Record Reviews

CMU ~ SPACE CABARET ESOTERIC 2094 (Barcode: 5013929719422) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008 2nd and last album by the excellent British Prog band CMUFind albums by this artist (Contemporary Music Unit), founded by drummer Roger OdellFind albums by this artist and fronted by his wife Larraine OdellFind albums by this artist, a superb vocalist. Following the release of their excellent debut album the original lineup of the group fell apart only to be reformed by the Odells to include another founding member guitarist Ian HamlettFind albums by this artist and new members: singer / guitarist Richard JosephFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Leary HassonFind albums by this artist (ex-MarsupilamiFind albums by this artist), and bassist Steve CookFind albums by this artist. They played a highly ambitious blend of Rock / Folk / Jazz, with sophisticated compositions and complex arrangements, and although mostly completely unheard of, were one of the most intriguing bands at the time. Strongly rooted in Jazz, the band members were all excellent instrumentalists and the female lead vocals set them apart from most of their contemporaries. They were sometimes compared to the band AffinityFind albums by this artist, which was also fronted by a wonderful female singer Linda HoyleFind albums by this artist and had a similar Jazz background. This little known gem is a must to any serious Prog and early British Jazz-Rock enthusiast.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARSUPILAMI ~ ARENA ESOTERIC 2007 (Barcode: 5013929710726) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007 2nd and last album by British Prog / Jazz-Rock band MarsupilamiFind albums by this artist, one of the best kept secrets of the burgeoning local scene form the late 1960s / early 1970s. The band was a sextet, which played only original, highly complex music strongly Jazz influenced. All the musicians were excellent instrumentalists and the long instrumental passages are all very interesting. A female flute player, who also sang backing vocals, completed the bill, which adds another interesting layer to the music. Altogether it is pretty amazing that this group is almost completely unknown, even by the hard-core Prog fans, as this stunning album is as good as any of the albums released at the time by groups that turned into legends. After being lost for so many years, now the new generation of Prog fans is able to rediscover and enjoy this band, as it surely deserves a much wider recognition.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MARSUPILAMI ~ MARSUPILAMI ESOTERIC 2095 (Barcode: 5013929719521) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 1st album by British Prog / Jazz-Rock band MarsupilamiFind albums by this artist, one of the best kept secrets of the burgeoning local scene form the late 1960s / early 1970s. The band was a sextet, which played only original, highly complex music strongly Jazz influenced. All the musicians were excellent instrumentalists and the long instrumental passages are all very interesting. A female flute player, who also sang backing vocals, completed the bill, which adds another interesting layer to the music. Altogether it is pretty amazing that this group is almost completely unknown, even by the hard-core Prog fans, as this stunning debut album is as good as any of the debuts released at the time by groups that turned into legends. After being lost for so many years, now the new generation of Prog fans is able to rediscover and enjoy this band, as it surely deserves a much wider recognition.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend