Il Volo - Il Volo
1974 , BMG Records
Italy , (32 Mins)Grossly underrated progressive rock from 70's era Italy. Il Volo offer strong and very thematic prog in the same vein as PFM with the highest calibre of musicianship. Il Volo blends loads of keyboards (moog, synth, piano etc....) with great guitar/bass interplay. This release is actually very symphonic and offers great landscaped synth work. This release explores some great melodies and sound reproduction is surprisingly excellent. Vocals are in Italian and offer excellent vocal harmonies never becoming too dominant or loud. This is superb musical craftmanship and is far too excellent to not belong in your collection. essential
| Deeply rooted in the vein of the best Camel, Asia Minor blend rich atmospheric filled progressive/symphonic rock with floating flute, guitar , drums and bass. Setrak Bakirel's voice is superb and remains quiet and serene throughout which seems to fit the music flawlessly. Musicianship here is very rich and songs are well constructed and offer nice variation and instrumental interplay. Between Flesh & Divine is superbly well recorded and offers excellent sound repro and speaker seperation. Highly recommended prog! | |||
| Now this is one of those "un-catagorizable" albums. In Search Of Plaice is a brilliant trip into the psychedelic world in what I would coin "Chamber - Psych" music. The opening track has an almost Industrial feel to it immediately assaulting the senses of the listener. Blending war images (voices) with a heavy psych-prog feel. Other songs then take us into space with very slow spacey landscapes. In Search Of Plaice has many different musical faces and at times reminds me of a cross between Porcupine Tree and Praxis. This album is very spaced out and seems to roam all over the map musically. This album will not appeal to all good prog fans out there in progland but for the very adventurous this album will provide hours of interesting listening. A very creative offering which I do really like. | |||
| A great epic journey by this well respected legendary Italian progressive rock. Darwin was Banco's 2nd release and is certainly one of their most complete works of art. Darwin is a very expressive album and offers a wide range of tones and moods with a superb blend of classical and progressive chamber rock. Darwin is a heavy theatrical production which comes across as a great concept-like piece of art. Loads of great keyboard work here as you would expect and songs are exceptionally well pieced together. I love the inter-exchange of the rock ideals with the classical style Banco mix here. Oboes, clarinet and harpicords get interwoven with synths, piano and electric guitar. The CD re-mastered version is exceptional and offers grand sound reproduction. This is a real treasure for those lovers of Italian prog rock and is also a great place to start for the young at heart. | |||
| Without a question one of my alltime favorite progressive rock live recordings. This is Peter Gabriel at his best surrounded by the most incredible musicians (Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, David Rhodes and Larry Fast). Plays Live was carefully produced and mixed with no obvious overdubs, leaving a very professional but raw 2 LP/CD set behind. Plays Live was recorded from 4 different live shows while on tour in the US in 1982. This live album has a great live feel to it and offers superb sound reproduction. This is a monster recording and I guarantee that after hearing Humdrum played live you will salivate like you never have before. A truely magical moment captured live. | |||
| Another one of the greats from Ian Anderson and Co. A Passion Play is really divided into 2 segments. The first is in the same vein musically and in structure of Thick As A Brick, while the second part begins to take the shape more of a stage musical and storytelling. This is where I find Jethro Tull to have been at their height of their musical career. As you would expect Passion Play digs deep into the mystical music that is associated with Jethro Tull and contains some of their best flute and instrumental work. This is a very mature masterpiece displaying some very delicious progressive moments. | |||
| Excellent space exploratory music which will make your toes curl! Several years ago I heard Fonya's first release and thought it was mediocre. 5 albums since Fonya has finally found the right spot for me! Gentle synth filled space landscapes which are supported by excellent bass and guitar overlays. Along the way Fonya pulls out of the archive a remake of Yes' Gates Of Delerium Live (From Yesshows) which is superb really. For those not familiar with Fonya, it is essentially a one man operation with all instruments played by Chris Fournier. This album has a very dark and professional feel to it and in my opinion never gets too synthy sounding. Songs a re nice and long and given lots of space to breathe as Fournier takes us into the depths of space. Excellent and well worth the price | |||
| Without a question one of my all time favorite progressive rock recordings. Brilliant song writing and outstanding musicianship in a very thorough album. I love (as I am sure most of you also feel) every song from this highly influential release. This album contains of course one of my all time fav's Supper's Ready. Banks delivers organ/mellotron led keyboard passages in which Hackett's guitars, Rutherford's Bass and Phil's percussion get to help Gabriel explore the vast boundaries of the most brilliant progressive recording ever? Essential | |||
| Yet another incredible spacey release from Melting Euphoria. Once agin they explore the vast regions of space and our minds with their sonic psychedelic progressive rock. Upon The Solar Winds offers a wide mix of tempos and moods ranging for the surreal outer worlds to the bright colors of the rainbow. Melting Euphoria rely heavily on keyboards and percussion to crerate their ethernal atmospheres. Lots of background noise used throughout creating a wonderful concept like atmosphere. This is a great recording to enjoy through the headphones when the stars come out of hiding. | |||
| And now ladies and germs for something completely different may I introduce you to the most tranquil space journey of your lifetime. Known for their outrageous psych-touch, Spacious Mind have continued their chronicles into the paranormal with Sailing The Seagoat. Centered mostly around 2 lively acoustic guitars, background electric guitar (playing very spacey solo's) , e-bow, flute, vocals and percussion you are transformed into a very relaxing (never uptight) progressive rock which is very dream-like in nature. There are plenty of vocal harmonies which seem to blend perfectly with the hypnotic-like song structures they play. Sailing is more laid back than some of their earlier pieces of work, but you will not be dissapointed to say the least. At times I get an almost Pink Floyd (Aka - Atom Heart Mother) feeling with the long acoustic guitar and mic recording. Well thought out songs which tend to extend in the 8 -10 minute range. Well thought of progressive rock recording by this prog head. | |||
| After hearing only a portion of this album I had to buy it immediately. This album is truely very difficult to categorize as it blends strong elements of funk, jazz and progressive rock into 1 album. Praxis was born out of the genius of Bill Laswell and is supported by a cast of simply amazing musicians including one of my fav's Buckethead. These guys get into some pretty heavy grooves and you will be amazed at the sheer energy and vitality this albums sustains throughout. This is top quality musicianship and the extended jams they get into are pure gold to your ears. Songs are also nicely scattered and seem to each bring a different element forward. Transmutation is a very electric album but does offer some softer moments which are then cranked up a notch. Your toes will be tapping and I love this album...highly recommended | |||
| Now here is a real swing that I would categorize in the essential category. This package contains 2 live CD's from their latest tour and a bonus CD from 1978 when Rush were just kiddie boo-boo's. The first 2 CD's explore their vast archives performing great versions of many of their classics. This live recording was very well mic'd and the speaker seperation is superb not to mention the superior sound quality. The 3rd CD is a limited time freebee and captures Rush back in their youth performing some long lost gems. The crowd noise is at the right level for me here and never interferes with the songs, but still giving that live feel. The songs are full of life and energy and you won't believe the feeling this release gives the listener. Essential Prog especially for Rush fans | |||
| Truely fitting of its title, Yath Sidra's A Meditation Mass will certainly take your mind into another dimension. This is an album that simply must be experienced to be enjoyed through and through. Centered around a very slow and hypnotic trance like theme, Yath Sidra blend in elements of flute, piano and vibes giving the listener a holistic atmosphere. Although divided into 4 parts, A Meditation Mass runs like 1 complete song from start to finish. This is one of those turn down the lights and put the ol' headphones on for 40 mins kinds of recordings. Yath Sidra create slow yet highly involved atmospheric movements which may be interpreted as hypnotic in aspect, but never seems to get stuck or become repetitive throughout. Vocals are at a minimal and really should be considered background chorus. Percussion is very delicious and never gets too loud remaining mostly tympanic in nature. For those who love it nice and spacey, this is definitely for you. This is another essential recording to adorn your collection. | |||
| Eroc who was one of Grobschnitt's key contributors has re-released a real gem for all those "Space-Schnitt" lovers out there. Centered around the concept of space and time, Wolkenreise takes us into the depths of darkness with unmistakeable touch of Eroc. Songs range from the light hearted to heavy dark colors of space as painted by Eroc. Wolkenreise blends heavy keyboard pastels aka Klaus Schulze with acoustic guitar passages in a very dream like nature. Several songs do remind me of Rockpommel's Land in parts as it is from the same era. Wolekenreise's humor stems from Eroc's skillful use of the "Octoberfest sounds (ie. Accordian)" which seems to work quite well in contrast to the electronic landscapes Eroc works with. This album will certainly freak-out your mom and dad so be warned now!. This is a great artistic release which fans of electronic prog will certainly get a lot of mileage out of. | |||
| Heavily rooted in the romantic tradition of the best Italian progressive rock, Paese Dei Balocchi blends beautiful instrumental passages with heavy classical orchestration. This is pure symphonic prog the way it was meant to be played and heard. This album dives from the gentle touch of the softest symphonic prog to a medium tempo jazz influenced atmosphere. Like Banco, PFM and Le Orme, Il Paese dei Balocchi displays awesome keyboard driven progressive creating the most interesting melodies and warm atmospheres. It is however, their use of the full orchestra which I find so charming here and truely seperates it apart for so many others. This album is not unlike a grand epic soundtrack really and offers the listener a deep conceptual atmosphere to get lost in. This album also varied widely from the chimes of a nursery to the deep gothic pillars of a church organ. Outstanding and clever recording. | |||
| Brilliantly original progressive rock masterpiece from England. Samurai blend heavy classical elements with a strong progressive rock 70's landscpae. Samurai was an offshoot of the band WEB led by Dave Lawson (Greenslade). Samurai blend the classical brass ensemble of Maxophone (a variety of Saxes and flutes) with the musical depth of Genesis and Van Der Graff. Samurai is a very original band which I would classify somewhere in the Classical, Jazz, Psychedelic progressive region of music. Samurai delivers highly involved, complex prog which will surely keep your ears tuned into the speakers. Considering the age of this recording (1971) the CD transfer is absolutly stunning and much of the CD sounds so full and rich that it out-performs some of the severely overpriced 90's re-mastered versions. A couple of unreleased live tracks have been added at the end and they offers a great perspective on the eally live years of the band making this a highly collectible piece of prog history. I heartly endorse this album.... | |||
| My first introduction to these 3 fantastic musicians was at a King Crimson show a few years ago where they played to a standing ovation here in Toronto. This trio play guitar with the greatest of talent and highest level of sophistication. Songs range from classical to the wild west in nature and offer the listener a great variety of themes and melodies to follow. These are 3 graduates of Robert Fripp's League Of Crafy Guitar Players and their performance reflects this. This is an outstanding album full of incredible acoustic guitar playing with some incredible moments. The guitars of choice on this recording sound incredible offering the nicest tone you have heard in years and the recording is also exceptional. Highly recommended | |||
| After years in hiding, Mark Hollis (Ex. Talk Talk) has come forth with a real stunner! In the spirit of the later Talk Talk albums Hollis has released a slow, methodical conceptual masterpiece. Hollis draws on a large number of session musicians contributing percussion, harmonium, clarinet, harmonica, trumpet, flute and bassoon. Songs are quiet and slow in structure with Hollis' deep and personal lyrics. Overall the album delivers a heavy dose of melancholy to the listener. | |||
| Musea have once again released a real prog lovers gem in Amenophis. Very much in the spirit of Genesis and Camel, Amenophis delivers some delicious prog moments. Musea have added some nice live cuts at the end of the CD giving a nice historical perspective to the CD re-release. Songs are all well remastered and sound delivery here is very good. Amenophis blend elements of Drums, keyboards, bass and guitar with gentleness and sophistication. Amenophis is quite symphonic in parts and songs are well arranged and offer different tempos throughout. There is some real nice progressive moments captured here with excellent guitar and key interplay. This is great music ! | |||
