Record Reviews

ALAN BOWN ~ LISTEN ESOTERIC 2193 (Barcode: 5013929729322) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010 2nd album by excellent British Prog band Alan BownFind albums by this artist named after its founder and leader – trumpeter Alan Bown. One of the earliest Brass-Rock bands in the country, they incorporated Prog with Brass arrangements, creating a unique sound but not quite Jazz-Rock Fusion yet. The band also included lead singer Gordon NevilleFind albums by this artist (who replaced the original vocalist Robert PalmerFind albums by this artist heard on their debut album), keyboardist Jeff BannisterFind albums by this artist, saxophonist John HelliwellFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tony CatchpoleFind albums by this artist, bassist Stan HaldaneFind albums by this artist and drummer Vic SweeneyFind albums by this artist and together they were a formidable septet indeed. The album was produced by Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist of King CrimsonFind albums by this artist fame. An absolute beauty, which lost nothing of its charm with time!

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AMAZING BLONDEL ~ INSPIRATION TALKING ELEPHANT 140 (Barcode: 5028479014026) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2009 7th album by the wonderful British Folk-Rock / Prog group Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. After recording four wonderful albums for the IslandFind albums on this label label, the band switched to the DJMFind albums on this label label, where they recorded four additional albums before disbanding. With the departure of John GaldwinFind albums by this artist, the duo of Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and Edward BairdFind albums by this artist continued to carry the band´s tradition, utilizing well-known Rock musicians as guest artists and modifying the sound to a more contemporary rockier song format. On this album the guests include pianist Dave SkinnerFind albums by this artist and reedman Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, as well as extensive orchestral arrangements. This is quite different from the first incarnation of the group, but still a great testimony of the times now long gone. Worth investigation!

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CAMEL ~ BREATHLESS (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2155 (Barcode: 5013929725522) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009 7th album by British Prog legends CamelFind albums by this artist, which marks a transition period in the band´s history, which followed a five years of personnel stability and incredibly productive output, as documented by their albums released during that period. Prior to the recording of this album´s predecessor – "Rain DancesFind albums with this title" – founding member / bassist Doug FergusonFind albums by this artist left the band, leaving the remaining three founding members: keyboardist Peter BardensFind albums by this artist, guitarist Andy LatimerFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy WardFind albums by this artist in need for replacement. They soon found the incredibly gifted bass player Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist (CaravanFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist) and also added saxophonist / flautist Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist (King CrimsonFind albums by this artist) as a permanent member of the band, making it a quintet for the first time, and this lineup recorded "Rain Dances". However, during the recording of "BreathlessFind albums with this title", Peter Bardens announced, that he´ll be leaving the group, which was a serious blow, considering his enormous input to the group´s creative process. The quintet lineup managed to record the album, with Bardens leaving immediately after. As to the music included on the album; at the time of its release it was considered both by the band´s fans and critics as disappointing and way too "commercial" in comparison to the band´s earlier efforts. In retrospect, although different indeed, it still preserves an incredibly high musical standard and integrity, both on the compositional and performance level, and suggests that it was rather the fans, who disliked change, then the band, which propagated change, which caused the fracture. There is no doubt that this album belongs to the proud heritage of music left to us by one of the best British Prog bands in the genre´s history. Recommended!

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CAMEL ~ STATIONARY TRAVELLER ESOTERIC 2154 (Barcode: 5013929725423) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1984 Released: 2009 By the time the legendary British Prog group CamelFind albums by this artist recorded this, their their 11th album and last studio album by the original band, guitarist / composer Andy LatimerFind albums by this artist remained as the only founding member of the band. He used various musicians to record this album, including saxophonist Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist. The album is a concept project about the Cold War and was the last studio album the band recorded for the DeccaFind albums on this label label. In retrospect the album presents a set of splendid compositions, partly with vocals and partly instrumentals, which are well in par with the rest of band´s excellent legacy. Recommended!

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CARAVAN ~ BACK TO FRONT ECLECTIC 1010 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1982 This CaravanFind albums by this artist album features the original members Pye HastingsFind albums by this artist, Richard CoughlanFind albums by this artist, Dave SinclairFind albums by this artist and Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist, with Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist featured on saxophone as guest artist. Although the peak of the Catnterbury scene was already in the past, Caravan maintained their usual excellent standards both as composers and performers. A pity this was left behind for such a long time and great to see it available again.

