Olivia Byington with A Barca Do Sol / Corra O Risco (1978)

Brazil

MPB, Progressive Folk, Psychedelic Folk, Chamber Folk, Psychedelic Rock

Her real name is Olivia Byington but at the time of her debut album she was simply known as Olivia. The songs in the album are influenced by both Olivia and A Barca Do Sol. It was released 1 year before A Barca Do Sol's third album. It has pretty good tracks in MPB and progressive folk.

Members

Olivia & A Barca Do Sol

Track Listing

1. Fantasma da ópera

2. Lady Jane

3. Corra o risco

4. Jardim de infância

5. Banda dos corações solitários

6. Cavalo marinho

7. Lobo do mar

8. Água e vinho

9. Brilho da noite

10. Minha pena minha dor

11. Luz do tango

YANDEX

A Barca Do Sol / Pirata (1979)

Brazil

Progressive Folk, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Folk

In this album, all the musicality of the group is filled with 'Brazilianities' such as flute melodies to the rhythm of berimbau or Prog mixed with cavaquinho and typical samba percussion. Strange combination? Yea! But also exciting, original and necessary!

After this third album, the group ended its activities and many musicians who were part of the band's formation (such as Jaques Morelenbaum, Nando Carneiro and Ritchie), followed successful careers within Brazilian music.

Members

Jaques Morelenbaum (vocals, piano, cello), Nando Carneiro (guitar, vocals), Mauri Costa (guitar), Marcelo Costa (drums), Beto Rezende (viola, guitar), Marcos Stull (bass, 1973-75), Richard Court (flute, 1973-75), Marcelo Bernardes (flute, 1973-75), Rui Motta (drums, 1973-75), Alan Pierre (bass, 1976-81), David Ganc (flute, 1976-81)

Track Listing

1. Vô mimbora pro sertão 1:34

2. Tereza boca do rio 3:06

3. Mercado das flores 4:04

4. Cavalo marinho 2:27

5. Jando 5:35

6. Jardim de infância 4:36

7. Desencontro 3:39

8. Estrêla 3:47

9. Manoel 3:58

10. Rio Preto 2:47

11. Canção pra ela 2:41

YANDEX

A Barca Do Sol / Durante o Verão (1976)

Brazil

Progressive Folk, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Folk

A Barca Do Sol's second album. It's better and better quality than the first album. It contains very good progressive folk songs. One of the albums that should be in the archive.

Members

Jaques Morelenbaum (vocals, piano, cello), Nando Carneiro (guitar, vocals), Mauri Costa (guitar), Marcelo Costa (drums), Beto Rezende (viola, guitar), Marcos Stull (bass, 1973-75), Richard Court (flute, 1973-75), Marcelo Bernardes (flute, 1973-75), Rui Motta (drums, 1973-75), Alan Pierre (bass, 1976-81), David Ganc (flute, 1976-81)

Track Listing

1. Durante o verão

2. Hotel colonial

3. A língua e a bainha

4. Os pilares da cultura

5. Karen

6. Memorial Day

7. Banquete

8. Belladonna, Lady of the Rocks

9. Outros carnavais

YANDEX

A Barca Do Sol / A Barca Do Sol (1974)

Brazil

Progressive Folk, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Folk

Progressive folk band A Barca Do Sol formed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1973, disbanded in 1981. The band A Barca do Sol was formed by musicians playing different genres. Creating and performing sophisticated pieces where instrumental choral variations meet with progressive rock, the group also had an important place in Geraldo Carneiro's lyrics. The first LP, A Barca Do Sol was released in 1974. The album included the band's most successful song, "Lady Jane" (Nando Carneiro / Geraldo Carneiro). This was followed by Durante O Verão (1976) and Pirata (1979), both reissued in CD format in the 90s.

A Barca Do Sol music is a complex, mostly acoustic, choral-oriented music genre. The group consists of a cellist, Jaques Morelembaum, a flutist David Ganc, a flutist Ritchie, a violinist Nando Carneiro, and two brothers Muri Costa and Marcelo Costa. They are somewhat similar to Jethro Tull, who seem to have been heavily influenced by Folk, but due to the type of instruments used.

