CODA — Sound Of Passion (1986-2007) RM | 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

CODA is a Dutch concept band created and headed by multi-instrumentalist Erik DeVroomen. With a strong emphasis on melody, their material is lushly symphonic and focuses on swirling keyboards (grand piano, novatron, clavinet and various synths played by DeVroomen), climactic moments and a few but heavily conceptual lyrics - imagine VANGELIS with some killer guitar and super-spacey segments. Between 1986 and 1996, the band released two albums and a mini CD.

Their first full-length album, "Sounds of Passion" (1986), features a 29-minute suite with lots of organ, horns and strings that give it a highly 'symphonic orchestra' feel. It is also full of mood and tempo changes as well as grandiloquent (and fortunately sparse, accented) vocals. As for the two short tracks that close the album, they are quite dispensable. Their second full-length cd, the ambitious "What a Symphony", is best described as classical music performed with modern instruments (a couple of nods are given to Mahler and Bach, in passing). Ranging from aggressive to pastoral moods, the flow is somehow unfortunately broken with frequent jazzy solos that don't quite fit into the picture. Overall, however, it is a highly melodious album and boasts a much improved production over "Sounds of Passion". progarchives
Chapter 1 - Sounds of Passion: The Album    
    Coda     Sounds Of Passion (29:14)
Music By, Words By – Erik De Vroomen
Chapter 2 - Sounds of Passion: The Demos    
    Sequoia     Sounds Of Passion - Demo Version (31:25)
Bass Guitar – Maarten Holz
Drums, Percussion – Jan Stavenuiten
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Karel De Greef
Flute, Piccolo Flute, Recorder – Pip Van Steen
Keyboards – Erik De Vroomen
Music By, Words By – Erik De Vroomen
Narrator – Roel Strik
Recorded By, Engineer, Producer, Mixed By – Erik De Vroomen, Karel De Greef, Roel Strik

DEDALUS — Dedalus + Materiale Per Tre Esecutori E Nastro Magnetico (1973-'74) 2CD in 1 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

DEDALUS - not to be confused with another Italian 'DEDALUS' who mix folk with jazz - were a most enterprising 70's jazz-rock quartet from Turin who still keep a high public profile among collectors. Evoking SOFT MACHINE but with an emphasis on keyboards, they use the violin, synthesizer, guitar, sax, cello, bass and drums; their style is more experimental and spacer than other Italian jazz-rock bands (KALEIDON, DUELLO MADRE, PERIGEO). After a first album in 1973, they lost their bassist and went on as a trio for a second album; they then lost their drummer and split up. In 1990, they reappeared for a third album that featured the original line-up minus the drummer. After many personnel changes, the keyboard player reformed the band under the name The BONANSONE DEDALUS GROUP who released a fourth album in 2004.
The eponymous first LP was their most SOFT MACHINE-like album, featuring some particularly spacey experimentation. "Materiale per Tre Esecutori e Nastro Magnetico" (1974) contains some highly complex music in a contemporary classical vein à la John Cage or Edgar Varese; it is also marked by a stronger use of electronics (no doubt due to the loss of their drummer). The privately released "Pia Visione" (1997) tried to revive the original spirit of the band but with a very minimalist approach. As for "Nomos Apache Alpha" (2004), it has a strong classical chamber music feel as it is mainly cello and flute based.
One of those 70's psychedelic treasures catching the essence of jazz rock with heavy grooves and hypno/experimental effects. The first track is a quick, electric jazz trip with abundant but linear guitar solos. Some nice keyboards parts accompany the jam. "Leda" is a floating jazzy tune with hyperactive psychedelic tones thanks to the use of amazing, atmospheric organ parts. The second part of the composition features a rather dreamy, spacey, evanescent soundscape punctuated by acid-psych bass grooves. "Conn" consists of improvisations with jammin' sax parts and really bizarre sound collages from a wide variety of instruments. "C.T.6" contains an elegant technical solo guitar sequence closed to Mc Laughlin's style. Not easy to approach for neophytes but highly recommended for convinced fans of jazz rock weirdo like Embryo and classic fusion jams from Miles Davis. progarchives

