Clover - Clover (1970)

Clover's sound was characterized by what was then known as the California Sound - uptempo, strong songwriting with a bit of country influence - something like a cross between Little Feat and the Eagles. "Love on a Wire" was one of two albums recorded by the group in London. This album is an excellent examples of late1970s pop rock and display a refined sensibility and lots of musical talent.

Le son de Clover se caractérisait par ce que l'on appelait alors le California Sound - uptempo, une composition musicale forte avec un peu d'influence country - un peu comme un croisement entre Little Feat et les Eagles. "Love on a Wire" fut l'un des deux albums enregistrés par le groupe à Londres. Cet opus est un excellent exemple de pop rock de la fin des années 1970 et affiche une sensibilité raffinée et beaucoup de talent musical.

Tracklist :

1. Hearts Under Fire
2. Southern Belles
3. Oh Senorita
4. Still Alive
5. Keep On Rollin
6. California Kid
7. Easy Love
8. Ain’t Nobody Own Nobody’s Soul
9. From Now On
10. Travellin’ Man


Line-Up : 

Bass – John Ciambotti

Drums – Mitch Howie

Fiddle – Ed Bogas

Lead Guitar – John McFee

Lead Vocals – Alex Call

Rhythm Guitar – Alex Call

Steel Guitar – John McFee

Vocals – John McFee, John Ciambotti

Enjoy music :

Clover - Clover
1970

Black Country Communion - BCCIV (2017)

Black Country Communion is like the meeting of fire and water, like the overheated metal that one knocks before plunging it into the cold liquid. Remember, Black Country Communion, it's still, always and always from the beginning: Glenn Hughes (bassist and singer who played with what the rock planet is most estimable, Trapeze, Black Sabbath through Deep Purple); Joe Bonamassa, the white idol of the blues; Jason Bonham (son of his father who replaced him in the ephemeral reformations of Led Zeppelin); and finally Derek Sherinian, excellent keyboardist who was first discovered at Dream Theater (then Planet X, among others).

Black Country Communion, c’est comme la rencontre du feu et de l’eau, comme ce métal surchauffé que l’on cogne avant de le plonger dans le froid liquide. Souvenez-vous, Black Country Communion, c’est quand même, encore et toujours depuis le début : Glenn Hughes (bassiste et chanteur qui a joué avec ce que la planète rock compte de plus estimable, de Trapeze, à Black Sabbath en passant par Deep Purple) ; Joe Bonamassa, l’idole blanche du blues; Jason Bonham (fils de son père qui l’a remplacé dans les reformations éphémères de Led Zeppelin) ; et enfin Derek Sherinian, excellent claviériste que l’on a d’abord découvert chez Dream Theater (puis Planet X, entre autres). 

Tracklist :

01.   Collide 4:05

02.   Over My Head 4:06

03.   The Last Song For My Resting Place 7:58

04.   Sway 5:24

05.   The Cove 7:11

06.   The Crow 6:00

07.   Wanderlust 8:16

08.   Love Remains 4:53

09.   Awake 4:40

10.   When The Morning Comes 7:56

11.   With You I Go   5:03

Line-Up :

Glenn Hughes (Vocals & Bass) 

Jason Bonham (Drums & Percussion) 

Derek Sherinian (Keyboards) 

Joe Bonamassa (Guitars)

Enjoy music :

Black Country Communion - BCCIV

2017

The Magpie Salute - High Water I (2018)

The majority of the 12 tracks featured are composed by Rich Robinson and John Hogg with a few collaborations from Marc Ford in the songs "Sister Moon", "Take it All" and "Walk on Water". The title cut has a bit of an homage to one of Rich's influences, singer-songwriter Nick Drake in its ethereal-like musical quality while other numbers such as opener, "Mary the Gypsy", "Color Blind" and album closer, "Open Up" recall the crunch and power of Robinson's days in the Black Crowes with a definitive strength and rock solid impression. Hogg's vocals compliment the numbers offered here perfectly and even in the quieter moments on numbers like "You Found Me" and the soul-blues of "Hand in Hand", his tonality comes across as sincere, honest and heartfelt.

