Record Reviews
31 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ARS NOVA ~ BIOGENESIS PROJECT
MUSEA 4532 (Barcode: 3426300045324) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2003
4th album by Japanese Prog trio Ars NovaFind albums by this artist, which plays a modern version of music first created by groups like NiceFind albums by this artist, TraceFind albums by this artist or RefugeeFind albums by this artist. So far nothing extraordinary, but considering the fact that all three players are female changes the picture a bit. Since I’m a big admirer of female musicians, who are not intimidated by the male-dominated world of Prog (in particular) and Music (in general). Of course the fact that they are female isn’t enough to make Ars Nova the superb group it is – but their talents as composers and instrumentalists. The band’s albums are mostly extensive and complex concept works, based on literary or mythical themes. This one is no exception with a story line based on a Science Fiction futuristic idea. On this one the band gets a huge cast of supporting / guest artist (many of them Prog legends), who are members of groups like Balletto Di BronzoFind albums by this artist, PFMFind albums by this artist, GerardFind albums by this artist, AyeronFind albums by this artist and others. The music is bombastic and dramatic, but all in good taste, making it an ideal meal for Symphonic Prog lovers. Definitely worth checking out.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CASTLE CANYON ~ GODS OF 1973
BOTTOMFEEDER 05 (Barcode: 884502065268) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2009
Great album by an obscure US Prog keyboards trio Castle CanyonFind albums by this artist, which was active in early 1970s but never released the material they composed and recorded at the time. As far as one can figure from the liner notes, parts of the material were recently recorded and re-recorded by the band’s leader / keyboardist Erik Ian WalkerFind albums by this artist, but basically it does not matter, as the original 1970s sound is still there. Walker, who composed all the music, is surely a gifted player and his control of the many keyboard instruments is beyond reproach. Bassist Fred ChalenorFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul EliasFind albums by this artist support the leader flawlessly and the entire effort is a heaven on earth for keyboards fans, bringing fond memories of Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, NiceFind albums by this artist and other memorable keyboards based ensembles. Considering the fact that not much of interest is happening, finding lost gems from the past is always a pleasure. Go for it!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | COVENANT ~ NATURE`S DIVINE REFLECTION
SYN-PHONIC 13 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1992 Released: 1992
This is the only album by American Prog act CovenantFind albums by this artist, which was in fact a one-man-show of multi-instrumentalist Dave GryderFind albums by this artist, who plays drums and a plethora of keyboards, mostly vintage, including the Hammond organ and mellotron. He gets a little help on one track from guitarist / bassist Bill PohlFind albums by this artist. Of course Gryder composed all the music on this album as well, which comprises of just three tracks, two of which are lengthy (close to 20 minutes) mini-suites subdivided into sections but playing continuously.
The music is typical retro Neo-Prog, which sounds remarkably like the "real deal" and if one didn´t know better it makes an impression like it could have been recorded in the 1970s. The overall feeling is similar to the recordings by the classic keyboard dominated Prog outfits from the 1970s, like NiceFind albums by this artist, Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist and others. The compositions are somewhat sketchy, which leaves a lot space for extended improvisations, which is the main attraction of this music. The performances are quite impressive, especially in view of the fact that it is a job of one person.
In short this is primarily of interest to Hammond organ and other vintage keyboards freaks, which are quite numerous of course. A great trip down the nostalgia lane and altogether a fairly interesting little know Prog gem, which is definitely worth investigating, so check it out if you gat a chance!