Dedalus – Dedalus (1973)
1. Santiago (9:13)
2. Leda (4:30)
3. Conn (3:48)
4. C.T.6 (14:02)
5. Brilla (5:39)
Dedalus – Materiale Per Tre Esecutori E Nastro Magnetico (1974)
6. Rumore Bianco
7. Emergenza A-B
8.Discorso Su Due Piani
9. Spazio Di Sei Note
10. Esserci
11. La Bergera, Da Un Cante Popolare Anonimo
12. Con Più Frequenza
13. Accordanza
14. Improvvisazione Per Violoncello, Sassofono Tenore, Batteria E Percussioni
Credits :
Fiorenzo Bonansone - Cello, Electric Piano, Synthesizer
Marco Di Castri - Guitars, Tenor Saxophone, Percussion
Furio Di Castri - Bass, Percussion
Enrico Grosso - Drums, Percussion
Percussion [African] – René Mantegna "Aktuela"

DRUID — Toward the Sun (1975-2015) RM | SHM-CD | Progressive Rock 1300 Collection Series | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Although it's not on the same level as the best progressive bands -- the drums and keyboards are not really up to the challenge presented by the guitars -- this album has been rather unfairly written off by some music critics. Their debut begins with their strongest composition: "Voices," whose multiple movements, chorus lyrics of "a million voices singing," broad washes of mellotron, and alternating guitar tones make it sound like an outtake from Yes's "The Ancient." The instrumental "Theme" has some fine jazz-prog sax soloing over a lush backing, and "Dawn of Evening" has a wonderfully taut bassline march pushed to the front of the mix. Paul Collins

Tracklist :
1 Voices 8:13
2 Remembering 5:24
3 Theme 5:24
4 Toward The Sun 5:03
5 Red Carpet For An Autumn 3:10
6 Dawn Of Evening 10:02
7 Shangri-La 10:11
Credits :
Bass Guitar – Neil Brewer
Drums, Percussion – Cedric Sharpley
Guitar, Vocals – Dane
Keyboards – Andrew McCrorie-Shand

DRUID — Fluid Druid (1976-2015) RM | SHM-CD | Progressive Rock 1300 Collection Series | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Despite the more complex arrangements and varied lyrics of this album, it's somehow not as satisfying as their debut. Songs meant to sound grand simply sound pompous -- a charge often (and tiresomely) leveled at prog bands, but warranted at times here. Similarly, Dane tries hard to shake his Jon Anderson label, but the overenunciated and mannered style that he adopts instead is grating; the result often veers fearfully close to Styx. There are some successful tracks, though -- the pleasant interpolation of a children's choir and carousel organ in "Crusade," the soaring guitar solos on "Painters Clouds," and the pensive woodwinds and piano in the long instrumental intro of the album's high point, "Left to Find."  Paul Collins
Tracklist :
1. Razor Truth (5:41)

2. Painters Clouds (4:59)
3. FM 145 (2:10)
4. Crusade (7:52)
5. Nothing But Morning (4:10)
6. Barnaby (3:13)
7. Kestrel (3:37)
8. Left To Find (7:18)
9. The Fisherman's Friend (0:45)
Total time 39:45
Line-up / Musicians
Dane - Guitars, Vocals
Andrew McCrorie-Shand - Keyboards
Neil Brewer - Bass
Cedric Sharpley - Drums, Percussions

VENT D'EST - Vent D'est (1980) Vynil LP | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

These representatives of the French art-rock scene knows very little, almost nothing. Yes, it is not surprising, since the contribution of the ensemble Vent D'est (Wind from the east) in the history of progressive rock is surprisingly modest: only one unnamed album. It is a pity, because the guys music is not devoid of beauty and melody. If you believe the site ProGGnosis, in the group worked two guitarists - Kristian Devo and Jean-Luc Vysotsky, Keyboardist Patris Vitt, drummer Jean-Marc Fisher and bassist Jean-Louis Sigle. Strangely enough, there is no information about the vocalist plate material by and large pesennorientirovanny (from a purely instrumental tracks - only the opening "Traveller" drayvovy number). The vocal part - decomposition voices - male and female. Sing nicely, then in their native language, then Inglish. Guitar solos carefully follow the canons laid down by Endi Letimerom ( Camel). However, to the level of the giants of instrumentalists do not hold out. Well, let. Music plays Vent D'est is not aspire to the depth and epic, it's just very emotional, well-played composition.
Tracklist :
1.    Traveller    
2.    La Toile    
3.    Your Eyes    
4.    La Dame En Noir    
5.    La Madonne Des Sleepings    
6.    California's Calling    
7.    Eastwind    
8.    Nighttime    
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Christian Devot
Bass [Fretless] – Jean Luc Siegler
Drums – Jean Marc Fischer
Electric Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer, Vocals – Jean Luc Wysocki
Keyboards, Synthesizer, Piano – Patrice Witt