If you like folk and creative instrumentation, you should definitely listen to A Barca Do Sol.

Members

Jaques Morelenbaum (vocals, piano, cello), Nando Carneiro (guitar, vocals), Mauri Costa (guitar), Marcelo Costa (drums), Beto Rezende (viola, guitar), Marcos Stull (bass, 1973-75), Richard Court (flute, 1973-75), Marcelo Bernardes (flute, 1973-75), Rui Motta (drums, 1973-75), Alan Pierre (bass, 1976-81), David Ganc (flute, 1976-81)

Track Listing

1. A primeira batalha 3:06

2. Brilho da noite 4:03

3. Arremesso 3:43

4. As boas consciências 3:06

5. Caminhão 4:27

6. Lady Jane 2:24

7. Dragão da bondade 2:58

8. Alaska 3:33

9. Fantasma da ópera 2:44

10. Córsário Satã 4:11

11. A Barca do Sol 3:13

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / The Last Steps: Live 1980 (1996)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

Gentle Giant's concert recording of The Lasts Steps was recorded on June 16, 1980 at the Roxy Theater in Los Angeles. The first release date as an album was 1996. It was republished in 2003. While it's a good concert recording, it's not very good compared to Gentle Giant's previous studio albums and concert recordings.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Convenience (Clean and Easy) 

02. All Through the Night 

03. Free Hand 

04. Knots 

05. Playing The Game 

06. Memories Of Old Days 

07. Giant For A Day 

08. Inside Out 

09. It's Not Imagination 

10. Underground 

11. Five Drum Bash 

12. Band Intro 

13. For Nobody 

14. The Advent Of Panurge

15. Number One)

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / Civilian (1980)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

Civilian is the eleventh and final studio album by British band Gentle Giant, released in 1980. It was recorded at Sound City Studios in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles with former Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick. Composed mainly of short rock songs, it is closer to a hard sound than the progressive style for which the band is best known. The album also marked the return to Columbia Records in the United States and Canada after an eight-year hiatus. The group's last album released with Columbia was Octopus in 1972.

Shortly after the album's release, Gentle Giant went on a farewell tour and later went their separate ways. The album was a critical and commercial failure, with the negative reception being so overwhelming that some record stores reportedly refused to sell it for fear of generating bad publicity.

A previously unreleased song, Heroes No More, was included on some CD reissues of the album. Another track from this same period, You Haven't A Chance, appeared on the Under Construction compilation 17 years later.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

    01. Convenience (Clean And Easy) 

02. All Through The Night 

03. Shadows On The Street 

04. Number One 

05. Underground 

06. I Am A Camera 

07. Inside Out 

08. It’s Not Imagination

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / Giant For A Day (1978)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

Giant for a Day is the eleventh studio album by the British band Gentle Giant, released on September 11, 1978. This album shows a turning point in the band's history as it makes a shift towards pop/rock by turning away from progressive rock. Rather ignored by fans, it didn't even make the top 200 in the United States. For the first time in their career, the group did not give any concert to promote the album, preferring to wait for the next and last, Civilian, to organize a farewell tour and then they went their separate ways.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Words From The Wise 

02. Thank You 

03. Giant For A Day! 

04. Spooky Boogie 

05. Take Me 

06. Little Brown Bag 

07. Friends 

08. No Stranger 

09. It’s Only Goodbye 

10. Rock Climber

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / The Missing Piece (1977)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

The Missing Piece is the 9th studio album of the group Gentle Giant released in 1977. Following the tour to promote the previous album Interview, the return to disc marks a rather significant change for the group. With the first side exploring different avenues previously overlooked by Gentle Giant such as pop and punk, while the second side is more in the progressive vein of previous albums. It was their last record to carve out a place on the American charts. Already in the instrumentation, we notice a profound change, finished the violin and the cello, exit the xylophone and the vibraphone, farewell the recorder and the saxophone, we become more pop in the choice of instruments used. And for the very first time in the history of Gentle Giant, on the song Wining an electronic drum (drum machine) is used, which the group had always refused before

