Record Reviews
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  | MOODY BLUES ~ THE POLYDOR YEARS 1986-1992
POLYDOR 602537894147 (Barcode: 602537894147) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1986 - 1992 Released: 2014
This is a reissue / archival Box Set presenting the music recorded by the seminal British Pop / Rock band The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist between 1986 and 1992. The group enjoyed an enormous, both artistic and commercial, success between 1967 and 1972, with a stream of seven brilliant and innovative albums. A period of concentrating on solo projects between 1974 and 1977 ended, when the band reunited and released an album in 1978 followed by founding member vocalist / keyboardist Mike PinderFind albums by this artist leaving the band for good. The remaining four founding members: vocalist / guitarist Justin HaywardFind albums by this artist, vocalist / bassist John LodgeFind albums by this artist, vocalist / drummer Graeme EdgeFind albums by this artist and vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Ray ThomasFind albums by this artist were joined by ex-YesFind albums by this artist Swiss keyboardist Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist. They released two further albums for DeccaFind albums on this label, until the label was bought by PolydorFind albums on this label, where the story of this Box Set begins.
This Box set includes the remastered and expanded versions of the four albums The Moody Blues released on Polydor: “The Other Side Of LifeFind albums with this title” (1986), “Sur La MerFind albums with this title” (1988), “Keys Of The KingdomFind albums with this title” (1991) and finally the live album “A Night At Red RocksFind albums with this title” (1993) recorded in 1992 with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, expanded to two CDs. Also included is a live CD “The Other Side Of Life Tour”, as well as a DVD of “A Night At Red Rocks” and another DVD with the documentary “The Other Side Of Red Rocks” and finally a vinyl single – altogether six CDs, two DVDs and a vinyl single, a hardcover book with essays and photographs - quite a package indeed.
Although the music produced by The Moody Blues during this period is often dismissed by fans and critics alike, this is completely unjustified. They retained four of their founding members with their brilliant vocal harmonies and incredible songwriting talents and although the keyboards work by Moraz bears many of the dreaded 1980s synthesizer sound characteristics, it can be accepted as part of the time’s ambience.
Overall, this Box Set is an incredible time capsule and a loving tribute to one of the greatest Classic Rock bands of all time. It offers a remarkable opportunity to re-discover (or simply discover) this chapter in the band’s activity and witness a process of musician that are able to age well and remain productive. I had an unexpected fun to listen to this music, a joyous ride indeed!
| | Updated: 27/09/2021Posted: 27/09/2021 | CD 9 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ ~ FUTURE MEMORIES
TIME WAVE 008 (Barcode: 604388670222) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2006
6th album by Moraz recorded live during a TV solo concert and based on the concept of spontaneous composition / improvisation. Moraz plays a series of lengthy composition, starting with a couple of acoustic piano pieces and then moving to electronic keyboards gradually building up the array of the instruments he uses, including percussion and gongs. It is difficult to believe that all this music is performed by one musician and recorded live, but no overdubbing whatsoever is used. Moraz seems to have a lot of fun here and the results are truly amazing. His wizardry as a player and compositional skills are evident and this is one of his strongest solo projects. Another album based on the same concept and setup was recorded four years later, called Future Memories II. No Moraz fan will want to miss this one.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ ~ FUTURE MEMORIES II
TIME WAVE 009 (Barcode: 604388670321) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2006
7th album by Moraz, which documents his second solo show for the Swiss TV. The concept is quite similar to the previous album, with Moraz improvising on the spot and using an incredible array of keyboard instruments. No acoustic piano pieces this time, but Moraz clearly shows his masterly playing and compositional skills, sounding like a one-man orchestra. The show was recorded over the period of several days and the album includes a selection of the material recorded. A companion DVD (Future Memories 1 & 2) presents a full document of these sessions. The music was quite innovative at the time and includes many technological tricks of the trade (like voice samples), which were incorporated into the mainline of the industry only years later. For the many Patrick Moraz fans this is a must have, especially in view of the fact that this material was unavailable for many years.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ ~ HUMAN INTERFACE
TIME WAVE 011 (Barcode: 604388670529) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1987 Released: 2006
This is the eighth album and another solo effort with all the music composed by Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist, who also plays all the instruments. By the time this album was recorded the electronic instrumental genre was no longer the uncharted territory, with VangelisFind albums by this artist and Jean-Michel JarreFind albums by this artist presiding.