EAST OF EDEN — East of Eden (1971-2001) RM | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

"East of Eden" was a British progressive rock band, who had a top 10 hit in the UK with the single "Jig-a-Jig", which did not resemble their usual sound or anything else they normally played. Combining flutes, saxes, violins and tape loops to folk, blues and psychedelic music, the East of Eden style was always heavily supported on a pure rock base, strong and experimental. This is 2001 German reissue of their 1971 album. The highlight is "Crazy Daisy," a pungent hard rock jazz jam, which alone makes the album worth seeking.
Tracklist :
 1. Wonderful Feeling (6:11)
2. Goodbye (5:48)
3. Crazy Daisy (6:54)
4. Here Comes The Day (4:33)
5. Take What You Need (5:03)
6. No Time (6:03)
7. To Mrs. V (5:18)
Total Time: 39:50
Credits :
Dave Arbus - Violin, Saxophone, Flute
David Jack - Bass, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Allen - Drums, Percussion

KHAN — Space Shanty (1972) RM | SHM-CD | Three Version | APE + WV + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Almost stereotypically overreaching early-'70s progressive rock, with quasi-operatic vocals, spinning guitar solos, and lengthy suite-like tracks on the order of "Stargazers" and "Hollow Stone (incl. Escape of
the Space Pilots)." The highlight is Dave Stewart's effervescent organ work during the gentle and meditative passages. Richie Unterberger

Tracklist :
1 Space Shanty


2 Stranded

3 Mixed Up Man Of The Mountains
4 Driving To Amsterdam
5 Stargazers
6 Hollow Stone
7 Break The Chains
8 Mixed Up Man Of The Mountains (First Version)
Credits :
Bass, Vocals – Nick Greenwood
Drums – Eric Peachey
Guitar, Vocals – Steve Hillage
Organ, Piano, Marimba, Celesta [Skyceleste] – Dave Stewart

ARZACHEL — Arzachel (1969) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Take off your shoes, socks, turn off the lights, shut all windows and blinds and turn up your amplifier to 11... here comes some pure progressive psychedelia. ARZACHEL were in and out of the world of music for only a short period and have left behind this one and only little treasure of wonderful wierdness. ARZACHEL was really the young genius of Steve HILLAGE (guitars) and Dave STEWART (keyboards) and although never really intended for wide distribution has become one of the most collectible and trasured gems of this era. ARZACHEL contains classic HILLAGE acid guitar windouts and Dave STEWART's psychedelic keyboard drones and solos. ARZACHEL contains 2 longer length tracks (11 & 17 Mins) and 4 shorter numbers. The sound repro is as you might expect not in full digital, but does not detract from your listening enjoyment. The fine folks at Drop Out Records have included a nice little history and package about this band as well... Progarchives
Tracklist :
1    Garden Of Earthly Delights    2:44
Songwriter, Arranged By – Clive Brooks, Dave Stewart, Mont Campbell, Steve Hillage

2    Azathoth    4:22
Songwriter, Arranged By – Clive Brooks, Dave Stewart, Mont Campbell, Steve Hillage
3    Queen St. Gang    4:26
Written-By – Keith Mansfield
4    Leg    5:41
Songwriter, Arranged By – Clive Brooks, Dave Stewart, Mont Campbell, Steve Hillage
5    Clean Innocent Fun    10:28
Songwriter, Arranged By – Clive Brooks, Dave Stewart, Mont Campbell, Steve Hillage
6    Metempsychosis    16:51
Songwriter, Arranged By – Clive Brooks, Dave Stewart, Mont Campbell, Steve Hillage
Credits :
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Njerogi Gategaka (Mont Campbell)
Drums – Basil Dowling (Clive Brooks)
Lead Guitar, Vocals – Simeon Sasparella (Steve Hillage)
Organ – Sam Lee-Uff (Dave Stewart)