| | Updated: 21/09/2021Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CZAR ~ CZAR
SUNBEAM 5040 (Barcode: 5051125504015) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2007
Only album by British group CzarFind albums by this artist, which consisted of Bob HodgesFind albums by this artist (keyboards & vocals), Mick WareFind albums by this artist (guitar & vocals), Paul KendrickFind albums by this artist (bass & vocals and the band’s main composer) and Derrick GoughFind albums by this artist (drums). They played great proto-Prog material, based on the extensive use of Hammond organ and mellotron and heavy lead guitar, as did many of their contemporaries. The lengthy tracks leave plenty of space for solos by the lead instruments and their 3-way vocal harmonies are pretty unique. Stylistically the group’ material is similar to early Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, Atomic RoosterFind albums by this artist and especially NiceFind albums by this artist, due to their use of adaptations of Classical Music themes, which served as a basis for long instrumental tours de force. Unfortunately their rearrangement of Manuel de FallaFind albums by this artist’s “Ritual Fire Dance”, which was their most ambitious piece, was omitted form the original LP release, only to be corrected with it being included as one of the bonus tracks on this reissue. The original LP earned a legendary status over the years and became a rare collector’s item, now back in circulation. Lovers of the late 1960s early British Prog will have a field day with this album, which lost none of its charm over the years.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ HARD ROAD: THE MARK 1 STUDIO RECORDINGS 1968-69
PARLOPHONE 825646337415 (Barcode: 825646337415) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2014
This wonderful Box Set includes the expanded and remastered versions of the first three albums by the seminal British band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist: "Shades Of Deep PurpleFind albums with this title", "The Book Of TaliesynFind albums with this title" and the eponymous "Deep PurpleFind albums with this title". Recorded between May 1968 and March 1969, i.e. in just ten months (!), these are some of Rock and Prog cornerstones of epic proportions, seldom given their due as far as influencing future generations of Rock and especially Prog musicians in the decades to come. The Mark 1 lineup consisted of vocalist Rod EvansFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick SimperFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, who all contributed as songwriters, although obviously most of the group´s material was created by Lord and Blackmore. On those three albums the band played mostly their own music, but also arranged, quite dramatically one must admit, songs by other songwriters, like John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist (twice), DonovanFind albums by this artist, Joe SouthFind albums by this artist, Billy RobertsFind albums by this artist, Neil DiamondFind albums by this artist and others. All three albums were produced by the legendary British produced Derek LawrenceFind albums by this artist.
This Box Set includes both the original mono and stereo mixes (on separate CDs) of the first two albums and the stereo version of the third album. All five CDs are expanded by a plethora of bonus tracks, which include album outtakes, alternate takes, single edits, etc. all of which are studio recordings. For radio (i.e. live in the studio) recordings of the Deep Purple Mark 1 the fans should look up the excellent double CD album entitled "The BBC Sessions 1968–1970Find albums with this title", which collects all Mark 1 BBC recordings on the first CD.
It is also worth remembering that although the next Deep Purple album would be recorded by the Mark 2 lineup with vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist and bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, musically it belongs very much to what the Mark 1 lineup was doing on the third album, which included elaborate orchestral arrangements. The appropriately titled "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album, a pioneering and unprecedented merger of a Rock group with a Symphonic Orchestra, was a direct result of the work initiated on the third album and is a true closure of the Mark 1 chapter. The fifth album however, "In RockFind albums with this title", was a completely new story and came as a reaction to the release of the Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist debut album in early 1969, which also prompted the personnel change from Mark1 to Mark 2. That album embedded Deep Purple´s role as a defining element of the Hard Rock / Heavy Metal genres and Rock music in general.
I often wonder why the role of Deep Purple Mark 1 is almost completely ignored by the Prog snobs. Even under the populist definition of Prog as an amalgam of Rock (electric instruments and rhythmic patterns), Classical (extended melodic and harmonic themes) and Jazz (improvisation), Deep Purple Mark 1 are the essence of Prog, much more so that say early YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and other pretenders to the Big Five. By the same token the roles of other Deep Purple Mark 1 contemporaries, like NiceFind albums by this artist, Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and several others, are similarly completely overlooked, which is a pity to say to say the least. Prog was not just born one day with Robert FrippFind albums by this artist being struck by lightening…
This is an essential piece of history of the formative years of Rock and a beautiful example how great music remains untouched by time and perhaps even gets better in time. I can´t imagine a music library, which does not include these classic recordings, so now is the time to repent and remedy.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DIAPASÃO ~ OPUS I
MASQUE 0306 ~ BRAZIL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
1st album by the Brazilian Prog band DiapasãoFind albums by this artist. Led by keyboards player Rodrigo LanaFind albums by this artist, Diapasão are a trio (keyboards, bass & drums), which immediately brings comparisons to Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, TraceFind albums by this artist, NiceFind albums by this artist and all the other keyboards trios in Prog. Lana, who composed all the music, is an accomplished player who switches with ease between the acoustic piano and the electronic instruments. His compositions sound mostly very close to classical music (especially when he plays the acoustic piano) with complex melodic themes often intertwined with each other. Apart from the regular band members several guest musicians (violins, cello) are present on a couple of tracks. All together a most impressive debut, which hopefully will see a follow up in the future. Keyboards fans and general Prog lovers will have a feast with this one.