| La Divina Commedia is another one of those Mellow Italian prog gems from the early 70's. With a nice mixture of hammond organ, flute and electric guitar, Il Giro Strano explore the heavy depths of 70's progressive rock getting into some pretty heavy moments. La Divina Commedia is slightly acid, slighty jazz oriented progressive rock with a real nostalgic underground feeling. Songs are nice and long (10 - 15 Mins) and offer extended jams and long instrumental passages. Although the sound is not as robust as it could be, you enjoyment will not be impacted as the level of musicianship is exceptional. These guys were at the time a sort of supergroup having young members from many other prog bands at that time. | |||
| Here was one of my fav's from '96 and remains to this day a household favorite with repeated plays in my CD player. Roine and the boys here "outdid" themselves blending some of the most powerful progressive rock ever compiled. Right from the very haunting ping pong introduction of Rhythm Of Life to the clever track Road Back Home, The Flowerkings will keep you simply amazed. Loads of guitar, incredible keyboards and the highest of skilled musicians are the top reason why you should not be without this recording. This is also essential prog | |||
| Hauntingly perfect this was Talk Talk at their height of their creativity in my opinion. Many will be immediately shocked that this is perhaps on my prog review section, but please let me offer my rationale. Simply to hear this would answer all pundits, but as Kate Bush once said her top 10 of all time would include Talk Talk's Spirit Of Eden. Completely removed from the pop crowd hang-over and synth- driven work they were so well known worldwide for, Talk Talk reversed the tide with this release. This album contains no syth work, but instead relies totally on the organ and the piano. The Spirit Of Eden is very involved and delicate music which explores some pretty heavy aspects of life. At the time of recording, Hollis insisted on using only the original instruments in recording this very personal album. Acoustic guitar, double bass, mexican bass, trumpet, clarinet, bassoon, violin, oboe and the choir of Chelmsford Cathedral help create the most captivating musical landscape you have ever experienced. The study of this album would be the study of sound and Hollis and Co. make it of primary mission here to challenge the listener. This is not music destined for the radio and therefore makes the perfect birthday or Christmas gift. This is one of my personal all time fav's and should defintely adron your collection. | |||
| Four Solid packed CD's featuring the greatest moments from Emerson Lake and Palmer. This 4 CD set explores in depth Brain Salad Surgery, Trilogy, Works Live (Vol 1 & 2), Tarkus, ELP, Love Beach & even Black Moon. Along the way we are also treated to some great new recordings by ELP such as the new version of Pictures At An Exhibition and 21st Century Schizoid Man. This 4 CD set does a great job in covering the best years of ELP and is a great retro-spective on their musical contributions. I am not really a big fan of the box sets to be honest and generally prefer the individual albums, but Manticore does such a great job that it works very well for me. A great collection and coverage. | |||
| Another simply perfect progressive rock recording from early Genesis. Nursery Crime of course contains fan fav The Musical Box (which is again one of my all time fav's, like so many of you out there). Once again songs are very emotive in nature and you will not find more pleasing progressive rock anywhere. Once again Tony Bank's Mellotron/organ sounds create a perfect landscape for the rest of boys to add their brilliant musical additives to. This is essential progressive rock and certainly has been one of my all time most treasured recordings. | |||
| Camel's MoonMadness stretches beyond words as is certainly one of my alltime fav's. Centered around the classic Camel line up (Bardens, Ward, Latimer and Ferguson) , they continue to refine their sound. Moonmadness contains lots of great progressive styled flowing flute and wicked guitar additions by Latimer. I also love the keyboard sounds which Bardens carefuuly layers throughout the album. This album contains some of my alltime most loved Camel pieces (Another Night and Chord Change). For those who do not a lot of Camel, this is a great place to start your collection and work backwards from. Moonmadness explores loads of instrumental passages and background noises are added for dramatic intensity. I always considered this a kind of concept-like recording really and love the atmospheres they create. Songs are allowed to expand and the only bummer is that the album is over far too soon. Excellent progressive rock
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