Scandinavian Prog Appreciation Thread |
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Asyte2c00
Forum Senior Member Joined: January 15 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2099 |
Topic: Scandinavian Prog Appreciation Thread Posted: January 10 2007 at 12:20 |
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having binging on Anekdoten recently, I must say they are brilliant. Vemod and Nucleus are phenomenal. I enjoy the former more though. Mellotron, Cello, Pounding Drums, angst-ridden vocals.
Its like Tool from the 70s.
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DallasBryan
Forum Senior Member Joined: November 23 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3323 |
Posted: January 10 2007 at 11:57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DallasBryan
Forum Senior Member Joined: November 23 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3323 |
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Danish Progressive Rock At Its Best - Part 1 by Piotr Tucholski for Tarkus no. 21, June 2002
In 1967 Eik Skaløe and Stig Møller formed the group Steppeulvene (Steppenwolf). They recorded only one record - Hip. Next year Eik went out to India and presumably died. When you listen to Hip album you find it Bob Dylan-influenced beat music, however be aware that it is one of the most important records in Danish rock history as it became a catalizator for other musicians. My adventure with Danish rock began a few years ago when I read an article in local music magazine. I was very impressed with... names like: Alrune Rod, Thors Hammer, Culpeper's Orchard and many others. Soon, I found that rock from Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, being under influence of music from America and England where the counterculture began, has its own, very special feeling. Moreover, in late sixties when progressive rock was created and new music styles were appearing day after day, one of them was rock with jazz influence. It is very characteristic for Danish music of late sixties, as many jazz players started to play beat and rock with great success e.g.: Burnin' Red Ivanhoe, Rainbow Band, Blue Sun, Dr. Dopo Jam and others. If you have a chance, give them a try and listen. Scandinavian element and professionalism of the musicians make the music unrepeatable and very worth listening. Steppeulvene:Discography: * 1. HiP 1967 Metronome Reissues: [1] CD - Elap * The default media type is LP, otherwise noted. Types of reissued records are specified. Singles, EPs are not listed. AcheAche started in 1968 heaving their roots in the hippie subculture of Copenhagen. They played a mixture of beat, symphonic-rock and classical-rock with strong organ and guitar interplays. Ache was said to be Danish equivalent of Procol Harum but its music was also under influence of Van der Graaf Generator and The Nice (great combination anyway!). The first album The Homine Urbano includes only two compositions. On side A there is a title track composed for ballet (performed in e.g. Copenhagen and Moscow). On Little Things (that covers the whole side B) the musicians started working in 1968 and since then they developed it piece by piece. According to them the composition is about little things that exist around us. It is slightly better developed than The Homine Urbano and must-have not only for symphonic-rock proggers. Ache were planning to create Ache Rock Theatre an artistic event. This idea, unfortunately, failed due to lack of money, but music on their second album Green Man(except track Acheron) comes from that show. Compositions on this record are shorter (none exceeds 9 minutes) which enabled musicians to present more diverse material. Some tracks remind of the previous album (Equatorial Rain, The Invasion, Acheron), some are more like hits e.g. beautiful Shadow Of A Gipsy or titled Green Man. The last composition is Ache-ish cover of The Beatles' We Can Work It Out. Torsten Olafsson said in 1971 about their music: When listening to music you may sometime imagine sceneries on situations appearing from far away, from sub consciousness, and when experiencing sceneries or happenings you may as well put sounds or music to them; and in both ways picture and sound will be linked together, and you will always believe them to belong to each other". 1. De Homine Urbano 1970 Philips 2. Green Man 1971 Philips 3. Pictures From Cyclus 7 1976 CBS 4. Bla Som Altid 1977 KMF Reissues: [1]+[2] 2LP - Philips 1976 [1]+[2] CD - Universal Music 2000 [1]+[2] CD - Free Records 2000
Burnin' Red Ivanhoe One of the biggest names of Scandinavian progressive groups that became well-known worldwide. Their music can be described as progressive jazz-rock under influences of beat, R&B, psychedelia... The compositions present often improvisational long passages with Karsten Vogel's (soprano sax, alto sax) musical visions. The other members are: Kim Menzer (flute, violin, trombone, harmonica), Ole Fick (guitars, vocals), Jess Stæhr (bass), Bo Thrige Andersen (drums).
