Record Reviews
29 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | FUSION SYNDICATE ~ A SPEEDWAY ON SATURN`S RINGS
PURPLE PYRAMID 4022 (Barcode: 889466402227) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2012 - 2023 Released: 2023
This is the second album by the Fusion SyndicateFind albums by this artist, a brainchild of American guitarist / composer / producer Fernando PerdomoFind albums by this artist, who assembled a group of Fusion / Prog superstars to record (mostly) his compositions with various lineups, which change from track to track. The collective lineup includes guitarists Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist and Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist and Brian JacksonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jah WobbleFind albums by this artist and Alphonso JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist, among others. The album presents eight tracks recorded in late 2022 and early 2023.
The album also presents four bonus tracks produced and composed by bassist / composer Billy SherwoodFind albums by this artist, which originate from the debut eponymous album by Fusion Syndicate from 2012, which is difficult to find these days. It features such Fusion giants like bassist Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist, guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, violinist Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist, drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist and others.
Although featuring excellent musicians, the album has nothing new to offer musically and has no coherent concept per se. There is plenty of excitement and excellent soloing by the participants, as expected, but sadly it confirms the notion that Fusion, following a relatively brief period of creativity and Artistic productivity during the Golden Decade (1965-1975) has been mostly dormant, if not dead since.
Overall, this is a well-played typical Fusion album, which adds nothing new to the genre’s illustrious past, but offers a pleasant listening experience to the genre’s hard to die fans.
| | Updated: 08/12/2023Posted: 08/12/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIKOLAJ HERTEL ~ DZWIEKI DALEKIEGO SWIATA
GAD 052 (Barcode: 5901549197686) ~ POLAND ~ Electronic & Ambient
Recorded: 1985 - 1988 Released: 2017
This is a reissue of the cassette only album with a compilation of material composed and performed by Polish keyboardist / composer Mikolaj HertelFind albums by this artist in the mid-1980s. This beautifully remastered edition is expanded by five additional tracks originating from the same period and presents in total twenty two pieces of his music. This is the second chapter in a series of reissues of the music by Hertel on the GADFind albums on this label Records label, following the "Epizod AFind albums with this title" album released a couple of years earlier.
The music is similar to other electronic / ambient creations popular at the time the world over and is every bit as good as anything recorded by Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, Jean-Michel JarreFind albums by this artist or VangelisFind albums by this artist. Hertel is a wonderful weaver of sublime melodic themes and his synthesizers create a rich tapestry of sonic vistas, which although a bit nostalgic, still sound relevant today. His themes are more concise and coherent, and as a result the music never gets boring, repetitive or droning.
Fans of synthesizers should enjoy this stuff immensely but basically everybody interested in the ambient / electronic genre should check this out, especially people outside of Poland, who were never exposed to this excellent music. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 13/04/2017Posted: 13/04/2017 | 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 |
  | REALM ~ THE PATH
SYN-PHONIC 09 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1992 Released: 1993
This is the second and last album by American Prog group RealmFind albums by this artist, which comprised of guitarist / vocalist Darrell StudnaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Steve VailFind albums by this artist and drummer Lake FurneyFind albums by this artist. Studna and Vail share the composition and lyrics credits on five of the album´s seven tracks, and have one track each credited individually.
From the very first note of this album it becomes immediately apparent that Realm is yet another attempt to create a YesFind albums by this artist clone (circa the Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist period). The falsetto vocals (loathed by many) and convoluted keyboards parts are plainly recognizable even to Prog beginners. And yet, although obviously lacking originality, the band is pretty great at what they do, creating an impression of actually being the "real deal", which is not really inferior to the original (which says more about Yes than Realm IMHO). The original compositions are quite good, and the performances by all the trio members are first rate, which results in a surprisingly pleasing mainstream Prog album.
Neo-Prog definitely had its problems in the 1990s, producing in retrospect only a handful of truly great bands and innovative / original music. This is an example of Neo-Prog, which does not pretend to be original, but emphasizes the attempt to preserve the spirit of the original Prog idiom, doing it quite well overall. A must for Yes fans, but most symphonic Prog lovers should be more than happy with this little gem. Search and investigate!