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Two Weeks In Spain 

02. I’m Turning Around 

03. Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It 

04. Who Do You Think You Are? 

05. Mountain Time 

06. As Old As You’re Young 

07. Memories Of Old Days 

08. Winning 

09. For Nobody

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / Playing The Fool: Live 1976 (1977)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

Playing the Fool is Gentle Giant's debut live album. This is their ninth album and has 11 songs. It was recorded during the band's European tour in September and October 1976. Ray Shulman gives a legendary performance. A concert recording of incredible quality beyond studio albums.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Just the Same 

02. Proclamation

03. On Reflection 

04. Excerpts from Octopus 

05. Funny Ways

06. The Runaway 

07. Experience 

08. So Sincere

09. Free Hand

10. Sweet Georgia Brown (Breakdown in Brussels) 

11. Peel the Paint - Lost My Head (Medley)

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / In'terview (1976)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

In'terview is the eighth studio album by British progressive rock band Gentle Giant. Based on the idea of a fake interview, it reveals the reality and the pressure experienced by the group at the time of the conception of the album. The texts contain some criticism of the music industry as well as a satire of the questions that the members of the group were constantly confronted with, in particular concerning the description of their music and their success.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. In’terview 

02. Give It Back 

03. Design 

04. Another Show 

05. Empty City 

06. Timing 

07. I Lost My Head

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / Free Hand (1975)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

Gentle Giant reincorporates the vocalizations and other medieval delights that he had abandoned in favor of jazz and funk on the previous effort. Free Hand is thus revealed as a brilliant synthesis of his work and offers exercises varied in their heaviness, their comicality and their complexity. This disc will remain the greatest success of the troubadours across the Atlantic. Probably the most complex album from Gentle Giant.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Just The Same 

02. On Reflection 

03. Free Hand 

04. Time To Kill 

05. His Last Voyage 

06. Talybont 

07. Mobile

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / The Power And The Glory (1974)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

The Power and the Glory is the sixth studio album by British music group Gentle Giant. The 1974 album is largely based on the Graham Greene novel of the same name. The band recorded the album during December 1973 and January 1974 at Advision Studios.

In the United States, the album was released by Capitol Records. The release in the United States took place earlier than in the rest of the world. Problems with their then management were to blame. This dichotomy cost them a place in the record lists of England. Too many albums had already been sold through parallel imports from America for it to become a top album in England as well. In America, it reached number 30 in some lists. The original closing track Valedictory is a variation of the opening track; a trick of the band to have the album recognized as a concept album.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Proclamation 

02. So Sincere 

03. Aspirations 

04. Playing The Game 

05. Cogs In Cogs 

06. No God’s A Man 

07. The Face 

08. Valedictory

09. The Power And The Glory

10. Aspirations (Instrumental Out Take)

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / In A Glass House (1973)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

The melodies remain singular but now turn out to be more conciliatory and associated with a less richness of vocalizations. However, by instilling a demonic groove into its jazzy and crazy medievalism, the collective proves to be much more catchy than before. The return of extravagant and exciting riffs also contribute to making this disc the most attractive of the formation. Excellent record from GG.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. The Runaway 

02. An Inmate’s Lullaby 

03. Way Of Life 

04. Experience 

05. A Reunion 

06. In A Glass House

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / Octopus (1972)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

Gentle Giant are, in my opinion, the best representatives of what is called progressive rock, and especially with this album. Fairly well-made music, with secondary orchestral aspirations, pretentious lyrics, standard solos in search of an alleged virtuoso interest or trying to make "art".

Gentle Giant lies in that little gap between Genesis and Pink Floyd with the folk doses of Jethro Tull, but without achieving them like Ian Anderson's band and the equally successful vocal approach of Focus.