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ROGER CHAPMAN ~ CHAPPO / LIVE IN HAMBURG BGO 824 (Barcode: 5017261208248) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1979 Released: 2008 1st and 2nd albums by UK singer Roger ChapmanFind albums by this artist, recorded following the demise of FamilyFind albums by this artist and later StreetwalkersFind albums by this artist, the two bands he led since the late 1960s and up to the late 1970s. Chapman´s decision to go solo was a logical move following his experiences with bands, which failed to gain large following, despite the fact that they played some of the best music recorded in the 1970s, both Prog and later Classic Rock. He was at the top of his vocal powers and idiosyncratic showmanship and unique throaty voice had no equals, neither at the time nor later. Chapman selected an excellent band to accompany him on his debut studio album, which included Henry SpinnettiFind albums by this artist on drums, Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist on guitar and the legendary Brian OdgersFind albums by this artist on bass. Ex-Family cohort Poly PalmerFind albums by this artist also participated on several tracks. Following the release of the studio album Chapman formed a touring band, christened ShortlistFind albums by this artist, which included some of the musicians who played on the studio album and added Ex-King CrimsonFind albums by this artist saxophonist Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, which was recorded live in Germany a few month later and released as the second album. Both albums absolutely kick butt are superb examples of Classic Rock, even when recorded relatively late, when Rock was already dying. Chapman still enjoys quite a lot of popularity, especially in Europe, and continues to perform and record. For his fans these albums are an absolute must!

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CIRCUS ~ CIRCUS ESOTERIC 2136 (Barcode: 5013929723627) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2009 Only album by the short-lived and obscure UK Prog band CircusFind albums by this artist, which gets a lot of attention from King CrimsonFind albums by this artist fans, as it features Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist on flute and saxophone. This was Collins´ first recording and after the band folded he joined the legendary King Crimson. The group plays some original material and some covers, mainly of jazz standards, which of course means that they are heavily jazz influenced, but the sound and approach to music are definitely proto-Prog. The other players are guitarist Ian JelfsFind albums by this artist, bassist Kirk RiddleFind albums by this artist and drummer Chris BurrowsFind albums by this artist. Nice trip down the memory line!

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ANNIE HASLAM ~ ANNIE HASLAM T-BIRD 0022 (Barcode: 5013929882263) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1988 - 1989 Released: 2010 3rd album by the divine Annie HaslamFind albums by this artist, one of the most distinctive voices of British Prog, mostly known as the lead singer of the legendary band RenaissanceFind albums by this artist. Haslam maintains a solo career since the original Renaissance disbanded. Based in the US, she often performs with the former band members and participated in several reunion projects. This album was her most ambitious effort to capture wider audiences, but unfortunately the initial impact it made was cut short by her illness, which kept her silent for a few years following the album´s release. The album includes many guest artists of fame, such as Justin HaywardFind albums by this artist (Moody BluesFind albums by this artist), Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist (King CrimsonFind albums by this artist) and many others and presents her five-octave voice in the full splendor. Lavishly produced by Larry FastFind albums by this artist, the orchestral instrumentation is however all synthesized, which is the only drawback. The material is all new and written especially for this album except for one classic Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist song. Considering the fact that this album was unavailable for so long should make the numerous fans of Annie Haslam truly happy!

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HUMBLE PIE ~ I NEED A STAR IN MY LIFE CLEOPATRA 03172 (Barcode: 889466317224) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1976 Released: 2020 This is a reissue / remaster of the “lost” album by one of the greatest British Rock groups of all time, Humble PieFind albums by this artist. This album was rejected by the group’s record label A&MFind albums on this label, but they continued to record for many months, until the group fell apart and the music remained shelved, while they released their swan song album “Street RatsFind albums with this title” in the meantime. The album presents twenty tracks, most being originals written by the group members. In addition to the regular group members: vocalist / guitarist Steve MarriottFind albums by this artist, bassist Greg RidleyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, drummer Jerry ShirleyFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Tim HinkleyFind albums by this artist, they invited a plethora of guests to take part in this project, including such luminaries like bassist Boz BurrellFind albums by this artist, drummer Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, guitarist B. J. ColeFind albums by this artist and others. These tracks surfaced in 1990s as “Scrubbers Sessions”, both on bootlegs and eventually on Eagle Records, but are not available anymore and this new reissue offers a good sound quality and nice packaging. Overall, this is a great document, both of the era and one of the greatest British Rock groups ever, which definitely is worth being remembered. Marriott had one of the most distinctive voices of Rock and his premature and tragic death in 1991 robbed the world of his magic forever. A great piece of history!

