RELEASED

"Released" is the second full-length studio album by UK progressive rock act Jade Warrior. The album was released through Vertigo Records in November 1971. It´s the successor to the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album from May 1971. While the trio lineup of Tony Duhig (guitars), Glyn Havard (bass, vocals), and Jon Field (percussion, congas, flute) is intact on "Released", the album does feature considerable contributions from session musicians Dave Conners (alto & tenor saxophones, flute) and Allan Price (drums). Especially the former has a central role in the soundscape and his presence and playing bring a touch of jazz-rock to Jade Warrior´s sound (opening track "Three Horned Dragon King" is a good example of that).

Compared to the first album "Released" features more "regular" sounding rock/jazz-rock rhythms which is due to the addition of a drummer to the soundscape. The omnipresent and unique use of different types of percussion is still a major part of the band´s sound though ("Three Horned Dragon King" and "Barazinbar" for example features a lot of percussion). stylistically Jade Warrior operate in an area between blues rock, folk rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and jazz-rock. It´s a sound which is hard to describe, but above all they have a highly creative way of writing music and performing it. The many different influences also make "Released" a pretty eclectic listen, and it´s an album which keeps the listener on his/her toes.

"Released" features a raw, organic, and powerful sounding production job. It´s a more hard edged and rock oriented sound production than the more organic and folk rock leaning sound production of the debut album, but it´s suits Jade Warrior well with the added edge. Upon conclusion "Released" is a strong sophomore album release from Jade Warrior. It´s arguably a bit stylistic inconsistent, but I choose to see the positive in that and praise the adventurous nature of Jade Warrior. A band who refused to stay within the confines of one musical genre or style. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

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