Octopus stands out for its good coupling between musicians, who come to make listening interesting but finally, as a whole, the result is what I said at the beginning. An album that can work for a while with the buddies but it's better not to get too fond of it because you run the risk of feeling like a self-conscious and very ruquous primadona progressive listener without further openness.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. The Advent Of Panurge 

02. Raconteur Troubadour 

03. A Cry For Everyone 

04. Knots 

05. The Boys In The Band 

06. Dog’s Life 

07. Think Of Me With Kindness 

08. River

09. Excerpts From Octopus (Live 1976-Bonus Track)

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / Three Friends (1972)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Rock

This is absurdly impressive sonically, extremely unique I can't even imagine anything close being done by any band other than Gentle Giant. I also like the themes that are more critical to modernity, work, capitalism, I think it's all very good.

The Gentle Giant must have been an avalanche of distinct ideas at this time, which helped, but possibly also made it harder for the group to hit a "constant." Three Friends is excellent, but not among my favorites. It sounds like a great experiment with some great results

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Prologue 

02. Schooldays 

03. Working All Day 

04. Peel The Paint 

05. Mister Class And Quality? 

06. Three Friends

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / Acquiring The Taste (1971)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Rock, Art Rock

Founded by the Shulman brothers, Art Rock is based on Simon Dupree with the Big Sound, predecessor of the Progressive Rock band Gentle Giant. There is also a single they released under the name of the Moles. But the original band Gentle Giant was formed precisely in 1970. Founded by Phil, Ray and Derek Shulman, the band included drummer Martin Smith from Simon Dupree, Kerry Minnear, who earned a composition degree from the Academy of Music in 1969, and guitarist Gary Green.

Their debut album showcased extensive arrangements that used counterpoint and polyphony as other rock bands had never done and will ever do. The multi-part singing and the use of classical instruments were parallel to the current scene, only in this aspect they took rock music very far.

They achieved great success with albums released one after another. But Phil Shulman, who is considered the mastermind of the group, left the group due to both the age difference between them and his desire to spend time with his family. Although Phil's departure meant a softer musical understanding and a decrease in the use of acoustic instruments, GG did not break the line.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Pantagruel’s Nativity 

02. Edge Of Twilight 

03. The House, The Street, The Room 

04. Acquiring The Taste 

05. Wreck 

06. The Moon Is Down 

07. Black Cat 

08. Plain Truth

YANDEX

Gentle Giant / Gentle Giant (1970)

United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Rock, Art Rock

Founded by the Shulman brothers, Art Rock is based on Simon Dupree with the Big Sound, predecessor of the Progressive Rock band Gentle Giant. There is also a single they released under the name of the Moles. But the original band Gentle Giant was formed precisely in 1970. Founded by Phil, Ray and Derek Shulman, the band included drummer Martin Smith from Simon Dupree, Kerry Minnear, who earned a composition degree from the Academy of Music in 1969, and guitarist Gary Green.

Their debut album showcased extensive arrangements that used counterpoint and polyphony as other rock bands had never done and will ever do. The multi-part singing and the use of classical instruments were parallel to the current scene, only in this aspect they took rock music very far.

They achieved great success with albums released one after another. But Phil Shulman, who is considered the mastermind of the group, left the group due to both the age difference between them and his desire to spend time with his family. Although Phil's departure meant a softer musical understanding and a decrease in the use of acoustic instruments, GG did not break the line.

Members

Derek Shulman (vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, Shulberry), Phil Shulman (vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion, 1970-72), Ray Shulman (bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar), Kerry Minnear (vocals, keyboards, cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums), Gary Green (guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone), Martin Smith (drums, percussion, 1970-71), Malcolm Mortimore (drums, percussion, 1971-72), John Weathers (drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar, 1972-80)

Track Listing

01. Giant 

02. Funny Ways 

03. Alucard 

04. Isn’t It Quiet And Cold? 

05. Nothing At All 

06. Why Not 

07. The Queen

YANDEX

Frob / Frob (1976)

Germany

Krautrock, Jazz-Rock

Founded in 1973 in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, east of Westphalia, Frob disbanded in 1977.

