EELA CRAIG - Missa Universalis [1978] Japan Remastered / 2009 / FLAC [Austrian]

The band was founded in Linz in 1970, and recorded its first album entitled Eela Craig in 1971 with a circulation of 1,500. Critics compared this album with established bands such as Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, Gentle Giant and Colosseum. The band had a few onstage performances with the Zürich Chamber Orchestra in 1972, which led to more performances in well known opera houses of Italy, Germany and Austria, uncommon venues for a rock band at the time.The band signed a contract with Virgin Records in 1975, to release a number of singles and albums, including the Christian concept album Missa Universalis, and a signature ethereal style cover version of Chris de Burgh's A Spaceman Came Travelling, both released in 1978.

This often overlooked Austrian band epitomizes the whole Austrian progressive movement. The prime mover is Hubert Bognermayr (keyboards and vocals) who later became known because of his pioneering with the Fairlight computer and his 'electronic hunter's lodge' (blessed by international musicians and the famous Bob Moog). The other members were Hubert Schnauer (keyboards and flute), Harald Zuschader (keyboards, flute and guitar), Fritz Riedelberger (guitar, piano and vocals), Gerhard Englisch (bas and percussion) and Frank Hueber (drums and percussion). They released the eponymous first album ('71), "One Niter" ('76), "Hats of Glass" ('77), "Missa Universalis" ('78), "Virgin Oiland" ('80), "Hit or Miss" ('88) and "Symphonic Rock" (from '95 containing the 2nd and 3rd LP on 1 CD). I'm only familiar with the LP's "One Niter" and "Hats of Glass". The music on these albums is 24-carat symphonic rock but hard to compare, maybe some hints from RICK WAKEMAN solo, ELOY, PINK FLOYD and CAMEL can be traced. Progarchives

Tracklist:

1. Kyrie (11:50)

2. Gloria (5:57)

3. Credo Part 1 (4:14)

4. Credo Part 2 (3:33)

5. Sanctus (8:27)

6. Agnus Dei (5:20)

7. Amen (2:00) 

Personnel

- Hubert Bognermayr / keyboards, vocals

-Raoul Burnet / congas 

- Gerhard Englisch / bass, percussion

- Frank Hueber / drums, percussion

- Alois Janetschko / live mixing

- Fritz Riedelberger / guitars, piano, vocals

- Hubert Schnauer / keyboards, flute

- Harald Zuschrader / keyboards, flute, guitar

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