Record Reviews
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  | ALQUIN ~ MARKS
ESOTERIC 2144 (Barcode: 5013929724426) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009
1st album by the excellent Dutch Prog band AlquinFind albums by this artist, which enjoyed less popularity outside of their native country in comparison to bands like FocusFind albums by this artist, SupersisterFind albums by this artist or Earth & FireFind albums by this artist, but was by no means less talented or interesting. In fact many aspects of the band´s music, like their open-mindedness towards other genres like Jazz and World Music, as well as their instrumentation, which included woodwinds and brass and their love of improvisation, contributed greatly to their unusual sound and produced a beautiful effect. The music is full of unexpected developments, frequent tempo shifts and instrumental solos, all the elements that make music interesting. The overall effect is somewhat reminiscent of the music made by Canterbury Scene musicians, with Soft MachineFind albums by this artist often springing to mind. Nevertheless there is no imitation here whatsoever, as the musical ideas are fresh and unique. In retrospect this music lost nothing of its power or intrinsic beauty over the years and is still a most pleasant listening experience. A definite must to all Progheads!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALQUIN ~ THE MOUNTAIN QUEEN
ESOTERIC 2145 (Barcode: 5013929724525) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2009
2nd album by the excellent Dutch Prog band AlquinFind albums by this artist, which enjoyed less popularity outside of their native country in comparison to bands like FocusFind albums by this artist, SupersisterFind albums by this artist or Earth & FireFind albums by this artist, but was by no means less talented or interesting. In fact many aspects of the band´s music, like their open-mindedness towards other genres like Jazz and World Music, as well as their instrumentation, which included woodwinds and brass and their love of improvisation, contributed greatly to their unusual sound and produced a beautiful effect. The music is full of unexpected developments, frequent tempo shifts and instrumental solos, all the elements that make music interesting. The overall effect is somewhat reminiscent of the music made by Canterbury Scene musicians, with Soft MachineFind albums by this artist often springing to mind. Nevertheless there is no imitation here whatsoever, as the musical ideas are fresh and unique. In retrospect this music lost nothing of its power or intrinsic beauty over the years and is still a most pleasant listening experience. A definite must to all Progheads!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SUPERSISTER ~ ISKANDER
ESOTERIC 2058 (Barcode: 5013929715820) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008
4th and last album by the brilliant Dutch band SupersisterFind albums by this artist, which almost singlehandedly were Europe´s answer to the British Canterbury scene. Often compared to Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (circa "ThirdFind albums with this title"), in fact the group is more comparable to later Canterbury groups like Matching MoleFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist and even later CaravanFind albums by this artist, although chronologically they preceded these groups by several years. Obviously influenced by Soft Machine´s jazzy free improvisational excursions, the band was also influenced by many other experimental Rock (Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist), Jazz musicians and contemporary Classical composers. Following the recording of the previous album, the band´s flautist and drummer left to pursue their careers were replaced by a new drummer and the great American-born but living in Europe saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist. Naturally as the result the band´s music became even more Jazzy. The album was recorded in England (with some guest musicians) and this time it was a concept work dedicated to Alexander the Great. Unfortunately soon after the album was recorded Mariano left and the group disbanded, after the legendary Elton DeanFind albums by this artist played with tem for a while, leaving us the legacy of four wonderful albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SUPERSISTER ~ PRESENT FROM NANCY
ESOTERIC 2056 (Barcode: 5013929715622) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
1st album by the brilliant Dutch band SupersisterFind albums by this artist, which almost singlehandedly were Europe´s answer to the British Canterbury scene. Often compared to Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (circa "ThirdFind albums with this title"), in fact the group is more comparable to later Canterbury groups like Matching MoleFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist and even later CaravanFind albums by this artist, although chronologically they preceded these groups by several years. Obviously influenced by Soft Machine´s jazzy free improvisational excursions, the band was also influenced by many other experimental Rock (Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist), Jazz musicians and contemporary Classical composers. With the European Jazz scene rapidly developing to emancipate itself from the half-decade American domination, with Holland as one of the epicenters of the new European Jazz, the band was a reflection of the trends by the young European musicians to go elsewhere in search of their musical ventures. The stunning debut album by Supersister is a great example of spontaneity, daring and complete disregard for commercial consideration, all these of course on top of amazing talent and musicianship of its four band members. Similar to early Soft Machine the band did not include a guitarist, so the soloing is mostly done by the keyboardist and flute player, but the bass player and drummer had also a most significant role. Altogether this is a magnificent piece of music and a stunning debut album, worthy of an honorable place in any serious music collection. Essential listening experience!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SUPERSISTER ~ TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER
ESOTERIC 2057 (Barcode: 5013929715721) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008
2nd album by the brilliant Dutch band SupersisterFind albums by this artist, which almost singlehandedly were Europe´s answer to the British Canterbury scene. Often compared to Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (circa "ThirdFind albums with this title"), in fact the group is more comparable to later Canterbury groups like Matching MoleFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist and even later CaravanFind albums by this artist, although chronologically they preceded these groups by several years. Obviously influenced by Soft Machine´s jazzy free improvisational excursions, the band was also influenced by many other experimental Rock (Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist), Jazz musicians and contemporary Classical composers. This follow up to their stunning debut is every bit as excellent and its release established the group as one of the most important European Jazz-Rock acts. Full of great melody lines, quirky rhythm changes and exceptional sensitivity, this is a true gem, always worthy of returning to. Essential listening experience!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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