| | Updated: 21/09/2021Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ DRAGONFLY (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 5302680 (Barcode: 600753026809) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
3rd album by the legendary UK Folk-Rock group StrawbsFind albums by this artist led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, who is still in the helm 40 years later enjoying the renewed interest in the band, Strawbs were definitely one of the most successful and brilliant UK Folk-Rock outfits. This album, recorded in the shadow of the previous eponymous release, which was lavishly (and expensively) produced, is much more straightforward instrumentally, but it does feature the first appearance of the legendary keyboards player Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, who was soon after to become a regular Strawbs band member. The groups also expanded by adding to the original trio the cellist Claire DenizFind albums by this artist. Cousins, as usual, wrote the bulk of the material, with Tony HooperFind albums by this artist contributing one of his own tunes and co-composing another. The album includes the first (of many) epic tracks Strawbs were to record later on, the almost 11 minutes long "The Vision Of The Lady In The Lake". In spite of the modest production, this is a brilliant album and a prime example of Folk-Rock at its best, which makes the fact that it remained unreleased on CD until now a complete folly. High time to grab it now!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ FROM THE WITCHWOOD
A&M 540939 (Barcode: 731454093927) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 1998
5th album by StrawbsFind albums by this artist and the first to feature Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist as a full band member. The transition from the folky roots to the new rocky sound is even more evident here and the group seems to acheive a perfect ballance of both. Usual mix of well crafted songs and delicate arrangements creates an enchanted atmosphere. Pure delight!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ JUST A COLLECTION OF ANTIQUES AND CURIOS (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 540938 (Barcode: 731454093828) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 1998
4th album. StrawbsFind albums by this artist formed in 1967 as a folk group led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, but by the time this live record was recorded they moved into the Prog genre. With new member Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, they became one of the best outfits on the scene and released a long series of magnificent albums. Always related to the English folk tradition, their flavor of Prog was gentle and sophisticated, with meaningful lyrics.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ NOMADNESS (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 5302822 (Barcode: 600753028223) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2008
10th album by the legendary UK Folk-Rock group StrawbsFind albums by this artist led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, who is still in the helm 40 years later enjoying the renewed interest in the band, Strawbs were definitely one of the most successful and brilliant UK Folk-Rock outfits. This album was the last of the albums released by the A&MFind albums on this label label and marks a certain attempt to produce music, which is less complex and more accessible. There are no epic tracks here, but the material is very strong, written, as usual, mostly by Cousins, with a couple tracks by other band members. The band at the time of the recording was a quartet, with Cousins, Dave LambertFind albums by this artist, Chas CronkFind albums by this artist and Rod CoombesFind albums by this artist, but many famous musician friends participate in the recording, including keyboardists Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist and Tommy EyreFind albums by this artist. In retrospect this is still an extremely solid release, which makes the fact that it remained unreleased on CD until now a complete folly. High time to grab it now!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ CELEBRATING JON LORD THE COMPOSER
EAR MUSIC 4029759095590 (Barcode: 4029759095590) ~ UK ~ Pop-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014
This is a live recording of a concert at The Royal Albert Hall held on April 4th, 2014, which commemorated the compositions of keyboardist / composer Jon LordFind albums by this artist, known primarily as a founding member of the seminal British Rock band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, who sadly departed a couple of years earlier. Lord was a pioneer of the Rock-Classical Fusion and his "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album performed and recorded in 1969 by Deep Purple with the Royal Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist at The Royal Albert Hall was a first of its kind attempt to combine Rock and Classical Music on such scale.
Over the years Lord composed a long list of orchestral works, which often bridged Rock and Classical Music and his works were always received enthusiastically by his many dedicated followers, including yours truly. Lord´s surprising and tragically premature death from cancer was a terrible blow to his many fans and fellow musicians, who respected him deeply.
The album presents eight beautiful orchestral compositions by Lord, performed by the Orion OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Paul MannFind albums by this artist, who was a long time collaborator with Lord. Celebrated Rock musicians take part in the concert including: keyboardist Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist, pianist Nigel HopkinsFind albums by this artist, vocalist Steve BalsamoFind albums by this artist and many others. Actor Jeremy IronsFind albums by this artist recites poetry.
The music is beautifully produced and performed with taste and panache, with the typical British restraint and elegance. The album achieves its goal in full, both plying respect to Jon Lord the composer and musician and presenting his sublime music in the best possible form, keeping the memory alive.
Overall this is a superb piece of music, which should be appreciated by a wide circle of connoisseurs, both from the Rock and Classical Music spheres and all good music lovers around the world. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 13/09/2019Posted: 13/09/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ ASPIRANT SUNSET
PRESIDENT 18 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
2nd part of Wakeman`s `Sun` trilogy from 1990 dedicated to serene melodies inspired by nature. Very close to New Age music, but Wakeman`s virtuosity as a player is still very strongly evident. For his many fans this a a nice glance at the other side of the rock star and his connection to Nature.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ ASPIRANT SUNSHADOWS
PRESIDENT 19 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd part of Wakeman`s `Sun` trilogy from 1991 dedicated to serene melodies inspired by nature. Very close to New Age music, but Wakeman`s virtuosity as a player is still very strongly evident. For his many fans this a a nice glance at the other side of the rock star and his connection to Nature.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ CRIMES OF PASSION
PRESIDENT 3 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This is a soundtrack album from the great Ken Russell film of the same name made in 1986. Wakeman was comissioned to write the music for the film and he did so with flying colors. The pieces varry in mood from romantic to expressive, according to the scene. The theme song is performed by the great Maggie Bell and is the only vocal track (except for the bonus track).
| | | CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR
KING BISCUIT 88009 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded in 1975 in San Francisco, this live recording captures Wakeman and his group at the peak of their popularity and creative power. Wakeman just squezes everything there is from his keyboards with finger running wild all over the place. The music includes his stage favorites: `Six Wives`, `Journey To The Center Of The Earth`, ` Arthur` and `Merlin`. What more can one expect?
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH
PRESIDENT 2 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A live recording from 1985. Rick and a great band perform some of his most famous pieces: `Journey To The Centre Of The Earth`, `Arthur`, `Merlin` and `Six Wives`. Very energetic performances and a treat to all Rick`s fans.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
HUX 085 (Barcode: 682970000855) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
By the time the two concerts featuring Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist and his English Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist were recorded, the young keyboards wizard had already behind him a list of achievements that few others manage to accomplish in a lifetime. Wakeman played on endless studio sessions for the top UK acts, was a members in two seminal Prog bands StrawbsFind albums by this artist and YesFind albums by this artist and composed and recorded a series of musical epics of grand proportions: The Six Wives Of Henry VIIIFind albums with this title, Journey To The Centre Of The EarthFind albums with this title, The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round TableFind albums with this title, White RockFind albums with this title (the soundtrack for the Winter Olympic Games) and most recently his first album with his English Rock Ensemble: No Earthly ConnectionFind albums with this title. The two concerts recorded for the BBC were a part of Wakeman’s promotion tour of the last album. With Wakeman’s enormous array of keyboards and the six-piece English Rock Orchestra (Ashley HoltFind albums by this artist – vocals, Roger NewellFind albums by this artist – bass, John DunstervilleFind albums by this artist – guitar, Tony FernandezFind albums by this artist – drums, Reg BrooksFind albums by this artist – trombone and Martin ShieldsFind albums by this artist – trumpet) produced a truly awesome, powerful orchestral sound, which suited Wakeman’s dramatic compositions perfectly. The music includes excerpts from all the Wakeman’s solo albums mentioned above, as well as material from the last album. Although the two concerts include some parallel material, each performance is quite unique and therefore none of it is redundant. This is undoubtedly Wakeman’s finest hour ever and considering the great sound quality of these recordings perhaps the best live album he ever made. Quite honestly this album is more or less the essence of Wakeman’s output and except for fanatic Wakeman fans is quite sufficient as his spot in one’s music collection. Definitely most wholeheartedly recommended!
Side Note: Unfortunately things went pretty downhill for Wakeman from that point on. Although he is to this very day one of Rock’s most prolific composers, his totally unrestrained policy on releasing his albums, which resulted in a monstrous (I stopped counting a long time ago but they must be well over 200) amount of albums, which totally destroyed his credibility. Sure there is a lot of great music in those albums, but none of it was innovative or neoteric enough to make any difference. Overproducing can be disastrous and unfortunately Wakeman is a living proof of that.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ NO EARTHLY CONNECTION
UNIVERSAL JAPAN 9295 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
5th solo album from 1976. After 4 extravagant epics from Six Wives to King Arthur, this is a much more `laid back` album and perhaps one of his best works of that period. The seven-piece bands that recorded the album (called the English Rock Ensemble) is tight and supportive and the methaphysical subject matter (yes it is another concept album) is well suited by the music.
Limited Edition
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ PRELUDES TO A CENTURY
PRESIDENT 33 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A delightful album of solo piano pieces composed by Rick especially for the Millenium, very classical in nature as the title suggests. He shows that the acoustic piano is his favorite instrument and he really shines here.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ THE CLASSICAL CONNECTION 2
PRESIDENT 14 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Wakeman`s album from 1991 dedicated to his interpretations of some `classic` melodies (not classical music), like the Beatles` Eleabor Rigby which gets an interesting treatment. Some incredible musicians take part in this recording, including Wakeman`s buddies from Yes: Chris Squire, Bill Bruford and Steve Howe. For Yes fans this is quite a treat.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ THE MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753562604 (Barcode: 600753562604) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2014
This is the third (second studio) album by British keyboardist / composer Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent and prolific figures of the Progressive Rock movement. The album was recorded after Wakeman left (for the first time) the legendary Prog group YesFind albums by this artist, and features members of the band that took part in the recording of his previous album ("Journey To The Centre Of The EarthFind albums with this title") as well as the English Chamber ChoirFind albums by this artist and Orchestra.