They started in 1967 but the first album appeared two years later. It was double LP M144. By many considered their best. The comparison to The Who is especially clear in this early period. Most of the compositions have lyrics in native language but this changed with the following records where dominating language was English. The second, self-titled album presents the same style and similar record structure: after dynamic opening Across The Windowsill (on M144 it is famous Ivanhoe I Brøndbyerne) compositions of various style and atmosphere come: R&B Rotating Irons, dynamic blues-rock Gong-Gong, The Elephant Song, the ballad Near The Sea, etc. The last track is titled Secret Oyster Service - does it remind you of something? The third album WWW is probably their most progressive work. The music is more placid without crazy sax solos and R&B tracks; also over 8-minutes excellent 2nd Floor, Croydon has more progressive character. In the same year the band recorded LP with Danish folk singer Povl Dissing. Although the compositions are more folk oriented and all lyrics are in Danish there are some moments, especially over 10-minutes Tingel-Tangelmanden that could be interesting for progressive rock fans. The group split in 1972 but before it happened they recorded one more album - it was "live in studio" Miley Smile/Stage Recall. Surprisingly, it contains only three old compositions: Ivanhoe I Brøndbyerne, Rotating Irons and Indre Landskab (however in different versions). The rest presents fresh material like rousing The Monster Song, funny cover version of the old standard Red River Rock or the longest and the most typical for the group, jazzy Bareback Rider. The album ends with R&B Goodbye, which is the musicians' farewell. All in all, Miley Smile/Stage Recall is another excellent position in group discography. In fact, two years later one more album appeared signed as Burnin' Red Ivanhoe. Its story is pretty interesting. Vogel was a member of Secret Oyster at that time. He found (Ref. 2) that he collected some compositions that were not appropriate for experimental style of this group and decided to release the new album under old band name. Right On appeared in 1974 and is another "mandatory" item for BRI fans (unfortunately, this album is extremely difficult to find and very expensive). As for the members, there were former musicians of BRI: Vogel, Andersen, Fick, Secret Oyster: Knudsen and Day Of Phoenix: Karsten Lyng (vocal), so the band name on the album was used rather for formality. This record has rare moments when you hear the echoes of Burnin' Red Ivanhoe (mainly instrumental parts with sax solos) but more often of Day Of Phoenix' first album. The opening track reminds of Uriah Heep very much! In 1980 the group in old good line-up released Shorts, containing pop-rock compositions, quite enjoyable but it is a different story. Burning Red Ivanhoe was one of the most important and typical Danish rock representatives of that time. Fortunately, its rich discography is the evidence of wonderful musicians' output. Discography:1. M144 (2LP) - 1969 Sonet 2. Burnin' Red Ivanhoe - 1970 Sonet 3. W.W.W. - 1971 Sonet 4. Miley Smile/Stage Recall - 1972 Sonet 5. Right On - 1974 Sonet 6. Burnin' Live (MC) - 1974 Instant Sound 7. Shorts - 1980 Pick Up Pulp 8. Spotlight Burnin' Red Ivanhoe 1969-74 (CD) - 1990 Sonet Spotlight, compilation 9. Lack Of Light - 1998 Polygram 10.Povl Dissing with Burnin' Red Ivanhoe: 6 Elefantskovcikadeviser - 1971 Sonet Reissues: [1] LP - Sonet 1979 [1] CD - Sonet/Polygram 1997 [2] CD - Germanofon [2]+[3] 2LP - Sonet 1980 [2] LP - Warner [2] LP - Telefunken [2] LP - Stateside [3] CD - Repertoire 1992 [3] LP - Dandelion [3] LP - Telefunken [4] LP - Telefunken [6] LP - Danish Music Archives 1991 [7] CD - Elap 1995 [10] CD - Universal Music 2000 Culpeper's Orchard
Discography: 1. Culpeper's Orchard - 1971 Polydor 2. Second Sight - 1972 Polydor 3. Going For A Song - 1972 Polydor As Culpeper: 4. All Dressed Up And Nowhere To Go - 1977 Sonet Reissues: [1] CD - Polydor/Forgotten Jewels 1991 [1] CD - Progressive Line 2001 [2] LP - Melody 1979 (released as 2LP with album of Moirana) [2] CD - Polydor 1995 [2] CD - private [2] CD - Progressive Line 2001
Danish Progressive Rock At Its Best - Part 2 by Piotr Tucholski for Tarkus no. 22, September 2002
Hurdy Gurdy Power rock trio (guitar, bass, percussion), that was known as one of the acid rock bands, featuring Claus Bøhling - one of the best guitarists from Scandinavia. He is here also a singer and plays the sitar on Hindu song The Peaceful Open Space. Claus played in Secret Oyster (1972-1977). Later he had his bands Masala Dosa, Claus Bøhling Band and Elektrum. Discography:1. Hurdy Gurdy – 1972 CBS Reissues: [1] CD – Background Records 1992 [1] CD – Walhalla 1996
Moirana (Mo-I-Rana) Started in 1972. Nils Henriksen, Ken Gudman from Culpeper’s Orchard, Hans Lauridsen, Ole Prehn from Day of Phoenix – so we have one more super group here. The name was taken from a small Norwegian village where the musicians played. It was folk-rock band under strong influence of American groups like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - similar comparison like in case of Culpeper’s Orchard. In fact, styles of both predecessors are clearly heard in Moirana’s music. Electric guitar dominated compositions of rock with bluesy, folky and rock’n’roll elements appear along with ballads like A Theme For Loners And Lovers or Alone. Besides the LP, they released 4 singles in 1973-74. Discography:1. Loners And Lovers – 1974 Polydor Reissues: [1] Melody 1979 (released as 2LP with second album of Culpeper’s Orchard) The Old Man And The Sea This group hailed from Jutland. They started in the end of 60-ties as Den Gamle Mand og Havet (Danish name of “The Old Man And The Sea”) playing cover versions of songs of The Nice, Procol Harum, The Cream etc. Later they changed the name for its English equivalent. In 1972 recorded one of the best albums in Denmark – symphonic progressive rock with strong organ and heavy rock tendencies. This album became soon a cult record. Unfortunately, the band, as many others, couldn’t get the breakthrough and disbanded. In 1999 a white label album appeared without any information about the issue except the tracks titles. According to Ref. 2, it contains unreleased studio tracks (probably they were to appear on the second album) and live radio recordings - pretty interesting for the collectors but with not so good sound quality. Three tracks come from the first album (Living Dead/Princess and Going Blind) but in other version. Some compositions present good music level like on previous record. Discography:1. The Old Man And The Sea – 1972 Sonet 2. The Old Man And The Sea – 1999, archive recordings Reissues: [1] CD – Walhalla 1996
Rainbow Band/Midnight Sun If I have to choose just one record as a example of Danish 70-ies rock I would have no doubts that it must be the first album of Rainbow Band. The band was called a super group - Peer Frost (one of best Scandinavian guitar players) was a former member of Young Flowers, Bent Hasselmann (sax, flute) and Lars Bisgaard (vocal) played in Maxwells, Bo Stief (bass) and Niels Brønsted (piano) were skillful jazz musicians, Carsten Smedegaard was a drummer in the lesser known group The Beathovens.
Discography: As Rainbow Band: 1. Rainbow Band – 1970 Sonet As Midnight Sun: 2. Midnight Sun – 1971 Sonet 3. Walking Circles – 1972 Sonet 4. Midnight Dream – 1974 Sonet Reissues: [1]+[2] 2LP - Sonet 1979 [2]+[3] 2LP - Sonet 1980 [2] CD - Black Rose Records 1999 [3]+[4] CD - Free Records 2000 Secret Oyster Another super group – Karsten Vogel (sax) from Burnin’ Red Ivanhoe, Kennneth Knudsen (keyboards) ex-jazzy band Coronarians Dans, Claus Bøhling (of course guitar) from Hurdy Gurdy. The band was a musical polygon for Vogel and Knudsen where they could experiment and develop their musical ideas. This instrumental music is under strong influence of American jazz-rock into fusion direction. The first record contains very interesting material showing musicians’ virtuosity. It is an experimental blend of styles that often surprises and is not easy for listeners. The following album Sea Son presents similar style but, unfortunately, not the same good level. Some compositions are tedious, like 9-minute Mind Movie with constant and undeveloped rhythm. The last track Paella is an example of experimental researches – it almost sounds like early recordings of Tangerine Dream. The third work, a bit less experimental was written for Flemming Flindt’s ballet which premiere took place in December 1975. Straight To The Krankenhaus was their last album. Like Sea Son it presents uneven material – as if the musicians focus more on their individual playing. However, beside less developed tracks like High Luminant Silver Patters or Leda & The Dog there are very good compositions e.g. dynamic Traffic & Elephants with excellent sax parts, placid and almost mournful Delveaux (this one sounds not unlike Miles Davis’ compositions from Siesta). My Second Hand Rose is very in style of old good Burnin’ Red Ivanhoe. This album has more spacey feeling mainly due to Knudsen’s keyboards that remind of Patrick Moraz’s play. As I mentioned, the music of Secret Oyster is not easy. It is for those who like jazz-rock fusion and who want to listen to something more experimental, break the barriers set very widely in progressive rock. Unfortunately, none of the albums was reissued on CD. Discography:1. Secret Oyster – 1973 CBS a) 2. Sea Son – 1974 CBS 3. Vidunderlige Kælling – 1975 CBS b) 4. Straight To The Krankenhaus – 1976 CBS a) released in USA as Furtive Pearl in 1973 on CBS b) released in USA as Astarte in 1976 on CBS Thors Hammer Band playing energetic progressive rock with jazzy influences (not unlike Burning Red Ivanhoe), dominated by Michael Bruun’s guitar and saxophones of Jesper Neehammer. English vocal of Peter Nielsen reminds me of Frank Robson from Tasavallan Presidentti. Unfortunately, they disbanded soon after recording their only album. Discography:1. Thors Hammer – 1971 Metronome Reissues: [1] CD – Walhalla 1998 [1] CD – Crystal Emporium 1999 Young Flowers Another important group that was musical pioneer of late 60’s when Danish rock became more and more ambitious. This power rock trio (Peer Frost: guitar, Peter Ingemann: bass, Ken Gudman: drums) presents blues-based psychedelic rock coloured with hippie atmosphere of that time.
Their first album Blomsterpistolen [The Flower Pistol] begins with crazy sound Overture that evolves into Take Warning where the musicians (and especially Frost) show their superior talent. Most of the compositions were used for a series of three TV programs for teenagers presenting the story of aliens that landed on the Earth and whose weapon were guns shooting flowers. Two compositions are sung in Danish. There is a cover version of Bob Dylan’s Down Along The Cove and B.B. King’s You Upset Me Baby. The musicians often reach out for poetry of Walt Whitman – on Blomsterpistolen there are 3 compositions with lyrics of this American poet. Second album was recorded with Niels Skousen (guitar) who later cooperated with Ingemann on several albums. It presents similar excellent music, a bit heavier, mainly due to frequent guitar jamming. The last track Kragerne Vender is a freeform jam session with Maxwells and Steen Claësson from Burnin’ Red Ivanhoe. In 1969 the group composed three compositions for Jens Jørgen Thorsens movie “Quiet Days In Clichy” - Behind The Golden Sun, Menilmontant and Party Beat. The last one you can find on Sonet/Polygram CD reissue. The musicians remained very active, Frost played in Rainbow Band/Midnight Sun and Savage Rose; Gudman in e.g. Culpeper’s Orchard, Mo-I-Rana, Savage Rose. Ingemann played with Skousen in Musikpatruljen also as a duo and guest musician. He played in No Name (album Fødelandssange - 1972), Dream City, as a session musician with folk-rock singer Sebastian. |
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Danish Progressive Rock At Its Best - Part 3
by Piotr Tucholski for Tarkus no. 23, December 2002When I was writing the article "Danish Progressive Rock At Its Best" I was in a constant process of trading what resulted in more and more interesting records I had and wanted to write about. But as the next issue of Tarkus magazine deadline was near I decided to send the text I had and then to write the last part (you will find it split as part 3 and 4).
