Record Reviews

FIELDS ~ CONTRASTS: URBAN ROAR TO COUNTRY PEACE ESOTERIC 2488 (Barcode: 5013929458840) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2015 This is the second album by British Prog trio FieldsFind albums by this artist, led by keyboardist Graham FieldFind albums by this artist, which included guitarist / bassist / vocalist Frank FarrellFind albums by this artist (who replaced the original bassist Alan BarryFind albums by this artist) and drummer Andy McCullochFind albums by this artist. The recording of this album was interrupted after the trio was dropped by their label (CBSFind albums on this label Records) and the album was never released at the time. This release includes the eight tracks that the trio managed to record as well as the demos of three additional tracks that were made at the time. Nine of the tracks were written by Field and two were co-written by Field and Farrell. The music is a wonderful amalgam of melodic songs and Jazzy arrangements, all masterly put together by Field and featuring his superb keyboards playing. This continued the approach Field already displayed as a founding member of the group Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, which he left to form Fields. The music also projected a typical "Englishness", which blissfully ornamented the output by many of the British Prog bands at the time, a quality that is impossible to describe and is only recognized by listeners familiar with the recorded work by these bands. Sadly Field left the career of songwriting and performing as a Rock musician and British music lost a great composer and very unique keyboards player, who might have contributed many more splendid pieces of music, like those present here. Thankfully this lost gem is finally available for all Prog fans to enjoy, as usual better late than never. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 24/01/2017Posted: 24/01/2017

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend