The Best Progressive Rock Band of The '60s?

Grumpyprogfan wrote: David_D wrote: AFlowerKingCrimson wrote: Imo, there was hardly any real prog in the 60s so it's kind of silly to ask this question. Given that many people think KC's debut was the first prog album that means that(to them at least) it was not only the best but just about the only one. I won't go quite that far ... Nevertherless, this is one of the good answers to my question. I've learned from this knowledgeable group of folks we have created two new labels. True Prog and Real Prog.

David_D wrote: AFlowerKingCrimson wrote: Imo, there was hardly any real prog in the 60s so it's kind of silly to ask this question. Given that many people think KC's debut was the first prog album that means that(to them at least) it was not only the best but just about the only one. I won't go quite that far ... Nevertherless, this is one of the good answers to my question.

I've learned from this knowledgeable group of folks we have created two new labels. True Prog and Real Prog.

Jacob Schoolcraft wrote: The idea for certain bands to perform or record with an orchestra . ...although Procol Harum didn't feel or seem like Progressive Rock . Instrumentals like "Overture" and "Underture" from Tommy ..The Who seemed far more adventurous than anything Procol Harum could ever do. The fast snare drum rolls played by Keith Moon on "Underture " were more in the style of Carl Palmer and it was unlikely Procol Harum would sound anything close to that.

The Classical element in the Prog Psychedelic of the 60s soon felt dominating in the world of Progressive Rock in the 70s. In 67' Procol Harum were borrowing signature lines or actual pieces written by Classical composers to fuse with Rock. This gave the band a deep and dark sounding edge to their albums. The music and the lyricism of Keith Reid produced a distinctive style that began surfacing through Progressive Rock.

Of course this had already been a plan in motion with the Moody Blues. Bands like The Nice, Beggars Opera, Deep Purple, Lucifer's Friend, Argent, Rare Bird , Curved Air all had keyboardists that dominated the music by borrowing Classical music ..

The idea for certain bands to perform or record with an orchestra . ...although Procol Harum didn't feel or seem like Progressive Rock . Instrumentals like "Overture" and "Underture" from Tommy ..The Who seemed far more adventurous than anything Procol Harum could ever do. The fast snare drum rolls played by Keith Moon on "Underture " were more in the style of Carl Palmer and it was unlikely Procol Harum would sound anything close to that.

What was termed Art Rock then...imo..was derived from European Classical music and fused with Rock by the British. It contained elements of surprise and a unique combination of the two styles. I believe it inspired musicians in Italy, France, and Japan to follow that path of writing. Stomu Yamashta pursued that style working with Hugh Hopper and others of the Canterbury scene..although there probably wasn't a real scene. Realistically it was merely musicians shifting around. Different aspects in the writing style of Hatfield and the North, National Health, Egg, Gilgamesh, Gong, etc are reminiscent of early Frank Zappa.

...Certain American bands in the 60s were eclectic such as Electric Flag , C.T.A, but hardly ever fusing Classical pieces with Rock. That to me was the heart and soul of England. It inspired American musicians...a huge impact

David_D wrote: To all of you mentioning American artists, what connection do you see to the British Progressive Rock, or maybe just, how do you see them to be a part of Progressive Rock?

Atavachron wrote: ^ Good argument to be made for them, both Cheerful Insanity and the Brondesbury comp are very significant--  'Tremolo Study A Major', 'Erudite Eyes', 'Suite No. 1', and of course an infant 'I Talk to he Wind'. Underappreciated outfit, and in a way, the original King Crimson.

enigmatic wrote: SteveG wrote: As far as progressive rock as we know it, it's ITCotCK by Crimson. Finally someone who makes sense in this thread. 😀 Thank you SteveG!!!!

Most important album- King Crimson- ITCOTCK