The process of collecting records relying on "discovering" rare music by yourself is a great adventure but also time and money consuming. I write about them with hope that some titles will be interesting for you and will help you to make decisions if they are worthy to possess. Be aware that there are many other Danish performers that I didn't write about in this series of article. Some, still wait for your "discovery"...
It is difficult to say a lot about this 5-piece group as it has in output only one single from 1973 (Baby, Turn Me Loose/Daytime). It presents melodic rock with strong West Coast feeling.
BarbarellaBarbarella recorded one album but in two versions: self-titled in native language and First Love in English. I know the English one; it is melodic rock with the progressive edge of the style presented by Supertramp, Kaipa and, especially Barclay James Harvest. My favourite compositions are opening Barbarella and The Old-Fashioned Way but the whole album is played on good equal level. The only track diverse from the others is rock'n'roll You're Gonna Get It. The record ends with beautiful ballad To Walk Winter Streets. I recommend this album for those who like lighter side of progressive rock.
Barbarella: Gerner Bresson (voc., flute), Henning Pold (voc., bass), Terje Barnholdt (drums, perc.), Kaare Barkou (keyboards, voc.), Kenneth Carter (guitars, voc.) |
Blast Furnace
People who know the only record of Blast Furnace are surprised how tasteful music contains and excellent songwriting. For me, it is one of the top albums with progressive songs. Only two compositions are longer than 5 minutes (the longest clicks a bit more than 7) but you should listen to them attentively as a lot of interesting things happen there. The term 'songs' is not only due to "not-progressive" time of compositions but also to vocal of Englishman Tom McEwan, strong and distinctive. On This Time Of Year and the bonus CD track Lister Du Omkring Hjorner the singer is Arne Würgler (bass, cello). The vocalist often gives space to instrumental passages where guitar and organ dominate, so compositions are well balanced between vocal and instrumental parts. Musicians vary the compositions by putting delicate sounds into more aggressive fragments. And so, beside the dynamic organ and rough electric guitar you may find flute (Ginger Cake, Long Distance) or delicate piano (This Time Of Year, Toytown). The result is really awesome. Fortunately, this difficult to get masterpiece was reissued by Long Hair in April 2002. Discography:1. Blast Furnace - 1971 Polydor Reissues: [1] CD - Long Hair 2002 |
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There is a problem to get this album as all items released by Spectator are extremely rare and expensive. However, there is a bootleg much the same as original one (even the record number) and the price is reasonable (c.a. 20 €). Don't hesitate if you have a chance to get it. After a few years Days released two more albums of plain rock, far behind their first work. |
The band from Køge founded in 1970 playing mostly rock affected by hippie subculture with social and political lyrics. This 6-member group was said to have humorous live performances. It had brass section as strong as Dr. Dopo Jam but didn't use it in so efficient and dynamic way. Anyway, Fujara does not sound like one more political group where lyrics dominated the music.
Most compositions remain under influence of West Coast rock but especially two of them are in Dr. Dopo Jam vein, and those are IMO the best ones on the whole album: Styvtoget and excellent Majara. All lyrics are in Danish.
Fujara in concert: Ole Knudsen (voc., guitar), Poul Chr. Nielsen (sax, trumpet, flute), Jørn Nørredal (trumpet, harmonica, trombone), John Olsen (drums), Jesper Christiansen (bass, voc.), Jan Andersen (guitar, voc.) |
Heavy Joker
What a nice surprise! I had no recommendations when I was buying this album but I don't regret it at all. It presents fusion jazz-rock with progressive touches. One side 1 every band member composed one track: Michael Bruun (guitars, moog, solina strings) - Ace of Spades that reminds of Pat Metheny, Kasper Winding (guest musician playing keyboards) - That's It!, Jan Sivertsen (drums, percussion) - Heavy Joke, again you feel Pat Metheny's atmosphere, Henrik Bødtcher (bass) - dynamic Canasta Funk where another guest musician, Anders Gardmand plays sax not unlike Karsten Vogel. The last one Ambrosia is composed by Max Leth jun. (keyboards, vibraphone, marimba). If I mentioned of progressive elements I mainly thought of Leth's compositions. Ambrosia is the most beautiful track on this album mainly due to delicate and tasteful play of keyboards and vibraphone. The whole side 2 covers Symphonia composed also by Leth and consists of 4 compositions - interesting and drawing into, especially the longest Highway Habits. Michael Bruun and Henrik Bødtcher played earlier in excellent Thor's Hammer! The group released another album but, unfortunately Max Leth left the Heavy Joker before that. Discography:1. Heavy Joker - 1976 Polydor 2. Caesar's Palace - 1978 Mercury |
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1. First Salvo - 1974 Polydor 2. Gammel Dansk - 1977 Sonet |
The group with Peter Ingeman from Young Flowers. Their only album Fødelandssange [Songs For Our Country] features another Danish rock pioneer - guest musician Stig Møller (from Steppeulvene). It presents quite diverse compositions with lyrics in Danish. The side 1 starts with beautiful and peaceful title-track. Then come: En Almindelig Mand reminding jazzy Burnin' Red Ivanhoe, De Sorte Bagmæd - plain rock with country-like violin, Skæbne - acoustic guitar ballad and again BRI-like Kom Ned På Jorden. Side 2 adds e.g. Synge Dig En Sang - that is in vein of Blue Sun from 1973, blues track Snyd Blues etc. The variety of styles make this album a bit difficult to listen with big interest from the beginning till the end but, on the other hand, everyone can find something for himself. Not essential but interesting for Scandinavian rock collectors.
Discography:TømrerClaus
TømrerClaus (Claus Pedersen) started his guitar carrier in the late 60's, playing with several Danish bands. In the mid-70's he moved to Christiania where began to play also cello and violin. Being much independent performer experimented a lot, so his music from that period is often surprising. All three TømrerClaus' albums from 70's were recorded and released by himself. That was the beginning of his record label Karma Music. Snydt [Cheated] appeared on tape and was sold in 400 copies. You can find 7 out of 12 tracks on CD reissue. These is very psychedelic instrumental music with Claus' rough fuzz guitar play and experiments with cello. Next self-titled album was released on LP. Hippie atmosphere of Christiania had big influence on artists living there. It could be somehow comparable to atmosphere on Woodstock festival. And when you listen to track Cellokarma where Claus abuses the cello Jimmi Hendrix playing the American hymn comes to your mind! In fact TømrerClaus' play seems to be under big influence of Hendrix and other guitar virtuosos of that time. The third work Hepar [Liver] was released again on cassette. Next album Savania appeared after a long break in 1993 featuring Claus on acoustic guitar. On his last work En Spade Er En Spade [A Spade Is A Spade] TømrerClaus came back to electric guitar. However, his music is more diverse - you may find his solos in style of Gary Moore, Ritchie Blackmore or Hank Marvin from The Shadows. Discography:1. Snydt (MC) - 1977 Karma 2. TømrerClaus - 1978 Karma 3. Hepar (MC) - 1978 Karma 4. Savania (CD) 1993 Karma 5. En Spade Er En Spade (CD) - 2002 Karma Reissues: [2] CD - APM 1997 (bonus: 7 tracks from Snydt and one from Hepar) [2] CD - Karma - same as above |
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Danish Progressive Rock At Its Best - Part 4
by Piotr Tucholski for Tarkus no. 24, March 2003Entrance to Christiania |
Cover |
Release |
Style |
2005 | Progressive jazz rock | |
Label | ||
The Laser’s Edge | ||
Website | ||
www.alexgitlin.com/npp/so.htm | ||
Contact | ||
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Playing Time |
Cat. N° | |
48:58 |
LE1043 | |
Review by |
Rating | |
Christoph | 7,5/10 | |
nederlands | Review | |