La majorité des 12 titres présentés sont composés par Rich Robinson et John Hogg avec quelques collaborations de Marc Ford dans les chansons "Sister Moon", "Take it All" et "Walk on Water". Le morceau titre rend un peu hommage à l’une des influences de Rich, l’auteur-compositeur-interprète Nick Drake dans sa qualité musicale éthérée, tandis que d’autres, tels que «Mary the Gypsy», «Color Blind» et «Open Up "rappellent le resserrement et la puissance  de Robinson dans les Black Crowes avec une force définitive et une impression solide. La voix de Hogg complète parfaitement les pistes proposées ici et même dans les moments les plus calmes sur les pistes comme "You Found Me" et le soul-blues de "Hand in Hand", où la tonalité est sincère, honnête et vient du coeur.

Tracklist :

01.  Mary The Gypsy 3:07

02.  High Water 5:45

03.   Send Me An Omen 3:58

04.   For The Wind 5:05

05.   Sister Moon 3:48

06.   Color Blind 3:44

07.   Take It All 3:27

08.   Walk On Water 4:07

09.   Hand In Hand 3:25

10.   You Found Me 4:53

11.   Can You See 3:10

12.   Open Up 3:49

Line-Up :

Bass Guitar, Vocals – Sven Pipien

Double Bass – Byron House

Drums, Percussion – Joe Magistro

Guitar, Vocals – Marc Ford

Guitar, Vocals – Rich Robinson

Keyboards – Matt Slocum

Pedal Steel Guitar – Dan Wistrom

Vocals – John Hogg

Enjoy Music :

The Magpie Salute - High Water I

2018

Greta Van Fleet - From The Fires (2017)

Greta Van Fleet is a new band from Michigan who releases his first album and consists of three brothers Kiszka (Josh, Sam and Jake) and Danny Wagner on drums. The resemblance to Led Zeppelin is flagrant. One can only be dazzled by the musical level of the band, the guitars roar, the rhythm is intractable and the voice of Josh is powerful and pays tribute to an old lion. The height of their impertinence, they even allow Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" in a sober and impeccable way, on which Josh shows an unsuspected gospel side.

Greta Van Fleet est un nouveau groupe issu du Michigan qui sort là son premier album et qui est constitué des 3 frères Kiszka (Josh, Sam et Jake) et de Danny Wagner à la batterie. La ressemblance avec Led Zeppelin est flagrante. On ne peut qu'être ébloui par le niveau musical du groupe, les guitares rugissent, la rythmique est intraitable et la voix de Josh est puissante et rend hommage à un vieux lion. Comble de leur impertinence, ils se permettent même de reprendre "A Change Is Gonna Come" de Sam Cooke d'une façon sobre et impeccable, sur laquelle Josh montre un côté gospel insoupçonné.

Tracklist :

01   Safari Song

02   Edge Of Darkness

03   Flower Power

04   A Change Is Gonna Come

05   Highway Tune

06   Meet On The Ledge

07   Talk On The Street

08   Black Smoke Rising

Line-Up :

Joshua Michael Kiszka : Lead Singer
Jacob Thomas Kiszka : Mandolin, Guitar, Background Vocals
Samuel Francis Kiszka : Bass, Organ, Background  Vocals
Daniel Robert Wagner : Drums, Guitar, Background Vocals

Enjoy Music :

Greta Van Fleet - From The Fires
2017

Wilson McKinley - Spirit Of Elija (1971)

Jesus rock pioneers The Wilson McKinley are a fascinating footnote in the annals of psychedelia – minor legends in their native Pacific Northwest. The Wilson McKinley formed in Spokane, Washington, in 1968, originally comprised of singer/guitarist Mike Messer, singer/bassist Don Larson, guitarist Randy Wilcox, and drummer Tom Slipp; at its inception the group played secular psychedelia very much in the spirit of its times, earning a regional following on the strength of its layered harmonies and folk-inspired arrangements. 

Les pionniers du rock de Jésus Les Wilson McKinley sont une note de bas de page fascinante dans les annales du rock psychédélique - légendes mineures dans leur Pacifique Nord-Ouest natal. Le Wilson McKinley formé à Spokane, dans l'État de Washington, en 1968, comprenait à l'origine le chanteur et guitariste. Mike Messer, le chanteur et bassiste Don Larson, le guitariste Randy Wilcox et le batteur Tom Slipp À ses débuts, le groupe a joué un rôle psychédélique séculier dans l'esprit de son époque, gagnant ainsi une renommée régionale grâce à ses harmonies superposées et à ses arrangements d'inspiration populaire.

Tracklist :

01. We
02. It's Up To You
03. Come On Home
04. One In The Spirit
05. Tree Of Life
06. His Eye Is On Th Sparrow
07. All My Life
08. Crown Of Glory
09. In Need A Saviour
10. Spirit Of Elijah

Line-Up :

Don Larson: vocals, bass
Mike Messer: vocals, guitar
Tom Slipp: drums
Randy Wilcox: vocals, guitar
Jim Barlett: vocals, bass

Enjoy Music :

Wilson McKinley - Spirit Of Elijah

1971

Downchild Blues Band - Bootleg (1971)

Downchild doesn't play loud but it does play real, and word about the band reached out to a steadily growing and passionately devoted following. And today the band, getting tighter by the gig, works a steady round of bar dates and concerts that are the last word in frantic informality. Sounds authentic? Sure does; and so was the making of this record.

Downchild ne joue pas fort, mais il joue juste, et cette vertu leur a fait bénéficier d'un nombre croissant de fidèles et de passionnés. Et aujourd'hui, le groupe, de plus en plus dirigé vers le concert,  multiplie  les gigs dans les bars et les concerts, ce qui indique leur informalité effrénée. Cela semble authentique? Sans aucun doute et c'est bien là la qualité essentielle de ce disque.

Tracks :

01. Rock It 

02. Just A Little Bit 

03. Down In Virginia 

04. That's All Right 

05. Messin' With The Kid 

06. Don't You Bother My Baby 

07. Change My Way Of Livin' 

08. You Don't Have To Go 

09. Next Time You See Me 

10. I'm Sinkin'

Line-Up :

Don Walsh - Guitar

Rick (The Hock) Walsh - Vocals

Jim Milne - Bass

Cash Wall - Drums

Dave Woodward - Tenor Saxophone

Ron Jacobs - Tenor & Baritone Saxophones

Enjoy Music :

Downchild Blues Band - Bootleg (LP)

1971

Streamline - Streamline (2017)

Streamline, which should not be confused with his American counterpart in the southern register, comes from Sweden, land particularly fertile in melodic hard rock. That the group, founded in 2014, has taken care of his business card, pampering for three years the dozen of compositions that fill it generously, does not surprise so much this album strike from the outset by his insolent class and the richness of an inspiration juicy who drinks at the source of the seventies.

Streamline, qu'il ne faut pas confondre avec son homologue américain au registre sudiste, nous vient de Suède, terre particulièrement fertile en hard rock mélodique. Que le groupe, fondé en 2014, ait soigné sa carte de visite, bichonnant pendant trois ans la dizaine de compos qui la remplissent avec générosité, ne surprend pas tant cet album frappe d'emblée par sa classe insolente et la richesse d'une inspiration juteuse qui s'abreuve à la source des seventies. 

Tracks :

1. Freerider

2. Barely Running

3. Get What´s Coming

4. Save Me

5. Blind

6. Pay The Price

7. Talk It Out

8. 2nd Street

9. Deliver Us

10. The Good Samaritan

11. No Rest For The Vicar

Enjoy Music :

Streamline - Streamline (LP)

2017

Cage The Gods - Badlands (2014)

Here is a phenomenal introduction to Cage The Gods, a young British band formed in 2012. Led by the charismatic Peter Comerford (vocals and guitar), the four young musicians hit hard with this Badlands, succeeding an EP, Favorite Sin, already very promising. Despite the cover somewhat lugudre, the statement is not at all dark: Cage The Gods produces a melodic hard and bluesy high fly.

Voici une phénoménale entrée en matière pour Cage The Gods, un jeune groupe britannique formé en 2012. Emmené par le charismatique Peter Comerford (chant et guitare) les quatre jeunes musiciens frappent très fort avec ce Badlands, succédant à un EP, Favourite Sin, déjà très prometteur. Malgré la pochette quelque peu lugudre, le propos n'est pas du tout sombre : Cage The Gods produit un hard mélodique et bluesy de haute volée.

Tracks :

1. Favourite Sin

2. The Ending

3. Sacrifice

4. Badlands

5. Trouble Reigns

6. Bruce Willis

7. Falling

8. A Thousand Times

9. One More Taste

10. What's Left Of Me

11. Promises

12. Sacrifice

13. Wake Up

Enjoy Music :

Cage The Gods - Badlands (LP)

The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers (1971)

Sticky Fingers came at a time when—on record, at least—the Rolling Stones could do no wrong. This album could reasonably be called their peak. They were called the World's Greatest Rock'n'Roll Band for entirely too long, but if that designation ever applied, it was here.

Sticky Fingers est arrivé à un moment où, du moins, les Rolling Stones ne pouvaient rien rater. Cet album pourrait raisonnablement être appelé leur sommet. Ils ont été qualifiés de plus grand groupe de Rock'n'Roll du monde pendant trop longtemps, mais si cette désignation doit s'appliquer, c'était ici.

Tracks :

1. Brown Sugar 3:50

2. Sway 3:45

3. Wild Horses 5:41

4. Can't You Hear Me Knocking 7:17

5. You Gotta Move 2:32

6. Bitch 3:42

7. I Got The Blues 4:00

8. Sister Morphine 5:34

9. Dead Flowers 4:05

10. Moonlight Mile 5:56

Line-Up :

Vocals, Percussion – M. Jagger

Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – K. Richard

Bass – B. Wyman

Drums – C. Watts

Guitar – M. Taylor

Piano – I. Stewart

Saxophone – B. Keyes

Piano – N. Hopkins

Strings – P. Buckmaster

Piano – J. Dickinson

Congas – Rocky Dijon

Organ – B. Preston

Trumpet – J. Price

Percussion – J. Miller

Guitar – Ry Cooder

Piano – Jack Nitzsche

Steve Hackett - The Night Siren (2017)

This is a good, entertaining, and interesting album that is better than Wolflight mainly because the ideas here are more developed. "Behind the Smoke," one of the highlights of the album, is a exciting, heavy song that does a great job as an opener with catchy melodies, a dark feel, and a great buildup in the middle.

C'est un bon album, divertissant et intéressant, qui est meilleur que Wolflight principalement parce que les idées ici sont plus développées. "Behind the Smoke", l'un des points forts de l'album, est une chanson passionnante et lourde qui se révèle un excellente composition en tant qu'ouverture avec des mélodies accrocheuses, une atmosphère sombre, et une grande construction au milieu.

Tracks :

1. Behind The Smoke (6:59) 

2. Martian Sea (4:40) 

3. Fifty Miles From The North Pole (7:08) 

4. El Niño (3:52) 

5. Other Side Of The Wall (4:01) 

6. Anything But Love (5:56) 

7. Inca Terra (5:54) 

8. In Another Life (6:07) 

9. In The Skeleton Gallery (5:09) 

10. West To East (5:14) 

11. The Gift (2:45) 

Line-up :

Steve Hackett : electric & acoustic guitars, oud, charango, sitar guitar, harmonica, vocals

 Amanda Lehmann : vocals

 Kobi Farhi : vocals

 Mira Awad : vocals

 Jo Hackett : vocals

 Nad Sylvan : vocals

 Roger King : keyboards & programming & mixing

 Benedict Fenner : keyboards & programming & mixng

 Leslie-Miriam Bennett : keyboards

 Rob Townsend : baritone & soprano saxes, flute, flageolet, quena, duduk & bass clarinet 

 John Hackett : flute

 Ferenc Kovács : trumpet

 Sara Kovács : didgeridoo

 Troy Donockley : Uilleann

 Christine Townsend : violin & viola

 Dick Driver : double bass

 Gulli Briem : drums, cajón & percussion

 Nick D'Virgilio : drums

 Gary O'Toole : drums

Malik Mansurov : tar 

Yellow Dog - Yellow Dog (1971)

Yellow Dog was a British based rock band from the 1970s. Founded by the American songwriter Kenny Young, who had previously been a founder member of Fox, the band enjoyed a solitary Top 10 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1978 with "Just One More Night".

Yellow Dog était un groupe de rock britannique des années 1970. Fondé par le compositeur américain Kenny Young, qui avait été un des membres fondateurs de Fox, le groupe a connu un succès solitaire dans le Top 10 britannique en 1978 avec "Just One More Night".