BANZAI — Hora Nata (1974-1995) RM | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Along with fellow countrymen MACHIAVEL, BANZAI were a Belgian quintet from the mid-70's of the typical GENESIS/YES school of prog. They made one album and then disbanded after their record company went bankrupt. Their music features elaborate compositions with layered keyboards, melodic guitar solos reminiscent of Jan Akkerman's, and high-pitched vocals that will immediately remind listeners of Jon Anderson. The band consisted of Peter Torfs on keyboards and vocals, John M.C. O. on guitars, Ludwig Kemat on percussion and alto sax, Evert Verhees on bass and vocals, and Erry Foix on drums and percussion.
The cd version of their album "Hora Nata" contains everything the band has ever recorded: 5 lengthy pieces subdivided into smaller parts plus 6 bonus tracks that are slightly more accessible than the rest. This material is not very original by today's standards but the musicianship is solid, featuring lots of Hammond organ and even a brass section.
Recommended if you like classic 70's symphonic prog with lots of organ, old keyboard sounds, jamming guitars, some quirky rhythms and lots of breaks. Progarchives
Tracklist :
1    You Always Like An Entree? 2:13
Written-By – Erry Fox, Evert Verhees
2      Try (7:44)
Written-By – Erry Fox, Evert Verhees
2a    Hopeful Strive    
2b    Step By Step    
2c    Find The Way    
3      Obelisk (11:06)
Written-By – Erry Fox, Evert Verhees
3a    Like A Stalagmite    
3b    Hora Nata    
3c    Stalagmites In My Jam    
3d    Wet The Ropes    
4      Hattrick (7:32)
Written-By – Erry Fox, Evert Verhees
4a    My First Hot-Pants    
4b    Kick And Rush    
4c    The Final Was The Third Game    
Three Magicians (Part 1) (12:13)
Written-By – Erry Fox, Evert Verhees
5a    Once    
5b    Theme Of The Rainbow    
5c    Bermst    
5d    We'll Bring You The Sun    
– BONUS TRACKS –
6    Hora Nata 2:58
Written-By – E. Fox, E. Verhees
7    Good Morning Life 3:44
Written-By – E. Fox, E. Verhees
8    We'Re So Sorry 3:06
Written-By – Banzai
9    Be Careful Now 3:26
Written-By – Banzai
10    Talking About My Love 3:07
Written-By – E. Fox, E. Verhees
11    On The Rocks 3:01
Written-By – E. Fox, E. Verhees
Credits :
Arranged By, Producer – Luc Smets (tracks: 6, 7)
Bass Guitar, Synthesizer [Bass Pedals], Vocals – Evert Verhees
Conductor [Violins] – A. Speguel (tracks: 1 to 5)
Drums, Percussion – Erry Fox
Guitar [Guitars], Alto Vocals – John McO
Horns – C. Focant (tracks: 1 to 5), J. Lasselin (tracks: 1 to 5)
Keyboards, Vocals – Peter Torfs
Percussion, Alto Saxophone – Ludwig Kemat
Tenor Saxophone – F. Maes (tracks: 1 to 5)

SEMIRAMIS — Dedicato A Frazz (1973) Two Version | Italian Rock SHM-CD Series | FLAC (inage+.tracks+.cue), lossless

SEMIRAMIS is one of the many "one-shot" bands of the 70's Italy. Their only album is one of my favorite albums of the 70's Italian art rock. Combining elements of Italian folk, heavy progressive passages (especially in the middle of the album), Baroque church music, jazz, classical, and a good dose of insanity. "Dedicato A Frazz" pounds every sense, challenges every synapse in a flurry of ideas. There are more symphonic, keyboard-led parts as well where SEMIRAMIS may sound closer YES, GENESIS or BANCO. A fantastic album...
Tracklist :
1.    La Bottega Del Rigattiere    6:01
2.    Luna Park    4:29

3.    Uno Zoo Di Vetro    5:57
4.    Per Una Strada Affollata    5:01
5.    Dietro Una Porta Di Carta    5:43
6.    Frazz    5:09
7.    Clown    4:34
Credits :
Arranged By – Giampiero Artegiani, Maurizio Zarillo, Michele Zarrillo
Artwork – Gordon Faggetter
Bass, Lyrics By – Marcello Reddavide
Drums, Percussion, Vibraphone – Paolo Faenza
Guitar, Music By – Michele Zarrillo
Piano, Synthesizer – Maurizio Zarillo
Synthesizer – Giampiero Artegiani

ISOPODA — Taking Root (1979-1999) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

ISOPODA was often considered as Belgium Seventies best Progressive band. It plays a superb sophisticated and melodious Progressive rock, based upon the combinations between vovals, guitar, keyboards and flute. Working such as a goldsmith, ISOPODA composes pieces with a rare perfection, which could equal to the best GENESIS, enhanced by somptuous vocals and arrangements. On this album issued in 1981, this Belgian band performed an elegant Progressive with elaborated arrangements. They played refined melodies with wonderful vocals, nice flute & guitar parts. The GENESIS and Alan PARSONS' references are obvious: liking for velvet and refined melodies, which thanks to their fluidity, delicate accoustic parts and beauty, seduce the auditor. Progarchives
Tracklist :
1 Taking Root 5:01
2 The Usual Start 4:31
3 Endless Streets 5:04
4 Sunset Alley 3:17
5 Harbinger 1:52
6 Girls Will Be Girls 3:38
7 The Fall 5:36
8 O.K. With Me 3:11
9 Join With The Stream 5:53
10 You Flower 4:54
11 Black Mountain Cat 3:00
Credits :
Bass, Guitar, Backing Vocals – Arnold De Schepper (tracks: 1 to 11)
Drums – Marc Van der Schueren (tracks: 1 to 11)
Executive Producer – Musea
Guitar – Walter De Berlangeer (tracks: 1 to 9)
Keyboards – Luc Van Hove (tracks: 1 to 9)
Lead Vocals – Dirk De Schepper (tracks: 1 to 11)
Piano, Organ, Backing Vocals – Geert Amant (tracks: 10 & 11)

TANGERINE DREAM — Force Majeure (1979) RM | Tangerine Dream Definitive Edition Series | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Although Tangerine Dream is usually associated with synthesizers and the ambient movement that followed over a decade after such albums as Phaedra, Stratosfear, and Rubycon were recorded, Force Majeure shows the band displaying its roots in space rock. This time around, guitar and drums (played by Klaus Krieger) are as prominent as the keyboards. As the name would appear to indicate, the music on the album doesn't seem played so much as propelled forward, the overall pace rarely slackening for long. The title track is a suite that incorporates several distinct themes that segue into a cohesive whole via musical bridges. "Cloudburst Flight" is really an excuse for Edgar Froese to display his virtuosity on the electric six-string, which he does with amazing intensity. "Thru Metamorphic Rocks" begins with what sounds to be an album-ending theme, but then cross-fades into a hypnotic piece that builds upon a constant bed of pulsating sequencers and processed drums with various sound effects and still more keyboards until it fades out completely some 14 minutes later. An absolute necessity to those who might be at all curious about the band, or even successful experiments within the rock genre. Sections of the album would later appear in slightly altered versions on the soundtracks to the movies Risky Business and Thief. Brian E. Kirby
Tracklist :
1. Force Majeure - 18:15
Written-By – Christopher Franke, Edgar Froese
2. Cloudburst Flight - 7:25
Written-By – Christopher Franke, Edgar Froese
3. Thru Metamorphic Rocks - 14:28
Written-By – Christopher Franke, Edgar Froese
Line-up / Musicians
Edgar Froese - Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Effects, Producer
Chris Franke - Keyboards, Sequencers, Producer
Klaus Krieger - Drums, Percussion
+
Eduard Meyer - Cello, Engineer

CARDEILHAC — Cardeilhac (1973-1993) Three Version | Mp3 + APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Taking their name from a French commune in Haute-Garonne, this Swiss five-piece, heavy progressive band comprised of Rinaldo Häusier (guitars), Denis Angelini (vocals), J-C. Balsinger (bass), Andrö Locher (organ/keyboards) and Gaston Balmer (drums).
Their brief early 70's existence resulted in only one studio album; their poorly produced 1971 eponymous debut, which clearly demonstrated a combined influence of heavy UK proto-prog bands such as Deep Purple with the typically Teutonic 70's hard rock sound, with progressive, and occasionally bluesy touches.
Locher's abilities in bringing the keyboards to the fore, will please fans of ELP, while the chunkier, heavy guitar will bring bands such as The Nice and even Uriah Heep to mind. Ultimately however, their music is considered to have produced little in the way of originality, and nothing is known of the musician's careers after the break up of the band. progarchives
Tracklist :
1. Pick Up Your Gun 5:05
Written-By – E. Nimmo-Smith, R. Häusler
2. Everybody 3:21
Written-By – D. Angelini, R. Häusler
3. Pushers Dwell 2:45
Written-By – E. Nimmo-Smith, R. Häusler
4. Sadness 6:12
Written-By – E. Nimmo-Smith, R. Häusler
5. She Don't Care 3:57
Written-By – A. Locher, D. Angelini
6. Neutral 6:14
Written-By – A. Locher
7. Nightmare 5:02
Written-By – D. Angelini, R. Häusler
8. Loch Ness 3:27
Written-By – R. Häusler
Line-up / Musicians
Rinaldo Häusier - Guitars
Denis Angelini - Vocals
J-C. Balsinger - Bass
Andrö Locher - Organ
Gaston Balmer - Drums
Design [Graphics] Chantal Rouge

HORSLIPS — Book of Invasions : A Celtic Symphony (1977-2008) Horslips Collection Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"That which does not kill me will make me stronger" might well have been the motto that Horslips adopted after the release of The Unfortunate Cup of Tea, their 1975 release. That album, generally regarded as their weakest, somehow gave rise to this, perhaps their strongest. Returning to their original formula of rock & roll, folk, and prog rock, Book of Invasions rivals 1973's The Tain as their most consistent and creative, and established the band as that decade's preeminent purveyor of those three entwined genres. Neither Fairport Convention nor Steeleye Span rocked as convincingly or consistently as they did, and Jethro Tull's fleeting folk fancies didn't qualify them as a folk-rock outfit. Often compared to Ian Anderson's group, Horslips furthered that notion with the opening chord progression of "The Power and the Glory," which is quite reminiscent of Tull's "Locomotive Breath." John Fean's electric guitar playing (especially when in tandem with Barry Devlin's bass) frequently conjures up Martin Barre comparisons. But it would be unfair to infer that this album is anything less than an original. Along with the group's first two albums (Happy to Meet Sorry to Part and The Tain) Book of Invasions: A Celtic Symphony set the standard for how next-generation Celtic rock albums would be judged. The degree to which they incorporated fiddles, concertinas, accordions, mandolin, tin whistles, and uilleann pipes into a rock & roll band was unprecedented in the '70s. This record was and is their crowning achievement. Dave Sleger   
Tracklist :
First Movement - Geantraí
1 Daybreak 3:19
2 March Into Trouble 0:51
3 Trouble With A Capital 'T' 3:24
4 The Power And The Glory 3:56
5 The Rocks Remain 2:48
6 Dusk 0:39
7 Sword Of Light 4:54
8 Dark 1:37
2nd Movement - Goltraí
9 Warm Sweet Breath Of Love 3:26
10 Fantasia - My Lagan Love 3:17
11 King Of Morning, Queen Of Day 4:10
3rd Movement - Suantraí
12 Sideways To The Sun 4:46
13 Drive The Cold Winter Away 0:55
14 Ride To Hell 3:49
Credits :
Arranged Bass, Vocals – Barry Devlin
Drums, Percussion – Eamon Carr
Fiddle, Mandolin, Concertina, Vocals – Charles O'Connor
Guitar, Vocals – John Fean
Keyboards, Flute, Whistle – Jim Lockhart
Written-By – Devlin, O'Connor, Carr, Lockhart, Fean

CHERRY FIVE — Cherry Five (1975) RM | Italian Rock SHM-CD Series | Three Version | WV + FLAC (image+.trackcs+.cue), lossless

CHERRY FIVE were a one-time spinoff from Italian band GOBLIN who managed to release this gem back in 1975. Vocals are well done, full of harmonies and are convincingly sung in English. The sound of CHERRY FIVE is hard to really peg down, but I draw allusions to many of the classic 70's Ital-Prog contemporaries with a dash of YES and ELP thrown in for good measure. CHERRY FIVE offer some great drum and keyboard interplay... (hammond, moog, electric piano and mellotron). Songs are nicely varied with some softer influences, some jazz Canterbury interludes and some fattier 70's classic Ital -Prog moments. Why not add this album to your gift registry for your wedding... progarchives
Tracklist :
1. Country Grave Yard (8:18)

2. The Picture of Dorian Gray (8:28)
3. The Swan is a Murderer Part 1 (3:53)
4. The Swan is a Murderer Part 2 (5:07)
5. Oliver (9:30)
6. My Little Cloud Land (7:43)
Total Time: 43:19
Line-up / Musicians
Claudio Simonetti - Keyboards
Massimo Morante - Guitars
Fabio Pignatelli - Bass
Tony Tartarini - Lead Voice
Carlo Bordini - Drums, Percussion

GOBLIN — Roller (1976) RM | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Goblin followed up the impressive Italian success of Profondo Rosso with one of the few non-soundtrack items in their catalog. Despite this fact, Roller finds the group's trademark mixture of prog rock complexity and horror movie atmospherics very much intact: The title track builds from staccato piano passages into an epic riff powered by electric guitar and cathedral-style organ, while "Goblin" is an epic of prog fireworks that works in an array of complex solos from each of the group's members. The album also introduces a surprisingly gentle side to the group's sound through "Aquaman" and "Il Risveglio Del Serpente," two cuts that exchange the electric guitars and synthesizer excursions that dominate much of the album for quiet, delicate interplay between acoustic guitar and electric piano. However, the most surprising cut on the album is "Snip Snap," which temporarily puts aside the rest of the album's overt prog rock style to create a funky excursion that starts with an infectious clavinet riff and builds into a spacey slice of funk drenched in synthesizer effect. The end result is a strong album that consolidates the jazzy prog rock theatrics that made Profondo Rosso so impressive while also working in unexpected elements that flesh their sound out in new and interesting ways. In short, Roller is a necessity for Goblin fans and is an album that's also likely to appeal to fans of European prog rock. Donald A. Guarisco  
Tracklist :
1. Roller (4:38)
2. Aquaman (5:22)
3. Snip Snap (3:37)
4. The Snake Awakens (3:27)
5. Goblin (11:10)
6. Dr. Frankenstein (6:00)
Total Time: 34:14
Line-up / Musicians
Massimo Morante - Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Claudio Simonetti - Organ, Pipe Organ (Basilica Sacro Cuore,Roma), Piano, Hohner Clavinet, MiniMoog, Logan & Elka String Synthesizers
Maurizio Guarini - Piano, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Pianet, Moog, Clarinet
Fabio Pignatelli - Basses
Agostino Marangolo - Drums, Percussion
Artwork: Gian Franco Marignani with Carlo Bixio (Art director)

GYGAFO — Legend Of The Kingfisher (1973-1993) MONO | Background Series | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Gygafo's early-'70s album only made it to the acetate stage at the time, though it was eventually resuscitated for CD release in the early '90s. Though it's competent British progressive rock, and adequately recorded, there's nothing about the band that demanded a wide audience or a place of its own in the art rock pantheon. It's fair prog rock with some folk and hard rock influences, including some sinuous ebb-and-flow guitar lines, well worked-out vocal harmonies, haunting melodic figures, and classically flavored keyboard passages. The songwriting is neither terrible nor noteworthy, and in the fashion of the time, the tracks can meander on a bit too long, though it's not grossly self-indulgent. The CD finishes with a couple of tracks recorded in 1974, at a later date than the rest of the material. Richie Unterberger
Tracklist :
1. Solid Man Song - 3:54
2. A Room with a View - 5:35
3. Waiting for the Rain/Entertaining Winds of Long Ago/Season's Weather (Comning Home) - 12:07
4. And a Timne Tot Hink (Box 1) - 4:43
5. Today I Am - 5:44
6. The Legend of the Kingfisher - 9:56
7. What You Don't Know (Won't Hurt You) - 8:49
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - 5:18
All songs by Gygafo.
Credits :
John Atkinson - Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Flute, Glockenspiel
Paul Kent - Bass
Pete Nickson - Drums, Percussion
Charlie Speed - Guitar, Vocals
Eddie Stringer - Keyboards, Piano, Vocals
Mike Levon - Saxophone, Air Guitar, Producer

PENTACLE — La clef des songes (1975-1995) APE (image+.cue), lossless

After listening to "La Clef Des Songes" a few times, I rated it as one of the best albums from the seventies French prog scene. PENTACLE were a 4-piece band influenced by bands like early KING CRIMSON, and the MOODY BLUES. Their music tends to lean on the mellow symphonic sound, where beautifully colorful themes are led by acoustic/eletric guitar and analog keyboards. Every once in a while, the band starts to explore more aggressive territory (faster tempos, time-signatures, etc), and the guitarist bursts into passionate soloing. All of the tracks feature French vocals, which add to the beauty of the music. Fans of melodic bands like CARPE DIEM are in for a treat with this little gem. Progarchives
Tracklist :
1. La Clef Des Songes
2. Naufrage
3. L'âme Du Guerrier
4. Les Pauvres
5. Complot
6. Le Raconteur
– BONUS TRACKS –
7. La Clef Des Songes (Live Bonus) 
8. Complot (Live Bonus) 
9. Le Raconteur (Live Bonus)
Musicians :
Claude Menetrier - Organ, Moog, Elka String Ensemble, Piano
Michel Roy - Drums, Backing Vocals
Gerald Reuz - Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Lead Vocals
Richard Treiber - Bass, Acoustic Guitar