Moraz managed to maintain his individual touch both as a player and a composer, by using a more distinct classic influence than his “rivals” did in their work. Some of the compositions on this album rank amongst his strongest works and his playing is brilliant as always. The bonus tracks are also quite interesting, as they were recorded live at the Abbey Road Studio in London, where the album was mastered.
The album’s atmosphere is much more serene that most of his earlier works, which can be perhaps explained by natural maturing and seasoning. In any case this is a must have for all Moraz fans and a pleasant surprise to those who are unfamiliar with his works.
| | Updated: 13/04/2017Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ ~ OUT IN THE SUN
TIME WAVE 004 (Barcode: 604388669820) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2006
2nd album by Swiss keyboards wizard shortly after he left Yes. It is remarkably consistent with the debut release (The Story Of I) in every respect: it was also recorded in Switzerland and Brazil, the lineup is almost identical and so is the multi-cultural feel. The only difference is that rather than producing a concept album Moraz composed eight individual pieces of music, which are unrelated to each other. The level of composition and the performances are splendid, as usual with Moraz, and the album is equally enjoyable. American bassist Wornell Jones replaces Jeff Berlin and plays some great funky bass lines. The great jazz bassist Isla Eckinger plays acoustic bass on one track and flute legend Herbie Mann also adds delicate touch. Great joy to see this album available again.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ ~ PATRICK MORAZ (III)
TIME WAVE 005 (Barcode: 604388669929) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2006
3rd album by the Swiss keyboards wizard. In many respects it is a pivotal work as Moraz decides to take the center of the stage (almost) completely alone this time. With the rapid development of the electronic instruments by the end of the 1970’s Moraz employs a wide array of keyboard instruments with skill and elegance, making the use of additional musicians unnecessary. He does however continue to use the Brazilian percussion ensemble (The Percussionists of Rio de Janeiro), as he did on the two previous albums. The album revolves around the concept of dichotomy between the civilized world (represented by the electronic instruments) and the primitive world (represented by acoustic instruments), hoping for an eventual co-existence between the two worlds. The music is in many respects quite ahead of its time with sonic ideas, which would become widely accepted only two decades later. Since this album has been unavailable for many years, it is great to be able to hear this music again and the numerous fans of Patrick Moraz, who have been waiting eagerly for the reissue, will have a field day with this.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ ~ THE STORY OF I
TIME WAVE 003 (Barcode: 604388669721) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2006
1st album by Swiss keyboards wizard Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist and then member of YesFind albums by this artist. Following the release of RelayerFind albums with this title all Yes members embarked on solo projects, this one being definitely the most significant of them all. After completion of this project Moraz returned to Yes to play some concerts with them, soon to be replaced by none other than the returning Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist. This album presents Moraz not only as a virtuoso player, but also more importantly as a serious composer. The music, which mixes elements of jazz, classical and world music, is complex and intricate and yet extremely melodic. As customary at the time the album is a concept work based on a story line written by Moraz himself. Moraz recorded the music in Switzerland and Brazil, where he used a group of local percussionists. This gives the music a distinct ethnic and trans-cultural feel. The splendid Jeff BerlinFind albums by this artist plays some great bass lines and drummer Alphonse MouzonFind albums by this artist swings mightily. In retrospect this is definitely one of the best works created among the Yes Family members and a worthy document of the era. Warmly recommended.
