USA Seventies 'Prog' that is NOT Jazz Fusion!

Grumpyprogfan wrote: Saperlipopette! wrote: Grumpyprogfan wrote: ^I was only making a point based on Mike's post. If Zappa is not prog, then hardly anyone deserves that genre label. Not a particularly stong point I think. To me it's obvious that Zappa is an artist in the outskirts of, but to me personally within the realms of Progressive Rock. Early 1970's ELP, Genesis, Yes etc... are prototypically Prog Rock. So I understand why everyone agrees that the three latter bands represent classic Prog Rock, and why not everyone agrees that Zappa belongs in that company. There is no need to debate this issue. In most of our interactions together on PA, I get the feeling that you enjoy arguing. I'm tired of it.

Jeez don't blame me for you getting tired of backing up your points. There was nothing wrong with what I wrote. I think it made a lot of sense. Yes, I "like" trying to get my points across. Not for the sake of arguing, but because oftentimes I think my point is valid. It's a natural part of interacting with others on online forums or in life in general. Before PA I was already listening to myriads of bands and artists I never associated with Prog Rock, that I located in various sub-genres here. Prog Rock used to have a much more spesific meaning to me then, than it has now. If someone asked me what is this Prog Rock thing? - I would not select a tune by Zappa as the first, second or third example. It wouldn't be anywhere near as representative as perhaps Roundabout, Dancing With The Moonlit Knight or In the Court of the Krimson King.... It's relatively obvious to me as to why that is.

It's true most of 70's prog was fusion and there were not many "real" prog bands.

However, in the last twenty years the USA has contributed more quality prog releases than any other country.

verslibre wrote: David_D wrote: I've also began with new listening to Happy the Man's debut album, and it looks to me as definitely high quality stuff, so at this point of time, I can find it as underrated - it may also look quite promising in relation to my tastes.  Proceed directly to their second album, Crafty Hands. I like it better than the first.

Steely Dan shouldn't be included then. 

David_D wrote: I reckon that Steely Dan is the least progressive of the included artists.

No. Styx gets that honor.

David_D wrote: richardh wrote: Actually Kansas are really the only significant band or artist of any note from the USA from that period that called by called 'prog' IMO. But if to make it short, I'd say that the US '70s Progressive Rock is peanuts when comparing to the British. USA went in other directions, even quantitatively not so little influenced by Progressive Rock in the late '70s (AOR).

This is how I boil it down:

UK/Europe = Art Rock
US/NA = Jazz-Fusion

^Neither prog nor fusion was "popular" in The States in the 70's. Genesis filled stadiums only when they changed to a more radio friendly format. King Crimson and ELP, weren't popular. Of the big six of prog only Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull were somewhat popular. Rush was an exception, but were more successful in the 80's.

Edited by David_D - September 04 2024 at 09:49