In many respects this album continues the pattern set up in its predecessor, which puts Wakeman in the centre playing an array of keyboards, accompanied by a Rock group including vocals and supported by a large orchestra and choir. Of course Wakeman did not invent the concept of combining orchestra and choir with a Rock band; that has been tried out with various degrees of success many times before. The most important issue in an attempt to create a Rock-Classical Fusion is always the extent of integration between these two musical universes, which is supposed to give birth to a symbiotic hybrid. Unfortunately such organic fusion does not happen neither on its predecessor nor on this album and Wakeman uses the Classical elements as an extension of his palette of sounds, as if he had another synthesizer at his disposal, but not as an extension of his musical horizon.
When stripped down from all the excess ornamentation, which is not easy mind you, the album does present some decent melodic content. Wakeman always could weave some pretty nice tunes, which absurdly hold water better in their simplicity than when glazed up by layers upon layers of sugary glitter.
Having said all that, Wakeman knew how to maximize his success and push the boundaries of the Rock / Prog idiom into the extravagant grandeur, which could flourish for just a brief period of time, when the circumstances allowed it, writing down a fascinating period in Rock´s history. Wakeman never lacked neither the vision nor the ability to actually make projects like this one become a reality, which is a virtue he deserves praise for, regardless of the net musical value that was actually created.
This Deluxe Edition is quite a vulgar attempt to sell the same material again, as it offers absolutely nothing worthwhile in return for its price. There are no bonus tracks at all and the accompanying DVD brings high definition stereo and quad mixes of the same material (God only knows what for?).
Overall this album brings back on the market music that did not age well, which is dishonestly packaged. It retains its historic value when judged in perspective.
| | | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD
PRESIDENT 27 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Another Wakeman epic from 1994/1995 this time dedicated to the legendary Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The seven instrumental pieces correspond to each of the places. The music is very good, typical Wakeman keyboards dominated orchestral extravaganza. Fans of Wakeman will surely enjoy this one.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753562383 (Barcode: 600753562383) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by British keyboardist / composer Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent and prolific figures of the Progressive Rock movement. The album was recorded while Wakeman was a member of the legendary Prog group YesFind albums by this artist, and features all the members of the band except for the vocalist, as well as members of Wakeman´s previous group StrawbsFind albums by this artist, which initially brought him to the public attention.
As appropriate for the genre and the period, the album proposes many innovations, such as the fact that it is completely instrumental, that it is a concept album based on real historical figures, the fact that it focuses on the many different keyboard instruments, including synthesizers, which were in the early stage of their development, and so on. Upon its release the album was warmly received by the critics and turned out to be a huge commercial success, enjoying a legendary status and still selling more that forty years later.
However, in retrospect, the album does show some serious cracks in its polished image. Although it does include some nice melodic themes, the keyboard arrangements and especially the extravagant effort to include as many different keyboard effects and sound layers sounds pretty naïve today, if not ridiculous at the most excessive moments. Rhythmically the whole album is very straightforward and holds no surprises or innovation. The whole affair could be describes as Baroque (if one wants to be nice) or simply pompous, to be honest.
Throughout the album the music sounds as if performed by Yes, which of course is not surprising, considering the participation of the band´s members and Wakeman´s artistic grip over the band. Again in retrospect it shows how much Wakeman´s vision dominated Yes, changing the band gradually from an ambitious and unique outfit to a repetitive, pretentious, self-indulgent and eventually boring outfit by the time this album was released.
This Deluxe Edition is quite a vulgar attempt to sell the same material again, as it offers absolutely nothing worthwhile in return for its price. The bonus tracks are two single edits of the album´s tracks and one different mix. The accompanying DVD brings high definition stereo and quad mixes of the same material (God only knows what for?) and a five minutes long video of Wakeman performing one of the tracks at the BBC.