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  | EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER ~ LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
SANCTUARY 0351 (Barcode: 5050749503510) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1992 Released: 2007
The Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist reunions have been quite a regular event since the group broke up originally in 1979 (or perhaps they never did?), meeting with various degrees of success. The first reunion (in 1991) resulted in recording of the Black MoonFind albums with this title album and a tour. They were all in top form, as can be witnessed by this concert at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall. The concert includes just a couple of tracks from the a.m. new album and most of the material is a selection of their previous material, which is what the crowd was really looking for. Slightly rearranged, classic ELP (and a bit of NiceFind albums by this artist) material sounds as good as ever and any ELP fan will surely find this DVD a pleasure to watch. Keith EmersonFind albums by this artist (as usual) performs some of his stage theatrics, which are always fun to watch and Karl PalmerFind albums by this artist’s virtuoso drumming is a revelation. This is classic Prog stuff and perhaps the best live ELP material available on film. 88 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KHATSATURJAN ~ ARAMED FORCES OF SIMANTIPAK
MUSEA 4464 (Barcode: 3426300044648) ~ FINLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2006
2nd album by brilliant Finnish Symphonic Prog band KhatsaturjanFind albums by this artist and a masterpiece of the genre. Their 1st album (an EP called Aramsome SumsFind albums with this title, which was never officially released) pointed already in the direction, but this debut full album really hits the nail right on the head. As the band’s name suggests, they are deeply rooted in classical music (especially Russian classical music) and indeed started by playing modernized versions of classical pieces and only later opted to compose original material. The quartet consists of: Jaakko KoikkalainenFind albums by this artist – bass, keyboards, vocals & guitar, Atte KurriFind albums by this artist – guitars, keyboards & vocals, Ilkka PiispalaFind albums by this artist – drums, keyboards & vocals and Ilkka SaarikiviFind albums by this artist – keyboards, cello & vocals. They all have years of musical studies behind them, which is very apparent from the phenomenal performances heard herein. Considering that all four of them play keyboards and sing, the overall effect they are able to achieve is massive and truly symphonic and choral in scope. There are very few other Prog groups that ever (if at all) achieved the same level of compositional sophistication and orchestral execution, but if parallels must be drown, imagine NiceFind albums by this artist being accompanied by QueenFind albums by this artist vocals. This is an amazing piece of music, which should be cherished by every Prog fan on this planet and heard by all music lovers, but alas I’m afraid the reality is sadly different.
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  | NICE ~ ARS LONGA VITA BREVIS
ESSENTIAL 646 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
2nd album from 1968 this time as a trio, which was to be its format till the group disbanded. Emerson expands the classical influences by including music by composers like Sibelius and Bernstein, those of course in his wild and masterly improvised versions, adding extended compositions of his own. All together an excellent companion to the debut album.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NICE ~ ARS LONGA VITA BREVIS (DELUXE EDITION)
CASTLE 0791 (Barcode: 5050159179121) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2003
2nd album by NiceFind albums by this artist, this time as a trio, which was to be its format till the group disbanded. Keith EmersonFind albums by this artist expands the classical influences by including music by composers like Sibelius and Bernstein, those of course in his wild and masterly improvised versions, adding extended compositions of his own. All together an excellent companion to the debut album. This edition adds fabulous previously unavailable material, both studio and live. A must!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NICE ~ BBC SESSIONS
CASTLE 457 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Nice recorded just a few albums while they lasted, therefore any additional material by them is a true treasure. These BBC sessions span from 1967 till 1969 and are a great document of their development from psychedelic to progressive. The recording quality of first session is a bit problematic, but the rest is just up to the excellent standard that all BBC sessions present.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | NICE ~ NICE
ESSENTIAL 645 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1969. Pretty much continued from where the previous albums led to, with more interpretations of music composed by others, especially the beautiful `Hang On To A Dream`, and music composed by Emerson. Emerson`s playing is masterly and he switches between classical piano and organ with never a dull moment for the listener.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NICE ~ NICE (DELUXE EDITION)
CASTLE 792 (Barcode: 5050159179220) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2003
3rd album, which pretty much continued what the previous albums were leading to, with more interpretations of music composed by others, especially the beautiful Tim Hardin`s `Hang On To A Dream`, as well as music composed by Emerson. Emerson`s playing is masterly and he switches between classical piano and organ with ease and ellegance. There is never a dull moment for the listener here and with the added bonus tracks this is a splendid document of the band at its peak.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NICE ~ SWEDISH RADIO SESSIONS
CASTLE 349 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
These sessions from 1967 were recorded by the Swedish Radio before the first revolutionay album was released and they document the group as a quartet, playing material they have been rehearsing for the album as well as some tunes that never made it on the debut album, which of course makes it all more exciting. Considering the fact that there is so little material available by this group, this is a treasure.