BILL FRISELL — Bill Frisell with Dave Holland and Elvin Jones (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Ever prolific avant-Americana guitarist Bill Frisell continues his Nonesuch odyssey with this trio that includes two jazz heavyweights: bassist Dave Holland (former Miles Davis band member and current ECM recording artist) and drum legend Elvin Jones (one-quarter of the classic John Coltrane Quartet of the '60s and still an indefatigable rhythmist). Frisell leads the threesome through a book of his own highly individual, atmospherically compelling tunes, including such recent favorites as "Strange Meeting" and "Blues Dream"; the trio also essays two vintage numbers that do a good job of bookending Frisell's own brand of rootsy lyricism - Henry Mancini's "Moon River" and Stephen Foster's "Hard Times." Hardly obvious candidates as Frisell collaborators, Holland and Jones warm well to the folk-inflected material, complementing the guitarist's offbeat charm and unerring taste with their muscular authority. Frisell fans will rejoice once again, and newcomers might find this an ideal introduction.
Tracklist :
1. Outlaws 7:55
 Bill Frisell
2. Twenty Years 3:15
 Bill Frisell
3. Coffaro's Theme 4:51
 Bill Frisell
4. Blues Dream 4:48
 Bill Frisell
5. Moon River 6:26
 Bill Frisell / Henry Mancini
6. Tell Your Ma, Tell Your Pa 9:07
 Bill Frisell
7. Strange Meeting 5:26
 Bill Frisell
8. Convict 13 3:56
 Bill Frisell
9. Again 7:33
 Bill Frisell
10. Hard Times 3:41
 Stephen Foster / Bill Frisell
11. Justice And Honor 4:49
 Bill Frisell
12. Smilin' Jones 5:02
 Bill Frisell
Credits :
Bill Frisell - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Loops
Dave Holland - Bass
Elvin Jones - Drums

BILL EVANS — California Here I Come (1967-2004) RM | LP Reproduction Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Philly Joe Jones was a member of the Bill Evans Trio for a short time in 1967 but none of his recordings with the pianist were released at the time. This two-LP set from 1982 features the pair (along with bassist Eddie Gomez who had recently started his own longtime association with Evans) in superb form. Jones consistently lit a fire under the pianist and, even though Bill Evans was never just an introspective ballad pianist (which became his stereotype), he does play with some unaccustomed ferocity on several of these selections. The 71 minutes of music feature strong versions of three of Evans' originals (including "Turn Out the Stars") plus a dozen standards, highlighted by "You're Gonna Hear From Me," "Gone With the Wind" and the unlikely "California Here I Come." Well worth searching for. In September 2004, Verve reissued the album in a limited edition, 24-bit remastered CD. Where the original disc sounded thin in places -- as it is a live recording -- the remastered version sounds consistently full and warm throughout.   Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1- California, Here I Come – 5:32
 (Buddy DeSylva, Al Jolson, Joseph Meyer)
2- Polka Dots and Moonbeams  – 3:22
(Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke)
3- Turn Out the Stars  – 5:52
(Bill Evans)
4- Stella by Starlight – 4:06
(Ned Washington, Victor Young)
5- You're Gonna Hear From Me  – 4:57
(André Previn, Dory Previn)
6- In a Sentimental Mood – 3:53
 (Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Manny Kurtz)
7- G Waltz  – 4:35
(Bill Evans)
8- On Green Dolphin Street  – 4:53
(Bronisław Kaper, Ned Washington)
9- Gone With the Wind  – 5:35
(Herb Magidson, Allie Wrubel)
10- If You Could See Me Now  – 3:39
(Tadd Dameron, Carl Sigman)
11- Alfie  – 5:12
(Burt Bacharach, Hal David)
12- Very Early  – 4:44
(Bill Evans)
13- 'Round Midnight - 6:07
(Thelonious Monk, Cootie Williams)
14- Emily – 5:18
 (Johnny Mandel, Johnny Mercer)
15- Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) – 6:49
(Harry Barris, Ted Koehler, Billy Moll)
Credits :
Bill Evans - Piano
Eddie Gómez - Bass
Philly Joe Jones - Drums