Tracks :

Side 1

A1 Stood Up 3:00

A2 Gypsy Soul 4:12

A3 The Green Lizard 4:14

A4 Flash Gordon 4:37

Side 2

B1 Indian Summer Rain 3:25

B2 My Lady 4:05

B3 City Bird 5:00

B4 Nobody Got So Much Soul 3:20

B5 For Whatever It's Worth 3:27

Line-Up :

Bass – Gary Taylor

Drums – Gerry Conway

Guitar – Andy Roberts, Herbie Armstrong, Jim Gannon

Mandolin – Andy Roberts

Percussion – Gerry Conway

Vocals – Gary Taylor, Herbie Armstrong

Enjoy Music :

Yellow Dog - Yellow Dog (LP)

1971

Audience - House On The Hill (1971)

`

Tracks :

01 Jackdaw

02 You're not smiling

03 I had a dream

04 Raviole

05 Nancy

06 Eye to eye

07 I put a spell on you

08 The house on the hill

09 You're not smiling

10 Indian summer

11 You're not smiling 

Line-Up : 

Howard Werth - Electric Guitar, Vocals

Tony Connor - Percussion, Drums, Vocals, Vibraphone

Gus Dudgeon - Percussion

Keith Gemmell - Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone

Trevor Williams - Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals

Enjoy Music :

Audience - House 0n The Hill (LP)

1971

This Winter Machine - The Man Who Never Was (2017)

 "The Man who Never was" would be a significant release even if it came from one of the classic symphonic or neo prog bands, but as a debut from a Yorkshire, UK band that had only formed mere months before, it's simply stunning. The arrangements are an archetypal blend of soaring or arpeggio'd guitars and effusive keyboards with healthy reverence for piano.

"The Man who Never" serait une sortie significative même si elle venait d'un des groupes symphoniques ou néo prog classiques, mais en tant que groupe débutant du Yorkshire, où UK s'était formé seulement quelques mois auparavant, c'est tout simplement renversant. Les arrangements sont un mélange archétypal de guitares montantes et de claviers effusifs avec une saine révérence  pour le piano.

Tracks :

1. The Man Who Never Was

a) Asleep

b) Dreaming

c) Snow

d) Awake

2. The Wheel

3. Lullaby (Interrupted)

4. After Tomorrow Comes

5. Fractured

Line-Up :

Al Wynter : vocals

Gary Jevon : guitars

Mark Numan : keyboards,backing vocals

Peter Priestly : bass

Marcus Murray : drums

Enjoy Music :

This Winter Machine - The Man Who Never Was (LP)

2017

Big Big Train - The Underfall Yard (2009)

Imagine if the Genesis line-up of '76 had remained intact and continued to make progressive style rock. Yes, the singer is very reminiscent of Phil Collins. These pieces are lavishly produced and performed pop-prog. The songs don't follow traditional pop convention, but neither are they contrived, overtly dramatic epics, just masterfully written songs.

Imaginez si le line-up de la Genesis de 76 est resté intact et a continué à faire du rock progressif. Oui, le chanteur rappelle beaucoup Phil Collins. Ces pièces sont généreusement produites et exécutées pop-prog. Les chansons ne suivent pas la convention pop traditionnelle, mais elles ne sont pas non plus artificielles, épiques ouvertement dramatiques, juste des chansons magistralement écrites.

Tracks :

1. Evening Star 

2. Master James Of St. George 

3. Victorian Brickwork

4. Last Train

5. Winchester Diver

6. The Underfall Yard

Line-Up :

David Longdon : vocals, flute, mandolin, dulcimer, organ, tambourine, psaltery, glockenspiel, keyboards, vocals arrangements

Greg Spawton : guitars, keyboards, bass, arrangements

Andy Poole : bass, keyboards, arrangements & producer

Nick D'Virgilio : drums, vocals 

Dave Gregory : guitars, electric sitar, Mellotron 

Francis Dunnery : guitar 

Jem Godfrey : synthesizer solos 

Jon Foyle : cello  & electric cello 

Dave Desmond : trombone & brass arrangements 

Nick Stones : french horn 

Jon Truscott : tuba 

Enjoy Music :

Big Big Train - The Underfall Yard (LP)

2009

Druid - Toward The Sun (1975)

Druid is compared mainly with the sounds of Yes withmainly a bass influenced by Chris Squire. They sound too a few like Starcastle, especially when they harmonize. In reality, with Druid it is the vocals of the singularly named Dane that reaches towards Jon Anderson's vocal rangeand to a lesser extent the bass playing of Neil Brewer which encourage these comparisons.

Druid est comparé principalement aux sons de Yes avec principalement une basse influencée par Chris Squire. Ils sonnent aussi un peu comme Starcastle, surtout au niveau des harmonies vocales. En réalité, avec Druid, c'est le chant du singulier Dane qui atteint le répertoire vocal de Jon Anderson et dans une moindre mesure le jeu de basse de Neil Brewer qui encourage ces comparaisons.