Their style, which can be defined as instrumental jazz rock, which is inspired by classical music, also includes a lot of psychedelic improvisations. In the winter of 1975/76, they recorded their only album in France. The album has a different and different sound that shows colorful and creative moods.

Also known as Ibliss, Out of Focus and Xhol in Acid Jazz or Jazz-Rock genre, Frob's cult album was also released on CD by Garden of Delights.

Members

Philippe Caillat (guitar), Peter Schmits (keyboards), Klaus-Dieter Richter (bass), Peter Meuffels (drums)

Track Listing

1. Wassertropfen (4:52) 

2. Spaces (6:00) 

3. Calypso (5:19) 

4. Spheres (3:46) 

5. Flash (4:12) 

6. Locomotive (4:44) 

7. Hektik (4:16) 

8. La Sieste (6:28)

YANDEX

Galliard / New Dawn (1970)

 United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock

A little-known sextet from Birmingham. The first album can be roughly called proto-progressive, and it is, without a doubt, still a child of the 60s. More simple, more raw. Mostly rhythm and blues framework, plus jazz arrangements. The musicians used saxophones, trumpet, trombone, flugelhorn, flute - and sometimes it seems they orchestrated their songs with wind instruments. It would be better if they added keyboards! Some songs turned out to be driving, but harshly noisy and a little pompous (“Skillet”, “Got To Make It”, “Blood”, etc.). Others were softer, with a more folk or renaissance-baroque feel (“A Modern Day Fairy Tale”, “I Wrapped Her In Ribbons”, “Frog Galliard”, “Hear The Colors”). The more psychedelic “Children Of The Sun” also looked good.

In general, impressions from the debut are curious, but nothing more.

Members

Geoff Brown (vocals, rhythm guitar), Andy Abbott (bass, vocals), Richard Pannell (lead guitar, vocals, 1968-73), Dave Caswell (trumpet, flugelhorn, 1968-70), John Smith (soprano, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, 1968-69), Frank McGonagle (drums, 1968-69), Les Podraza (drums, 1969-71), Lyle Jenkins (soprano, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, 1969-70), John Hughes (trombone, 1970-71), John Morton (trombone, 1970-71), Tony Roberts (saxophone, flute, 1970-71), Fred Woolley (drums, 1971-?), Steve James (drums), Mel Gaynor (drums)

Track Listing

01. New Dawn Breaking (4:20) 

02. Ask For Nothing (9:02) 

03. Winter-Spring-Summer (5:57) 

04. Open Up Your Mind (3:14) 

05. And Smile Again (4:09) 

06. Somethings Going On (4:54) 

07. Premonition (4:45) 

08. In Your Minds Eyes (6:31)

YANDEX

Galliard / Strange Pleasure (1969)

 United Kingdom

Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock

A little-known sextet from Birmingham. The first album can be roughly called proto-progressive, and it is, without a doubt, still a child of the 60s. More simple, more raw. Mostly rhythm and blues framework, plus jazz arrangements. The musicians used saxophones, trumpet, trombone, flugelhorn, flute - and sometimes it seems they orchestrated their songs with wind instruments. It would be better if they added keyboards! Some songs turned out to be driving, but harshly noisy and a little pompous (“Skillet”, “Got To Make It”, “Blood”, etc.). Others were softer, with a more folk or renaissance-baroque feel (“A Modern Day Fairy Tale”, “I Wrapped Her In Ribbons”, “Frog Galliard”, “Hear The Colors”). The more psychedelic “Children Of The Sun” also looked good.

In general, impressions from the debut are curious, but nothing more.