Updated: 07/10/2022Posted: 07/10/2022

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KING CRIMSON ~ IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON (30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION + BONUS TRACKS) DGM 0502 (Barcode: 633367050229) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005 2nd album by King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and one of the most eagerly awaited follow ups in the history of Prog. Honestly how does one follow up a masterpiece such as the debut In The Court Of The Crimson KingFind albums with this title, which was almost instantly elevated to the status of a genre-defining masterpiece. Adding to the challenge ahead the band at the time of the recording seemed to be in a shaky state, following the exhausting touring schedule and dramatic personnel changes: Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist, who’s mellotron and flute parts were one of the most prominent features of the debut album, left the band in the midst of their US tour. Michael GilesFind albums by this artist and Greg LakeFind albums by this artist announced their departure soon after, and although they took part in the recording sessions for this album they were practically out. All this turmoil seemed to have little influence on Robert FrippFind albums by this artist, who used his resilience and what was to become his legendary survival instinct, to reorganize the band and move on. Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist joined the band to take over the flute and saxophones department. Michael’s brother bassist Peter GilesFind albums by this artist joined to provide the full force of the Giles & Giles rhythm section, which was second to none on the scene. Fripp also turned to his friends from the burgeoning (at the time) London Avant-Garde Rock and Jazz scene and enlisted the wonderful pianist Keith TippetFind albums by this artist, who adds many brilliant piano trinkets on the album. Singer Gordon HaskellFind albums by this artist joined in on one song to provide his contribution. Fripp, in addition to composing all of the music (to the lyrics penned by Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist) and playing the guitar parts, also took over the mellotron chair, maintaining the instrument’s supremacy in the overall band’s sound. Against all odds, this album is as strong, if not stronger then its predecessor. The compositions are better developed and the playing, enforced by the presence of the new members, is richer and better organized. Amazing stuff and absolutely essential. This new edition expands the original 30th Anniversary Edition from 1999 by adding two bonus tracks – the two sides of the King Crimson single released to promote the album. This is the first time any additional material is added to the original studio albums by the band.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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PETER SINFIELD ~ STILL (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC / MANTICORE 1003 (Barcode: 5013929380325) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2009 Only album by legendary lyricist / producer Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, the man behind the first four landmark King CrimsonFind albums by this artist albums, where he lurked in the shadows as an informal virtual member of the band. His lyrics and production were an integral part of the magic of these milestone Prog recordings. Once Sinfield and King Crimson terminated their cooperation, he turned into a successful producer for other bands and finally found time to record his only album, which in many ways is a continuation of the work done by King Crimson Mk I. Supported by an assemblage of Prog and Jazz stars, Sinfield created another masterpiece, which although initially callously received by fans and critics alike, in retrospect sounds great today and does not lose ground to the King Crimson recordings. The supporting musicians include Greg LakeFind albums by this artist, Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, John WettonFind albums by this artist, Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, Keith TippetFind albums by this artist and numerous other illustrious musicians. The material is often atmospheric and introspective, but some heavier moments are also present. The original album was released on the ManticoreFind albums on this label label, owned by Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, and the new edition adds a plethora of previously unheard alternate tracks and mixes, obviously to the delight of the fans. A must for all Prog-heads!

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CHRIS SQUIRE ~ FISH OUT OF WATER (DELUXE EDITION) CASTLE 1545 (Barcode: 5050749415455) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2007 1st and only album by YesFind albums by this artist bassist and founding member Chris SquireFind albums by this artist, recorded at a time when all Yes members took a break from group activity and recorded solo projects. This is a very ambitious undertaking, involving a large orchestra and a group of musicians playing music composed by Squire. The band members include Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist on drums, Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist on keyboards (both from Yes), Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist on saxophone (King CrimsonFind albums by this artist), Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist on flute and a few others. Squire plays bass and sings lead vocals (his voice sounding remarkably similar to Jon AndersonFind albums by this artist). The result is a classic Prog album, perhaps one of the last Prog classics of the Golden Decade and certainly more interesting than anything Yes as a group were doing at the time. The compositions are concise, but nicely developed, and there is none of the extravagant (and often pompous) typical Yes prolongation and repetition. All the players do a splendid job and Squire’s bass, often in the lead, is powerful and impressive. This new edition adds a bonus DVD, which includes two video clips filmed as promos for the album and a recent (2006) interview with Squire talking about the album. This is a must for all Yes fans and probably most Prog fans all over the world.

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