In the seventies progressive rock was hailed as the future of classical music. Of course it hasn’t come this far. Yet in those days prog was at least taken seriously as an art form. Remember Pink Floyd’s collaboration with film (“More”, “Zabriskie Point”, “Obscured By Clouds”) and ballet (“Atom Heart Mother”). As did Danish Secret Oyster, who wrote the music for a 1975 ballet based upon erotic poetry: “Astarte/Vidunderlige Kælling”, a record released under these two names, the latter meaning “Wonderful Bitch”. Naturally Secret Oyster had a difficult task in coming up with a score that responded to the choreography’s demands. If they succeeded, is difficult to conclude from its first cd edition on American label The Laser’s Edge. But the chances of success are very plausible, considering the propelling and sometimes hypnotic jazz rock that is displayed here. And indeed, the ballet performances were a huge success in Denmark (probably because of the dancers performing naked!), although in this re-edition’s liner notes saxophonist Karsten Vogel gives the impression that the ballet itself was pretty bad. Secret Oyster’s general sound is primarily determined by the moog, soprano and alt sax and electric jazz guitar. Sometimes the formal display of the music seems to be at the expense of its depth, like when guitar and sitar start to freak out. Or when the whole ensemble lays down a real Argentine tango; a bit over the top if you ask me. An impression of shallowness appears, but perhaps this can be explained because of the lack of visuals. If imagery of the ballet’s performance does exist, I don’t know. Besides, it seems that more music has been written for the ballet, since among the three bonus tracks there’s an intro to a second act! Despite these remarks, there is some excellent playing here. Especially amateurs of top-notch fusion (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report) will find some enjoyment. Meanwhile The Laser’s Edge announced that there are plans to release Secret Oyster’s three other albums on CD as well. | ||
Musicians | ||
Claus Bøling : acoustic & electric guitars, sitar Kenneth Knudsen : keyboards, string synthesizer, Moog Jess Stæhr : electric bass Ole Streenberg : drums, percussion, harmonica Karsten Vogel : alto & soprano saxes, string synthesizer | ||
Tracklist | ||
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Andrea Cortese wrote: Hello nordic proggers. How about norwegian band Madrugada their album Industrial Silence?
I've seen this band isn't included in this site, so I ask you: are they a prog band? Are they worthy of investigation? |
FUSION FROM DENMARK
The Burnin' Red Ivanhoe is the Danish band of greater abroad success in the 70's. Their
music is a fusion that prefers the Rock to the Jazz and for this is enough easy to listen to.
Nevertheless it is very interesting.
This released of "Burnin' Red Ivanhoe" and "W.W.W." is very attractive, In "Burnin'" the
better things are "Across The Windowsill" a radio success, "Canaltrip", onest Bossa Nova
and "Near The Sea", excelent but not conventional ballad. In "W.W.W." hit "2nd Floor,
Croydon", very POP, "All About All", the final song "Cucumber- Porcupine", very
cheerful, "Avez-vous Kaskelainen?" and "Kaske-vous Kaskemose" good and complicated
Fusion pieces.
Rather that to spend money to have two separate album advice this released. You save
and fairies yours a group to love all of the costs.
For always yours, Mandrakeroot.
Posted Tuesday, May 16, 2006, 11:01 EST | Permanent link
eugene wrote:
Very good band indeed. I have two albums by them and really enjoy both, although recording quality is not among the best. They are quite modern band but remastering would do good for they releases, do you know if there are plans to do it?
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earlyprog wrote: Worth mentioning: Etcetera. The band ceased to exist last year, but Frank Carvalho is still writing new music. Let me tell you that there are some symphonic prog masterpieces to look forward to. Don't expect a new album next year, but more likely 2008. |
mina wrote: ah, i'm a fan of scandinavian prog. somewhat on topic, is anyone else going to the mellotronen 20th anniversary party in january? http://www.mellotronen.com/silja.html |
Hansson & Karlsson - Hansson & Karlsson. CD, £13.00 (Polydor - 557279-2) An excellent compilation of the three albums recorded by Bo Hansson and Janne Karlsson prior to Bo's solo material. Probably Scandinavia's most famous '60s/70s rock musician, Keyboard player Bo jammed with Hendrix and wrote "Tax Free". The original version of that is here, together with a whole host of jazzy psychy rock material, utilising Hammond organ and percussion. A highly original sound that inspired many musicians in the future.… |
HANSSON & KARLSSON Hansson & Karlsson (Polydor) © 1998 1 tim 7 min 8(4) Bo Hansson och "Loffe" Karlsson hade en gång i tiden ett band ihop.Det var i slutet av 60-talet. Då sättningen med bara Hammond-orgel och trummor bara hade använts inom jazzen tidigare. |
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