Record Reviews

ARTHUR BROWN ~ VAMPIRE SUITE TRACK 1035 (Barcode: 823566010029) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 This is another criminally overlooked album by the great British Rock singer / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, the unsung hero of the British scene. The album was recorded with drummer Mark BrzezickiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Josh PhilipsFind albums by this artist (ex-Procol HarumFind albums by this artist), bassist Richard StudholmeFind albums by this artist and guitarist Roger ManningFind albums by this artist. Several additional musicians play on selected tracks, including a brass section. The album includes two CDs: CD1 presents a thirteen-tracks musical suite, while CD2 presents a recitation of the fifty+ minutes long story, which is the concept behind the suite. All the music is co-credited to Brown, Brzezicki and Philips. The music is absolutely brilliant, exactly what one might expect from Brown, with great melodic Rock oriented songs, great Brass arrangements, superb Hammond organ solos and everything needed to make it a gas. Brown is in incredible form and so are all the musicians, and the resulting album has not a dull moment. Brown’s operatic / theatrical vocals lost nothing of their charm over time and the album proves that he was active “behind the scenes” continuously over the years, in complete contrast to his “one hit wonder” status. Overall, this is a wonderful Rock album, full of great songs and superb instrumental work, which should keep every Rock / Prog fan absolutely happy. Unfortunately, the album disappeared into the haze many years ago, but it is certainly worth searching for. Satisfaction guaranteed – there is only one Arthur Brown out there and he is an absolute wizard.

Updated: 26/02/2023Posted: 26/02/2023

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

PROCOL HARUM ~ NOVUS EAGLE 659 (Barcode: 5034504165922) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the twelfth studio album by the seminal British Classic Rock group Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, one of the last active representatives of the great music wave that started over five decades ago. It is separated by fourteen years from the band´s previous studio album "The Well`s On FireFind albums with this title". Although the only founding member of Procol Harum still present on this album is vocalist / pianist Gary BrookerFind albums by this artist, the sound and the musical style of the group remain pretty stable over time. The piano / Hammond organ double keyboards dominated sound, which has been the group´s trademark over time, is here and so are Brooker´s unique dramatic vocals. The Hammond is handled by Josh PhilipsFind albums by this artist, the bluesy guitar by Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist, the bass by Matt PeggFind albums by this artist (son of the legendary Dave PeggFind albums by this artist) and the drums by Geoff DunnFind albums by this artist. The album offers eleven new songs, almost all co-composed by Brooker and Philips. This is the first album by the band which features lyrics by the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist (of CreamFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist fame) after decades of working with the poet Keith ReidFind albums by this artist. Musically the album does not break any new ground, but it stays, as already mentioned above, faithful to the band´s tradition to produce highly melodic lyrical and even melancholic songs, which often amalgamate elements of British Folk and some Classical Music influences. Brown´s lyrics are perhaps less ominous and mysterious, but they are full of his whimsical metaphors and dry British humor, which is all for the best. The songs vary in their intensity and expressiveness, but the best of them are certainly up to par with the great legacy of Procol Harum at its best. Overall it is mostly "more of the same", which in the case of a band like Procol Harum is quite a compliment. I had a great fun listening to these songs and the idea that someone is still able to write music like this is a lifesaver. Not everything has to change in time, and for Classic Rock fans staying in the past means staying alive. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 27/01/2019Posted: 27/01/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend