Record Reviews

G. F. FITZ-GERALD ~ MOUSEPROOF SUNBEAM 5016 (Barcode: 5051125501618) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006 Scottish guitarist / singer / songwriter G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist recorded his only album with a bunch of excellent musicians, including some legendary figures like singer Judy DybleFind albums by this artist (Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist), tabla virtuoso Sam GopalFind albums by this artist, sax and flute player Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist and many others. The album was a complete commercial failure at the time of its release, disappearing entirely from the market, to be remembered only by a very few people who ever heard it as a gem of great interest. Finally after so many years the album was reissued, for all of us to enjoy. Fitz-Gerald moved on in the meantime into experimental improvised music (see his album with Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist) and never recorded in the studio again. The album lost nothing of its original charm and magic and after all these years it’s still an absolute gem. Resembling the efforts of groups like ComusFind albums by this artist and perhaps Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist, this is a completely zany, funny, crazy, wonderful mixture of Psychedelics, Jazz, early Improvised Music and Folk. As usual with such mixtures, it is absolutely beyond any specific genre and placing it under Progressive Rock is the best I can do. I really recommend to everybody to try and get hold of a copy of this – it very well might eventually become your favorite album – you never know. Brilliant stuff!

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HATFIELD AND THE NORTH ~ HATFIELD AND THE NORTH (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2139 (Barcode: 5013929723924) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1974 Released: 2009 1st album by the legendary Canterbury group Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, probably the most iconic and unsurpassed masters of the genre. Comprising of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, with guests like reedman Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist (Henry CowFind albums by this artist), vocalist Robert WyattFind albums by this artist and others, they recorded what is considered to be the ultimate Canterbury masterpiece. The album represents everything that the genre stands for: brilliant melodies, strange harmonies, superb musicianship, quirk rhythmic patterns and a good dash of British humor. It is difficult to pinpoint why this album and its follow up turned out to be the genre´s icons, but the fact that they are the first thing that come to mind when Canterbury is mentioned speaks for itself. Whatever the reasons, this is an absolute classic album, which lost nothing of its intrinsic beauty and musical perfection over time. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

RADAR FAVOURITES ~ RADAR FAVOURITES REEL RECORDINGS 017 (Barcode: 654367021033) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2010 The short lived British Prog / Experimental Rock band Radar FavoritesFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist (Henry CowFind albums by this artist) and comprising of keyboardist Cathy WilliamsFind albums by this artist, guitarist G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist, bassist Jack MonckFind albums by this artist and drummer Charles HaywardFind albums by this artist, never managed to record an album before circumstances brought to its demise. This great album collects all the existing material by the band, including some studio recordings made towards the band´s debut album and some live material. Considering the fact that this material is virtually unknown to most Prog fans it´s quite and ear-opener. Although Rock based, the music includes a lot of improvisation and wild conic excursions, complex structures and other unusual elements, which make it different from most other stuff recorded at the time. There is a lot to be discovered here, requiring several listening sessions, but this is an ultra-rare historic gem finally recovered from oblivion, hopefully to be discovered by contemporary listeners. Wholeheartedly recommended, especially to RIO fans!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend