Record Reviews

FROGG CAFE ~ BATELESS EDGE 10T 10043 (Barcode: 614511768825) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2008 - 2010 Released: 2010 This is the 5th album by the great US Prog / Fusion band Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist, which is definitely one of my favorite contemporary Prog bands. It seems they are simply getting better all the time, which is something very rarely true about any band these days. This album is more complex than any of their previous recordings, with more brass and wind instruments used than ever before, which makes it also their most Jazzy outing. It is pointless to add anything more here, as I´ve already written extensively about this band before; simply grab this one as soon as you´re able and enjoy! Superb stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FROGG CAFE ~ CREATURES PROGROCK (Barcode: 660662133326) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 2nd album by relatively new US Prog group Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist and what a delight! Somewhere between Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist and Happy The ManFind albums by this artist, these musicians create an amalgam of sounds and rhythms so fresh and high spirited that it draws an immediate attention. Although their musical heritage (Zappa!) is evident, they manage to re-invent some of the masterful tricks as well as create a very unique statement.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FROGG CAFE ~ FORTUNATE OBSERVER OF TIME PROGROCK (Barcode: 837792009214) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2005 3rd album and another splendid acheivement by the US band Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist. More mature, settled and subtle than their previous excellent output, which means this is truly 1st class stuff. The usual mixture of superb songwriting and inspired playing with slight jazzy undertones and enough intellectual challenge to keep you alert at all times is definitley enough to give this album a repeated spin. Delicious!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FROGG CAFE ~ FROGG CAFE (EXPANDED EDITION) PROGROCK (Barcode: 8377920090803) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2001 Released: 2004 1st album by the excellent US Prog band Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist, which was only available as a private CD-R, now remastered and expanded. Frogg Cafe were a Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist cover band for several years before they decided to move on and play their own music. Some Zappaesque elements are still evident here, but they also use a lot of other influences like Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist, jazz and fusion. This is undoubtedly one of the freshest and most ambitious debuts on the US Prog scene.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

FROGG CAFE ~ NOODLES (LIMITED EDITION) NOT ON LABEL ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2004 Although not a formal release, this album by the excellent US Prog band Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist is a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of music making. It includes excerpts form a 4 hours live in the studio improvised jam session. The ideas are developed spontaneously and flow all over the place, but there is a coherency and great taste prevailing at all times, which turns this music into a unique experience. This is the last recording featuring the band´s founding member, guitarist Frank CamiolaFind albums by this artist, who unfortunately had to leave the band due to health reasons. Bill AyasseFind albums by this artist on violin and Nick LietoFind albums by this artist on keyboards and trumpet provide the additional lead voicing, supported by the creative rhythm section of Andrew SussmanFind albums by this artist on bass and James GuarnieriFind albums by this artist on drums. For the many fans of the group, this is an absolute must on all accounts, but every Prog fan should find this stuff interesting, especially those more inclined towards the Jazzy / Fusion side of the genre. This highly atmospheric and challenging music is definitely worth investigating and returning to repeatedly.

CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend

FROGG CAFE ~ THE SAFENZEE DIARIES 10T 10024 (Barcode: 634479468711) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2006 Released: 2007 4th album by the excellent US Prog band Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist and their first live recording compiled from various performances and live in the studio recordings made over a period of two years. The band was expanded to a sextet, adding John LietoFind albums by this artist on trombone, and features the new guitar player Steve UhFind albums by this artist, who replaced the band´s founding member, guitarist Frank CamiolaFind albums by this artist. Bill AyasseFind albums by this artist on violin and Nick LietoFind albums by this artist on keyboards and trumpet provide the additional lead voicing, supported by the creative rhythm section of Andrew SussmanFind albums by this artist on bass and James GuarnieriFind albums by this artist on drums. Frogg Cafe was always primarily a live band, touring extensively, and their performances are always inspired and uplifting. Expanding the studio album tracks into long, full of improvisations, expanded pieces is what they do here. Half of this album´s tracks exceed the 10 minutes mark and are a delight to follow, the other half being just slightly shorter and all as good. Several new tunes are also heard here for the first time. This album marks a transition for the band from the Prog past into a more Jazz-Rock Fusion direction, emphasized by the long solos and complex rhythmic structures. The many faithful fans of the group will not be disappointed and this is an absolute must on all accounts for them, but every Prog and Fusion fan should find this stuff interesting. This is definitely a prime example how contemporary challenging music should be played.

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend