PROGRESS

4.5 stars. Michael Giles is most known for being the original drummer for KING CRIMSON, but his musical relationship with Robert Fripp began before that, with the band GILES, GILES & FRIPP. And the other Giles is of course his brother Peter who plays bass. Sometime in the second half of the seventies Michael Giles decided to make a solo album. He enlisted the help of a dozen or so musicians, many from the Canterbury Scene to fulfill this dream. Funny thing was that he wasn't completely happy with it. Not so much with the actual music, although there was some of that, but he was concerned that this style of music wouldn't be well received in 1978. So why throw your pearls to swine.

Into the vaults it went, but thankfully not forgotten as I consider this essential for those who are into Canterbury. Two years prior to "Progress" being recorded Michael was the drummer for that John G. Perry album "Sunset Wading" and Geoff Richardson was a big part of that as well. I mention that because Richardson is like his left arm on this album, the most active musician on here besides Michael. John G. Perry also plays on this album adding bass to a couple of tracks. Geoff Richardson plays guitar for the most part, but he also adds viola, flute, and bass on one track.

Peter Giles is the main bass player, and besides his incredible performance, I have to add Michael's punchy drum work, and also the electric piano, which is on half the tracks as being the big draw for me here. I love upfront bass, electric piano and drumming like this. These three things push this album up to that five star rating. This is a recording I can't wait to put on. And very consistent. And speaking of electric piano, Dave McRae is on here adding some class. The man was with both MATCHING MOLE and NUCLEUS. John Mealing plays most of the piano on here though. But yeah, Jimmy Hastings is here and some other horn players. Michael takes care of the vocals and I like his voice. He also has Catherine Howe singing on a couple of songs. And she's great.

I spent time with this record over 5 years ago and I have to admit this just keeps getting better. No weak links, which is huge for me being an album guy. This seems like a concept album, in the sense if you read the song titles it's like a day in the life. Ten tracks and over 42 minutes. There's a couple of one minute pieces including the opener "Sunrise" a mysterious and subtle soundscape. The other is "Daydream" which I like better. It's hard for me to even keep it to a top five with the eight remaining songs, that's how much I'm into this album.

It's interesting that my top three are the three longest ones, all around 6 minutes in length. So lets start with those. First is "Midsummer Day" which has a unique sound to it with Michael playing a naive guitar it's called. It's played throughout and is the main sound. Michael sings and only gets help from Richardson here as he adds flute, guitar and bass. My third favourite tune on here. Just original sounding.

The title track is incredible. Three horn players plus guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Peter's bass sound is off the charts good but there's so much going on with this tune. It's pretty intense after 2 minutes with the horns and bass leading. And the drumming? Don't ask! Final top three is the closer "Arrival" with again three horn players but with a female singing during the second half, but it's the drums, bass and electric piano that kill. How about "Rocking"? The one track with Hastings on it, but also two more horn players. A theme here. And it's the one track where Michael adds clavinet. Thankyou! A punchy drum led tune.

Funny but "Moving" reminds me of KING CRIMSON from the early eighties. Even though this is the late seventies. The vocal style reminds me of Belew. Such a catchy tune. "Rolling" is another one that stands out. Punchy and funky with Michael singing. The bass is again so good, and it's John G. Perry this time. "Departure" the second song, but really it's the opener after that one minute intro piece. And it's worthy of being the opening track with that electric piano from Giles especially standing out, yes Michael Giles. McRae adds a piano solo here as well.

Lastly I'll mention "Shunter" because it's all Giles, but unlike the other "all Giles" tune "Nightdream", this isn't all drums and percussion or just one minute long. He adds keyboards to great affect along with his drum and percussion work. It's really good. Yes I'm bumping this one up!