Tracks :

1. Voices (8:14) 

2. Remembering (5:24) 

3. Theme (5:26) 

4. Toward the Sun (5:08) 

5. Red Carpet for an Autumn (3:09) 

6. Dawn of Evening (10:03) 

7. Shangri-La (10:08)

Line-Up : 

Dane : guitars, vocals

Andrew McCrorie-Shand : keyboards, choral arrangements

Neil Brewer : bass

Cedric Sharpley : drums, percussions

Enjoy Music :

Druid - Toward The Sun (LP)

1975

Colonel Bagshot - Oh! What A Lovely War (1971)

Colonel Bagshot's Incredible Bucket Band, comprised of Brian Farrell, Terry McCusker, Dave Dover and Kenny Parry. They toured Europe and played gigs like the Reading Festival. A record by the band from that period (Six Day War) was remixed by DJ Shadow.

Brian later went solo and the other guys formed another band called 'Bunny', who went on to support the popular Glam Rock/Pop band, Slade, on their tours.

Incredible Bucket Band du Colonel Bagshot, était composé de Brian Farrell, Terry McCusker, Dave Dover et Kenny Parry. Ils ont fait des tournées en Europe et ont joué des concerts comme le Reading Festival. Un disque du groupe de cette période (Six Day War) a été remixé par DJ Shadow.

Plus tard, Brian a choisi de partir en solo et les autres gars ont formé un autre groupe appelé 'Bunny', qui a continué à soutenir le populaire groupe Glam Rock / Pop, Slade, lors de leurs tournées.

 Tracks :

01. Six Day War 00:00

02. Lay It Down 4:02

03. Lord High Human Being 7:11

04. Headhunters 10:14

05. I've Seen The Light 13:06 

06. Dirty Delilah Blues 17:54

07. Sometimes 22:14

08. That's What I'd Like To Know 24:23

09. Smile 28:25

10. Tightrope Tamer 31:21

11. Oh! What A Lovely War 34:12

Line - Up :

Brian Farrell - Vocals, Guitar, Stylophone

Kenny Parry - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards

Dave Dover - Vocals, Bass Guitar, Keyboards

Terry McCusker - Vocals, Drums

Enjoy Music :

Colonel Bagshot - Oh! What A Lovely War (LP)

1971

The Battered Ornaments - Mantle-Piece (1969)

Formed by Cream lyricist Pete Brown, The Battered Ornaments were a mixture of English jazz, blues, and psych rock in the late 60s. By the time they got around to recording their sophomore album Mantle-Piece, Brown was out of the band, yet they recorded his songs and sang his parts. 

Formé par le parolier de Cream Pete Brown, The Battered Ornaments était un mélange de jazz anglais, de blues et de psych rock à la fin des années 60. Au moment où ils se sont rendus à l'enregistrement de leur deuxième album Mantle-Piece, Brown ne faisait plus partie du groupe, mais ils ont enregistré ses chansons et ont chanté ses parties.

Tracks :

Side 2

A1 Sunshades

A2 Twisted Track

A3 Smoke Rings

A4 Take Me Now

A5 My Love's Gone Far Away

Side 2

B1 Staggered

B2 Late Into The Night

B3 Then I Must Go

B4 The Crosswords And The Safety Pins 

Line-Up :

Bass Guitar, Vocals – Roger Potter

Congas, Percussion, Vocals – Pete Bailey

Drums, Percussion, Tambourine, Vocals – Rob Tait

Guitar, Reeds, Flute, Vocals – Nisar Ahmed Khan

Guitar, Steel Guitar, Piano, Organ, Vocals – Chris Spedding

Enjoy Music :

The Battered Ornaments - Mantle-Piece (LP)

1969

Arabesque - Arabesque (1972)

Arabesque is the name of one of the numerous treasures hidden in Seventies American Progressive rock. The label Shroom Productions has once more opened Pandora's box with the objective of finding this excellent "Tales Of Power". Located in the great symphonic tradition, this works takes inspiration from various sources: Iron Butterfly's psychedelic rock, Genesis's lyricism, Gentle Giant's vocal parts, Yes' instrumental luxury, some lines worth of the Canterbury School.

Arabesque est le nom d'un des nombreux trésors cachés dans le rock progressif américain Seventies. Le label Shroom Productions a une fois de plus ouvert la boite de Pandore avec l'objectif de retrouver cet excellent "Tales Of Power". Située dans la grande tradition symphonique, cette œuvre s'inspire de diverses sources: le rock psychédélique de Iron Butterfly, le lyrisme de Genesis, les parties vocales de Gentle Giant, le luxe instrumental de Yes ', quelques lignes de l'école de Canterbury.