Members

Geoff Brown (vocals, rhythm guitar), Andy Abbott (bass, vocals), Richard Pannell (lead guitar, vocals, 1968-73), Dave Caswell (trumpet, flugelhorn, 1968-70), John Smith (soprano, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, 1968-69), Frank McGonagle (drums, 1968-69), Les Podraza (drums, 1969-71), Lyle Jenkins (soprano, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, 1969-70), John Hughes (trombone, 1970-71), John Morton (trombone, 1970-71), Tony Roberts (saxophone, flute, 1970-71), Fred Woolley (drums, 1971-?), Steve James (drums), Mel Gaynor (drums)

Track Listing

01. Skillet (3:44) 

02. A Modern Day Fairy Tale (3:15) 

03. Pastorale (2:29) 

04. I Wrapped Her In Ribbons (3:51) 

05. Children of the Sun (3:45) 

06. Got To Make It (4:00) 

07. Frog Galliard (3:22) 

08. Blood (3:47) 

09. Here The Colours (3:47) 

10. I Wanna Be Back Home (4:49) 

Bonus Tracks.

11. The Hermit And The Knight (2:42)

12. I Wrapped Her In Ribbons (Single Version) (3:09)

YANDEX

Fruupp / Modern Masquerades (1975)

Ireland

Progressive Rock, Symphonic Prog

Best progressive rock band to have emerged in Northern Ireland, Fruupp doesn't know it yet but they only have a short year left to live when their Modern Masquerades come out. If, a few months earlier, the band had just lost its historic keyboardist, Stephen Houston, who had left to live his religious fervor to the full – the man would end up as a vicar – a worthy replacement was quickly found in the person of John Mason. So it's a whole new band full of energy that records this fourth opus, proving that it still has a lot to say. Unfortunately, the beautiful promises glimpsed on this final album were not kept, since in 1976 Fruupp decided to definitively cease its activities, abdicating like many progressive artists in the face of the punk wave that was sweeping the United Kingdom.

If we find on Modern Masquerades the perfectly chiselled symphonic rock side of the beginnings, like Gryphon, the music offered is now less baroque, although the cover could have suggested the opposite. The Irish develop here a more energetic and more direct progressive rock, going so far as to offer passages that are sometimes downright jazz-rock (the entire second part of "Mystery Might", the central break of "Sheba's Song") at the limit of l improvisation, proof of undeniable technical mastery. The intensive use of electric piano contributes a lot to this jazzy feeling and to the new sound identity of the group.

That being said, Fruupp's progressive rock remains above all in the purest British style of the 70s. 'we often think of Camel from the Mirage period ("Misty Morning Way") or Genesis (the keyboard opening of "Mystery Might" furiously resembles that of "The Carpet Crawlers"). To continue in the references, we will also spot some harmonies and changes of direction like Gentle Giant.

The high point of the disc, the 10 minutes of "Gormenghast" constitute a pure moment of happiness, in a hushed and symphonic vein which remains very close to traditional Fruupp. Rather paradoxical when you know that the song in question was actually written by the new kid on the block, John Mason! We will note in passing the presence of a few lines of saxophone of the best effect, works of a certain Ian McDonald, the ex-King Crimson having been entrusted with the responsibility of the production (clear and limpid, as we knew so well the do in the seventies).

If Modern Masquerades is quite recommendable, certain weaknesses nevertheless prevent the album from reaching the heights, and undoubtedly explain why History has not really retained the name of Fruupp. First of all, the singing, provided by bassist Peter Farrelly, is frankly nondescript and brings nothing to the compositions. Then, the pop-rock side of the end of the 60s like The Beatles or Caravan on "Masquerading With Dawn", and even more the unbearable "Janet Planet", really breaks the atmosphere.

Members

Vince McCusker (guitar, vocals), Peter Farrelly (vocals, bass), Stephen Houston (keyboards, oboe, cello, violin, 1971-74), John Mason (keyboards, 1975-76), Martin Foye (drums)

Track Listing

01. Misty Morning Way (6:56)

02. Masquerading With Dawn (7:16)

03. Gormenghast 10:46)

04. Mystery Might (8:22)

05. Why (4:11)

06. Janet Planet (2:57)

07. Sheba's Song (8:32)

YANDEX

Fruupp / The Prince of Heaven's Eyes (1974)

Ireland

Progressive Rock, Symphonic Prog

Later in the year, the band would release their third album, The Prince of Heaven's Eyes, which was also not selling very well. They also released a single in October, with Prince of Darkness and The Prince of Heaven released back-to-back as singles. Neither did business in Ireland.

The third album in the discography of the Irish symphonic prog quartet. In fact, a benefit performance by oboist organist Stephen Houston (he composed the lion's share of the compositions on the disc). As a result, we have the softest-sounding material in the asset of the team. Conceptual musical fairy tale, based on an old Irish legend, develops according to the laws of a musical rather than a standard art-rock album. Bass-guitarist-vocalist Peter Farelli, following the example of namesake Gabriel (Genesis), in each song tries to give his own character to every character on behalf of whom he broadcasts (by the way, the voice timbres of both Peters are very similar). Keyboard arrangements are distinguished by virtuosity and some surprisingly elegant "Mozartian" flavor. Along with synths, Houston makes liberal use of clean piano, whose interplay with Vince McCusker's guitar evokes Queen analogies. The exquisite palette of the album combines various stylistic elements: waltz, rock opera, rhythm and blues, symphonic classics, etc. A lot of nuances, shades and moods. Vibrant kaleidoscope.

Even before the official release of the record, the composer and organist Houston left the ranks of Fruupp, explaining this simply: within the framework of the team, he managed to realize everything he wanted. This fact greatly influenced the rest of the ensemble. The album "Modern Masquerades", which went on sale in 1975, turned out to be uneven and, by and large, forced. There was no continuation.

Members

Vince McCusker (guitar, vocals), Peter Farrelly (vocals, bass), Stephen Houston (keyboards, oboe, cello, violin, 1971-74), John Mason (keyboards, 1975-76), Martin Foye (drums)

Track Listing

01. It's All Up Now (7:22)

02. Prince Of Darkness (3:49)

03. Jaunting Car (2:26)

04. Annie Austere (5:19)

05. Knowing You (2:46)

06. Crystal Brook (8:04)

07. Seaward Sunset (3:07)

08. The Perfect Wish (9:58)

Bonus Tracks.

09. Prince Of Heaven (3:34)

10. Jaunting Car (Single Version) (2:29)

YANDEX

Fruupp / Seven Secrets (1974)

Ireland

Progressive Rock, Symphonic Prog

It's a good progressive rock album but probably not the best of the band. A little too "cheesy" for my taste, a little too simple, a little too long at times and probably not complex enough to earn its four stars. There are in the UK and at the same time a multitude of albums which finish above these 7 secrets, even if Elizabeth closes the album superbly and deserves a four star.

In early 1974, Fruupp announced plans for a second album and a change of producer. They reported that David Lewis, former member of Andwella's Dream, will be working with them. Work on a new album has begun in the city. At the end of April, the new album called Seven Secrets was completed and released on 19. In the summer of 1974, plans were announced for a major Irish and British tour. It would be called Fruupp's Midsummer Dream. The band planned to promote the album and stay in a house in Clonmel for a long time, during which time they would produce and rehearse tracks for a third album to be released later in the year.

As the title suggests, there were only seven tracks on the new album. Like other bands of the era such as Genesis, Fruupp experimented with various influences including jazz, classical and Irish traditional music. The results were longer pieces with heavy instrumental passages. Unfortunately, outside of their hometowns, the band wasn't able to really make it in the UK or Ireland.

Members

Vince McCusker (guitar, vocals), Peter Farrelly (vocals, bass), Stephen Houston (keyboards, oboe, cello, violin, 1971-74), John Mason (keyboards, 1975-76), Martin Foye (drums)

Track Listing

01. Faced With Shekinah (8:23)

02. Wise As Wisdom (7:07)

03. White Eyes (7:17)

04. Garden Lady (9:09)

05. Three Spires (5:02)

06. Elizabeth (7:48)

07. The Seventh Secret (1:11)

YANDEX