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  | NICE ~ THE THOUGHTS OF EMERLIST DAVJACK
ESSENTIAL 647 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
1st album from 1967 by one of the most important groups instrumental in the creation of the Prog genre. Led by the keyboards wizard Keith Emerson and here as a quartet with David O`List on guitar. Amazing mixture of psychedelic rock / jazz and classical influences creates a unique sound unparallel to anything elso done at that time. This is visionary music and a classic album if ever there was one.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NICE ~ THE THOUGHTS OF EMERLIST DAVJACK (DELUXE EDITION)
CASTLE 790 (Barcode: 5050159179022) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
1st album (recorded 1967) by one of the most important groups instrumental in the creation of the Prog genre. Led by the keyboards wizard Keith Emerson and here as a quartet with David O`List on guitar. Amazing mixture of psychedelic rock / jazz and classical influences creates a unique sound unparallel to anything elso done at that time. This is visionary music and a classic album if ever there was one. This edition adds fabulous previously unavailable material, both studio and live. A must!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | QUILL ~ SURSUM CORDA
SYN-PHONIC 10 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 1993
1st album by short-lived US Prog group QuillFind albums by this artist, which is one of the greatest but sadly little known gems of the US 1970s Prog Movement, brought to life only by this CD reissue. The band also recorded another, even more ambitious project, which remains unreleased to this very day. The album is a concept story in two long movements, almost entirely instrumental, performed by the three Quill members: keyboardist Ken DeLoriaFind albums by this artist, bassist Keith ChristianFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim SidesFind albums by this artist. The obvious keyboard trios come to mind (NiceFind albums by this artist, Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, etc.) but the band deserves to be remembered by its own merits, as it is truly remarkable. The complex and intertwined musical themes and the spectacular instrumental solos (especially on the Hammond organ) are amongst Prog´s finest moments and the album is definitely a minor masterpiece in its own right. No serious Prog collection would be complete without this shining gem!
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | REFUGEE ~ LIVE IN CONCERT - NEWCASTLE CITY HALL 1974
VOICEPRINT 421 (Barcode: 604388327225) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007
Considering the fact that the legendary band RefugeeFind albums by this artist, formed in 1973 by two ex-NiceFind albums by this artist members Lee JacksonFind albums by this artist and Brian DavisonFind albums by this artist with the Swiss keyboards wizard Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist, recorded only one studio album and disbanded after less than a year with Moraz leaving to join YesFind albums by this artist, every piece of their recorded legacy is an absolute revelation. Add to this the surprisingly high quality of the recording and you have an amazing piece of Prog history on your hands. The concert includes most of the material from the studio album, but the live versions are extensively expanded to include longer solos and variations. All three musicians perform beautifully with Moraz expressing his virtuosity to the limit (and beyond). A couple of non-album tracks are also present, these of course never previously heard. It is a great pity that these recordings were to be the last recorded documents of Jackson and Davison for over 30 years (until the Nice reunion). The word of Prog would have been even richer if they continued their careers. Moraz was of course to be a central figure on the Prog scene for many years and recorded extensively. This is an absolute essential piece of Prog history and I know very few Prog fans that would miss this item in their collection.
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  | TRESPASS ~ MORNING LIGHTS
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 7290010781256) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2006
2nd album by Israeli trio TrespassFind albums by this artist. The band achieved worldwide recognition after their debut album was released on the French MuseaFind albums on this label label in 2002 and was accepted warmly by Prog fans. Gil SteinFind albums by this artist, who plays a multitude of keyboard instruments and recorders and occasionally sings, leads the trio. He is also the main composer and on this album he composed two and co-composed another two tracks. The fifth track is the band’s adaptation of Vivaldi’s violin concerto in A minor. Listeners familiar with the band’s debut album will find this one quite different. Gone is the feverish, faster then light racing on the keyboards; the music is now firmly based on classical music, with frequent quotations reminiscent of Baroque Masters. The compositions are solid and very well developed, with many themes and tempo changes. The similarity to bands like NiceFind albums by this artist, RefugeeFind albums by this artist, TraceFind albums by this artist, etc. is obvious, especially due to the sound, which is (purposely I assume) very 70’s. I’m personally very happy to see the band fulfill the high hopes we all had and produce an album, which can easily compare (if not overshadow) to any other Prog album produced anywhere else in the world. This again strengthens the fact that something truly wonderful is happening on the Israeli scene since the beginning of the 21st Century with a long streak of impressive new albums being produced one after another.
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