Overall this album brings back on the market music that did not age well, which is dishonestly packaged. It retains its historic value when judged in perspective.
| | | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | YES ~ FRAGILE (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 73789 (Barcode: 081227378929) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2003
4th album by YesFind albums by this artist. This is where the definitive Yes line-up first recorded together, after the flamboyant Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist replaced Tony KayeFind albums by this artist on keyboards (or rather keyboard kingdom). Although the album was put together rather haphazardly fast to mark Wakeman`s arrival (and to pay for his keyboards), the group managed to complete a Prog masterpiece - a canon example of what the genre was all about - something that would be cherrished and immitated for generations to come. This album also marks the first collaboration with the graphic artists Roger DeanFind albums by this artist, who created the famous Yes logo and was in charge of the design of their lavish album artwork. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | YES ~ PROGENY: SEVEN SHOWS FROM SEVENTY-TWO
RHINO 081227956417 (Barcode: 081227956417) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2015
This monstrous Box Set comprises of seven 2CD sets, which present seven concerts recorded between October 31, 1972 and November 20, 1972 during the North American YesFind albums by this artist tour promoting "Close To The EdgeFind albums with this title", their fifth album. The band at the time comprised of vocalist Jon AndersonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve HoweFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris SquireFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist and the new drummer Alan WhiteFind albums by this artist. These concerts had an almost identical set list, which is of course reflected herein. Some of these recordings were already used in the past to compile the "YessongsFind albums on this label" live album released in 1973 but most are previously unreleased.
By the time Yes recorded "Close To The Edge", there was absolutely nothing left of the initial spark of genius that was reflected by their first two albums. They were deeply into overblown and self-centered world, which had almost completely lost touch with reality. Anderson´s "mystical" lyrics were dangerously close to gibberish and his hysteric vocal extravaganzas reflected a state of blurred consciousness. Wakeman´s endless keyboard doodling was pompous and arduous, and the rest of the gang just schlepped along. Yes, things could be a lot worse and indeed they would soon be much worse with the release of the forthcoming albums, but it was already truly "close to the edge".
Sarcastically, Yes were crowned as Kings of the Progressive Rock, whereas in fact their music completely stopped to progress (i.e. develop) from their third album on. It simply spiraled deeper and deeper into narcissism and arrogance, producing worthless Rococo trinkets hanging in the air. The melodies became simplistic, the endless instrumental passages became intolerably boring and a chill of emptiness took over. Oddly and completely beyond any reasonable explanation the Yes bandwagon keeps rolling to this very day, with this Box Set being a pinnacle of the theatre of absurd.
The sheer audacity of releasing this Box Set is of epic proportions, and reflects the complete detachment between Yes and the real world. Even if God Almighty himself had have called upon Moses to come up the mountain to receive the ten commandments seven times in a row, that would have been considered way overboard. But apparently releasing a box of seven almost identical concerts played within twenty days of each other is fine with some people.
Every live music performance is unique, true. But some are more unique than others. Box sets that present a series of live recordings captured in the span of a relatively short time and include repetitions of the same material do exist, but they all are completely justified, as opposed to this Box Set.
"The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard RecordingsFind albums with this title" is a four CDs Box Set by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, presenting concerts played during four days and includes many repeated tunes. It is a singular most important collection of music ever produced on this planet. But Coltrane was God.
"The Complete Live At The Plugged Nickel 1965Find albums on this label" is an eight CDs Box Set by the legendary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist second quintet, presenting music played just in two days. Of course there is repetition, but it is pure genius. And of course Miles thought he was God.
"Performance Rockin` The Fillmore: The Complete RecordingsFind albums on this label" is a four CDs Box Set by British Rock Supergroup Humble PieFind albums by this artist, presenting four identical sets played in two days (i.e. each song is repeated four times, with just one exception), but they are miles apart from each other. It epitomizes Rock at its absolute peak, which is purely Devilish.
I could of course go on and on listing Box Sets, which present extensive live recordings from every possible genre, which are all perfectly justifiable, make perfect sense and include fabulous music.
Sadly nothing similar can be said about this Box Set. It symbolizes pure vanity and complete disregard towards the fans of the band, which are repeatedly requested to pay for the same material again and again, honestly offering nothing in return. The sound quality is of course still very much Lo-Fi, in spite of the great efforts made to improve it. Even the Roger Dean graphics, which I usually adore, look pale and weathered. This is cynical BS and if anybody tells you otherwise, you are being bullshited.
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 28/12/2015 | CD 14 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered 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 |
  | YES ~ TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 73791 (Barcode: 081227379124) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2003
7th album by YesFind albums by this artist. With Alan WhiteFind albums by this artist on drums, the group set to record their next showcase. The resulting double album was received with mixed feelings for the first time in their career. Many fans saw an album comprised of 4 long suites as utterly overblown and self-indulgent. This was just too much of the same. Others prised the album as revolutionary and prophetic. In retrospect this was a heroic effort, but with little musical consequence - it just didn`t contribute anything new neither to the group nor to the Prog genre. After this album Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist announced (for the first time) that he was leaving the group. His coming and going would become legendary...
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
|
