MAN CODA

QUASAR were a trio out of Brisbane, Australia who managed to release two studio albums before calling it a day. I haven't heard their 1979 debut called "Nebular Trajectory", but I did find a copy of "Man Coda" from 1981. They play experimental jazz music, in fact the note in the liner notes is from Brian Brown, who was an Australian jazz tenor and soprano sax player, flautist, composer and band leader. He formed his first group in 1956, which quickly became prominent in Australian experimental jazz.

So he clearly is impressed by what this trio composed here, and they no doubt were influenced by this older talented musician. And yes these are composed tracks. They come across as improvs. Most of which takes it's time. I remember saying that the band must have patience to play this kind of music, but what about the listener? This was love at first listen for me. Four long pieces over 39 plus minutes. And no, this certainly isn't for everyone, hence the low ratings here. The trio is bass/drums(brothers) and guitar. This was recorded at Conservatorium Studios in Brisbane, and pressed by Colombia/EMI. Both the guitarist and bassist add effects.

"Reality's Way" gets us started at 9 1/2 minutes and composed in 1980, and the only track where all three musicians had a hand in the composition. This reminds me of Miles Davis at times. Just how it trips along with guitar expressions over top. The bass sounds interesting after 8 minutes. This is like a drugged-out "Bitches Brew". "Zeitgeist" is also around 9 1/2 minutes and this one reminds me of KING CRIMSON, more Fripp I suppose, with those guitar leads. This one has some life and was composed in 1976.

"The Little Prince" is the shortest at 5 1/2 minutes, and is somewhat catchy but subdued at the same time. "Man Coda" ends it, and at 14 1/2 minutes this is a ride. No, not a very adventerous ride, but I like the trip. I'll just describe the start which is spacey with clashing cymbals and effects before a calm with sinister bass lines arrives, along with distant percussion, as the guitar cries out from time to time. I like how one reviewer calls this album a pure acid trip into the subconscious.

This is a keeper in my music world. Patience is the key, plus having that psychedelic mind. And it's on my best of list from 1981 as a result.

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