the band’s demise in 1971: keyboards wizard / composer Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist and bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist. They were joined by second keyboardist / vocalist Dave LawsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrew McCullochFind albums by this artist. The band lasted for only three years and recorded four excellent studio albums. This 2CD album collects their live BBC concerts captured between early 1973 and late 1974, covering material released on the first three albums, presenting a total of twenty tracks. Dave Greenslade contributed most of the music but some of it was co-composed with Lawson, who also contributed the lyrics. Reeves also contributed some tunes and co-composed others. The band had a very specific and unusual sound and ambience, as it was guitar-less (which was almost unthinkable for a Rock / Prog band), and a double keyboards front line, and a very strong Jazzy swing, which in retrospect might easily earn them an early Fusion connotation, which I personally always liked a lot. Dave Greenslade played mostly the Hammond organ and Mellotron, while Lawson preferred synthesizers and clavinet, but they often exchanged the instruments, frequently creating a “wall of sound” effect. Reeves was a brilliant bassist, strongly Jazz influenced from his earlier career, and McCulloch was a brilliant, universal drummer, who could play anything with the same ease and elegance. In short they were a rare and dazzling collection of superb instrumentalists, which made Greenslade one of the most interesting British bands in the early 1970s. Overall, this is an excellent document of the British Prog scene, especially in view of the fact that the group never released a live album (there were some semi-legal live albums released much later). The BBC sound quality is excellent as one might expect and the music flows briskly and interestingly for the entire duration. Although most Prog material recorded at the same time sound dated and smells a bit “musky” today, this music retained much of its initial originality over time. Definitely worth being re-visited!

Updated: 10/11/2024Posted: 07/10/2024

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GREENSLADE ~ GREENSLADE WOUNDED BIRD 2698 (Barcode: 664140269828) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2006 1st album by the phenomenal Prog group GreensladeFind albums by this artist created by keyboards wizard Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist, following the demise of ColosseumFind albums by this artist Mk. I. Greenslade joined forces with original Colosseum bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist, a remarkable player with strong jazz background, who played both the electric and acoustic bass with elegance and sensitivity. To complete the group they enlisted the great (and sadly overlooked and under appreciated) drummer Andrew McCullochFind albums by this artist, who played with Manfred MannFind albums by this artist, King CrimsonFind albums by this artist (LizardFind albums with this title) and Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist and since the mid-1970s disappeared from the music scene almost completely. The fourth member of the group was the keyboardist / vocalist Dave LawsonFind albums by this artist (Episode SixFind albums by this artist, StackridgeFind albums by this artist), an excellent musician who handled the complex compositions with flying colors. Greenslade, a prolific composer, wrote most of the material for the group, with some marginal contributions by Reeves and Lawson (who handled the lyrics). He used a wide range of keyboards between acoustic piano, organ and synthesizers, creating complex and beautiful sound layers, amply supported by his fellow band members. The debut album is a classic showcase of Prog at its best: great melodies, superb instrumental work and a wide range of influences including jazz, blues, rock and classical music. A beautiful sleeve work by Roger DeanFind albums by this artist. An absolute must for any serious Prog lover.

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GREENSLADE ~ SPYGLASS GUEST WOUNDED BIRD 8672 (Barcode: 664140867222) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2009 3rd album by the great British Prog band GreensladeFind albums by this artist, created by ex-ColosseumFind albums by this artist members keyboardist / composer Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist and bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist with keyboardist / singer Dave LawsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrew McCullochFind albums by this artist. The album continues the path set by its two predecessors, with beautiful melodies and incredibly complex keyboard parts, which were the band´s primary forte. The album does mark some changes, mainly the fact that the music is not entirely composed by Greenslade (as on the first two albums), with about half of it being composed by Lawson and also features one Reeves composition and a Jack BruceFind albums by this artist classic. The album also features a guest appearance by another ex-Colosseum member guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist and a few other musicians. Altogether the album is a great piece of music with many remarkable compositions and virtuosic performances, worthy on an inclusion in any serious Prog collection. Highly recommended!

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GREENSLADE ~ TIME AND TIDE WOUNDED BIRD 8682 (Barcode: 664140868229) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2009 4th and last album by the original incarnation of great British Prog band GreensladeFind albums by this artist, founded by ex-ColosseumFind albums by this artist members keyboardist / composer Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist and bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist with keyboardist / singer Dave LawsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrew McCullochFind albums by this artist. By the time this album was recorded Reeves left the band to be replaced by bassist Martin BrileyFind albums by this artist. The album continues the path set by its predecessors, with beautiful melodies and incredibly complex keyboard parts, which were the band´s primary forte. Greenslade returns as the main composer for the band (he is credited with most the composing credits) and becomes the focal point of the band again, even performing solo on couple of tracks. The album presents a somewhat wider musical scope with the use of choir and background vocals on some tracks and a more rocky approach on others, but all in all the album is a great piece of music with many remarkable compositions and virtuosic performances, worthy on an inclusion in any serious Prog collection. Highly recommended!

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