Third Ear band, a classic band to promote

THIRD EAR BAND

 -one of the most brilliant, inovative pre-prog bands. A perfect fusion between rock & folk, ethnic, medieval, contemporary music influences!-

(a special thanks to Hughes for reviewing the complete discography of the band)

THIRD EAR BAND originated from Canterbury and started out as a psychedelic band called THE GIANT SUN TROLLEY gaining residency in south-London clubs doing long and improvisations and eventually changing their names to THE HYDROGEN JUKEBOX, recording one live album as such with Sweeney's percussions as scissor's clipping noise (with the mike attached to them) as he progressively undressed completely his girlfriend by clipping her dress during the conert (cut-out were very "in" at that time). Having finished their concert recording they discovered all their equipment stolen. So by sheer coincidence and obvious necessity, they became an acoustic band taking the name THIRD EAR BAND.

First of all formed as a psychedelic band, this British formation experimented the acoustic “ethnic” part of rock music. They are considered by many to be the first who invented the term “world” music. Their starting album “Alchemy” is a landmark of ethnic fusion music, including many elements of improvisations and an obvious eastern and medieval flavour. They used a lot of “raga” instrumentations thanks to the sitar and “tabla” percussion. They often included jazzy rock parts next to India spiritual music. Stylistically this is a band who have brought to the fore a kind of “transcultural” music. Their impressive and cult first effort was followed by what we can consider to be the summit of their career. Their self titled album recorded in 1970 is an outstanding collection of ethereal, ethnic improvisations, totally floating and directed to a high level consciousness. A real travel through abstract, imaginative dreamscapes. The music is executed with genius and always orientated in favour of various acoustic experimentations. Originally released in 1972 for the Roman Polanski Movie their following “Macbeth” carries on this intense, trippy musical adventure but put the accent on folk rock structures. This one is really progressive and can sometimes remind a few space rock bands from that period. Atmospheres are sometimes creepy, sinister admitting dense synth and melodic guitar lines. The music is less improvised and really turned to efficient, enchanting, moody and medieval ambiences. This one is recognised as their most popular effort. After a long break the band recorded in 1988 the album “live ghost” with a new line up, continuing a similar musical experience, always making a fusion between a sensitive raga / ethnic style and powerful jazzy rock improvisations. Their following efforts “Magic Music” (1990) and “Brain Waves” (1993) include more evident electronic arrangements and mystical jazz/ ethnic rock combinations.