Tracks :

1. An Epic Krail Mountains - 11.53

2. Cobbler's Knob - 10.43

3. We (The Farmer Song) - 7.43

4. The Forgotten Pond - 4.53

5. As The Novelty Wears...- 8.40

6. Arcanum Of Atlantis - 10.39

Line-Up :

August Smarra : guitar, vocals

Jim Renda : drums

Tom Ketterer : bass

R.J. Ketterer : vibes and percussion

Budd Kelly : keyboards, lead vocals.

Enjoy Music :

Arabesque - Arabesque (LP)

1972

Crucible - Tall Tales (1998)

Despite its release date, this album be tagged as Symphonic Prog and not as Neo-Prog. It's true the sound is closer to the 70's classics.

This could be described as a seemingly strange combination of mid-70's Genesis with modern Rush, but no worries, this is not a clone of any of the big ones. The prominent keyboards of Tim Horan are sounding like Tony Banks in Gabriel-era Genesis and this gives it a vintage feel, but the music itself is more modern, when it reminds of Genesis it's more like the period of Wind and Wuthering. The Rush feel comes mostly from the voice of Bill Esposito which is a kind of mellow Geddy Lee, without the harsh screaming tones of the canadian.

Malgré sa date de sortie, cet album sera marqué comme Symphonic Prog et non comme Neo-Prog. Il est vrai que le son est plus proche des classiques des années 70.

Il pourrait être décrit comme une combinaison apparemment étrange des années 70 de Genesis avec l'ère moderne de Rush, mais pas de soucis, ce n'est pas un clone de l'un des grands. Les claviers prédominents de Tim Horan sonnent comme du Tony Banks dans Genesis de l'époque de Gabriel et cela donne une sensation vintage, mais la musique elle-même est plus moderne, quand elle rappelle Genesis, elle ressemble plus à la période de Wind and Wuthering. La sensation de Rush vient principalement de la voix de Bill Esposito qui est une sorte de Geddy Lee moelleux, sans les cris rauques du Canadien.

Tracks :

1. Over the Falls (7:05) 

2. The Poet Liar (5:00) 

3. Find the Line (4:05) 

4. Lords and Leeches (11:21) 

5. In Ancient Tongue (3:08) 

6. The Salamander (4:52) 

7. Land for Sale (4:47) 

8. An Imp's Tale (21:09) 

a. Twice Upon a Time 

b. Adrift 

c. Stone of the Wise 

d. The Mortal Flaw 

e. Nomad Brad 

f. Release the Imps 

g. Day of the Hunting Dwarf

Line-up :

Chris Kasidas : bass guitar 

Tim Horan : piano, organ, acoustic guitar, flute 

Bill Esposito : lead vocal 

Tony Cappellina : drums, percussions 

Dan Esposito : lead and rythm guitar

U.K. - U.K. (1978)

In 1978, progressive rock declined very much. UK was a rare band to keep alive this musical genre. With Eddie Jobson on keyboards and electric violins, Allan Holdsworth on guitars, Bill bruford on drums and John Wetton on bass, the supergroup UK is a sure value and the listeners must have great expectations. Indeed, most of those musicians have a natural predisposition to create and play fusion music, so that many excellent fusion parts are present on this record.

En 1978, le rock progressif a beaucoup diminué. UK était un des rares groupes à garder vivant ce genre musical. Avec Eddie Jobson aux claviers et aux violons électriques, Allan Holdsworth aux guitares, Bill Bruford à la batterie et John Wetton à la basse, le supergroupe UK est une valeur sûre et les auditeurs doivent avoir de grandes attentes. En effet, la plupart de ces musiciens ont une prédisposition naturelle à créer et jouer de la musique fusion, de sorte que de nombreuses excellentes parties du genre sont présentes sur ce disque.

Tracks :

1. In The Dead Of Night (5:38) 

2. By The Light Of Day (4:32) 

3. Presto Vivace And Reprise (2:58) 

4. Thirty Years (8:05) 

5. Alaska (4:45) 

6. Time To Kill (4:55) 

7. Nevermore (8:09) 

8. Mental Medication (7:26)

Line-Up :

John Wetton : lead & backing vocals, bass

Allan Holdsworth : acoustic & electric guitars

Eddie Jobson : electric violin, keyboards, electronics (Yamaha CS80)

Bill Bruford : drums, percussion

Enjoy Music :

U.K. - U.K. (LP)

1978

The Neal Morse Band - The Similitude Of A Dream (2016)

Here's another concept double album of Neil Morse band based on the story of a man who writes his own story in prison and how he has faced many obstacles. This time there's no epic song but many ideas throughout this long adventure. The music covers different styles of rock, from classic rock to hard rock and Progressive Rock. The album starts with some big instrumental sections that are played at the fast pace,reaching the symphonic Prog Rock and the heavy Prog Rock in a rather dark atmosphere.

Voici un autre concept double album du groupe Neil Morse basé sur l'histoire d'un homme qui écrit sa propre histoire en prison et comment il a fait face à de nombreux obstacles. Cette fois, il n'y a pas de chanson épique mais beaucoup d'idées tout au long de cette longue aventure. La musique couvre différents styles de rock, du rock classique au hard rock et au rock progressif. L'album commence par quelques grandes sections instrumentales qui sont jouées au rythme rapide, atteignant le symphonique Prog Rock et le lourd Prog Rock dans une atmosphère plutôt sombre.

Tracks :

Disc 1 

1. Long Day (1:42) 

2. Overture (5:51) 

3. The Dream (2:28) 

4. City Of Destruction (5:11) 

5. We Have Got To Go (2:29) 

6. Makes No Sense (4:10) 

7. Draw The Line (4:06) 

8. The Slough (3:03) 

9. Back To The City (4:19) 

10. The Ways Of A Fool (6:48) 

11. So Far Gone (5:21) 

12. Breath Of Angels (6:32) 

Disc 2 

13. Slave To Your Mind (6:27) 

14. Shortcut To Salvation (4:36) 

15. The Man In The Iron Cage (5:16) 

16. The Road Called Home (3:24) 

17. Sloth (5:48) 

18. Freedom Song (3:59) 

19. I'm Running (3:44) 

20. The Mask (4:28) 

21. Confrontation (3:59) 

22. The Battle (2:57) 

23. Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise) (9:58) 

Line-Up :

- Neal Morse : guitars, keyboards, lead vocals

- Eric Gillette : guitars, vocals

- Bill Hubauer : keyboards, vocals

- Randy George :/ bass

- Mike Portnoy : drums, vocals

Enjoy The Music :

The Neal Morse Band - The Similitude Of A Dream (2LP)

2016

Nektar - A Tab In The Ocean (1972)

Nektar is another unique progressive band which can hardly be compared to any band. The songs here are varied. Lightly distorted organ is omnipresent. The epic 16 minutes "Tab in the Ocean" is made of aggressive symphonic keyboards and electric guitar full of distortion, near metal sometimes! "Waves" has mellow bits with pure electric guitar sounds. "King of Twilight" has some aggressive guitar parts, and there is a unique repetitive fast single note keyboards pattern a la Genesis "Watcher of the skies". The bass is delightful and the singer's voice is good.

Nektar est un autre groupe progressif unique qui peut difficilement être comparé à n'importe quel groupe. Les chansons ici sont variées. L'organe légèrement déformé est omniprésent. L'épopée de 16 minutes "Tab in the Ocean" est faite de claviers symphoniques agressifs et d'une guitare électrique pleine de distorsion, proche du métal parfois! "Waves" a des morceaux doux avec des sons de guitare électrique pure. "King of Twilight" a des parties de guitare agressives, et il y a un clavier unique à répétition rapide et unique à la Genesis "Watcher of the skies". La basse est délicieuse et la voix du chanteur est bonne.

Tracks :

1. A Tab In The Ocean (16:53) 

2. Desolation Valley / Waves (8:13) 

3. Crying In The Dark (6:29) 

4. King Of Twilight (4:22)  :

5. A Tab In The Ocean (16:04) 

6. Desolation Valley / Waves (8:33) 

7. Crying In The Dark (5:14) 

8. King Of Twilight (4:05) 

Line-Up :

Roye Albrighton : guitars, lead vocals

Alan "Taff" Freeman : keyboards, Mellotron, backing vocals

Derek "Mo" Moore : bass, backing vocals

Ron Howden : drums, percussion, backing vocals

Enjoy Music :

Nektar - A Tab In The Ocean (LP)

1972