Visitors' Comments
Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros
This is the first solo albumn by Swiss keyboard player Patrick Moraz with an excellent group of musicians (John McBurnie, Vivienne McAuliffe, Ray Gomez, Jeff Berlin, Alphonse Mouzon, Andy Newmark and percussionists of Rio de Janeiro). The concept albumn is based in a love story of massive tower in the jungle (¿Amazonia?). The tower lures people from all over the world to go inside it. Inside the tower people are able to experience their wildest desires and fantasies but the only rule is that people inside the tower may not fall in love with each other. However two people inside do so and decide to escape since the tower acts also as a prision which inhabitants are slaves of their own desires- The albumn consists in a suite (fourteen relatively short tracks related to the story), the music is notable for its rich use of pitch-bend controls on the synth/organ notes and its multi-layered, heavy but rhytmically agile synth and keyboard textures. ´ Impact´,´Warmer hands´,´ The storm´, ´Risk and fall´,' Dancing now´, and my favourite ´Best years of our lives' are tracks of impressive Prog- World Music- Jazz Fusion. If you are a real Prog fan, this item is absolutely essential. 5 stars.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ ~ TIMECODE
TIME WAVE 007 (Barcode: 604388670123) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1984 Released: 2006
5th album by Partick MorazFind albums by this artist, heavily influenced by then contemporary New Wave pop. It is the only Moraz album consisting almost completely of songs (i.e. with lyrics) rather than his mostly instrumental pieces on his earlier (and later) albums and therefore considered his most pop oriented release. Of course it much depends on one’s definition of pop, since his compositions are definitely more complex than your average pop song. In addition to John McBurnieFind albums by this artist who handles most of the vocal parts (sounding very much like Jon AndersonFind albums by this artist BTW), several guest vocalist take part as well. Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist guests on one track on electronic drums (Bill and Patrick recorded two excellent jazz oriented albums as a duo around that time). Patrick’s keyboards wizardry is omnipresent here and not to be ignored or dismissed. For his many fans this album is a nice trip down the memory lane.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ / BILL BRUFORD ~ FLAGS
WINTERFOLD 002 ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985
2nd album by the Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist / Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist duo. Considering the excellence of the first album they recorded together, it was really difficult to follow, but they managed to pass the test with flying colors. This album is every bit as good as its predecessor and more! Moraz uses some synthesizer on this one to expand the range, but the music is basically acoustic and serene. A gem!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ / BILL BRUFORD ~ IN TOKYO
WINTERFOLD 011 (Barcode: 604388731220) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 Released: 2009
The duo of Swiss keyboardist Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist and British drummer Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist recorded a couple of splendid studio albums in the mid-1980s, playing a unique blend of Jazz and spontaneously invented music. Although both started their international careers as members of the legendary Prog group Yes, they were strongly connected to the Jazz roots, as their recordings as a due prove beyond any doubt. This great and most welcome album presents their work captured live for the first time, which was recorded at the time but remained unreleased for a quartet of a century. Now we can finally enjoy this music thanks to the belated, but most welcome release. The numerous fans of these musicians, both separately and as a duo, will surely enjoy this album immensely. Recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ / BILL BRUFORD ~ MUSIC FOR PIANO AND DRUMS
WINTERFOLD 001 ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1983
1st album by the Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist / Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist duo. Although both musiciabs are ex-YesFind albums by this artist members, they actually never played together in the band. Another thing they have in common is of course their fascination with Jazz and improvised music, and their 2 albums shows that beyond any doubt. Although duo albums can be difficult to digest sometimes, this album is so full of excitment and beauty that no music lover should have any problem with enjoying this!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PATRICK MORAZ / SYRINX ~ COEXISTENCE (LIBERTATE)
TIME WAVE 006 ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock
4th album (recorded 1979-1980) by Patrick Moraz in collaboration with the Romanian pan flute player Simion “Syrinx” Stanciu. The album was reissued in 1989 under the title of Libertate with all the royalties going to the charitable foundation "Terre des Hommes", a charity organization based in Geneva, to help the children or newly liberated Rumania in 1989. The album continues the concept of the previous release (the self-titled 3rd album) dealing with the relationship between the modern and the ancient, as expressed by the use of electronic versus acoustic instruments. Moraz continues to use the Brazilian percussion ensemble (The Percussionists of Rio de Janeiro) and adds a few assisting players, but the essence is expressed by the duets between his keyboards and the enchanting pan flute – one of the oldest instruments in human culture. Again the album is ahead of its time in many respects: the innovative sounds produced by the keyboards instruments, the extensive use of ethnic elements, etc. This beauty is definitely worth checking out, not only by Moraz fans, but also by any fan of unorthodox music.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks 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.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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.
| | | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | YES ~ RELAYER (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 73792 (Barcode: 081227379223) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974
8th album and definitely the last of the great YesFind albums by this artist epics - from that moment on the band will be ridden with personell changes and internal frictions, rending it virtually non-productive. The young Swiss keyboards player Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist replaces the ever restless Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, who keeps coming and going through the Yes revolving door. Moraz is an excellent player and does a superb job, considering he was drafted just a few weeks prior to the recording sessions. The music stays very much in the same pattern as the last 2-3 albums, with just 3 long pieces. The new eddition includes interesting studio and live bonus material.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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