Record Reviews

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

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

REFUGEE ~ REFUGEE TIME WAVE 002 (Barcode: 604388669622) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2006 Only album by the classic Prog group RefugeeFind albums by this artist, which at the time was viewed as an attempt to revive the glorious days of The NiceFind albums by this artist as it featured two ex-Nice members (Lee JacksonFind albums by this artist and Brian DavisonFind albums by this artist) and was fronted by a virtuoso keyboards player – Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist. The album is a great showcase of Patrick’s abilities as a player and composer and includes two lengthy suites (17 and 18 minutes long) in the best tradition of Prog instrumental music. It is a real shame they managed to record only one album before disbanding. Moraz would of course later join YesFind albums by this artist (and achieve international recognition) and then The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. This album remained unavailable for many years on CD and is one of the most sought after Prog releases in history.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

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.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend