HATFIELD AND THE NORTH

One of the most interesting and musical groups of the whole seventies period. I suppose Hatfield & The North could be described as a super group with all of its members having been with Canterbury Bands IE Gong,Egg, and Caravan just to mention the most obvious . Richard Sinclair's lovely voice and whimsical lyrics combine with some very fluid and melodic jazz rock. Even the often over technical Dave Stewart seems to fit into this complex but essentially easy listening album. The real highlight of this record is the use of a female vocal trio The Northetts who combine to produce some truly beautiful and soaring coral singing. A record that works on so many different levels its a great shame that the North could only manage two LP's before folding. For those who don't know the band they compare with Caravan and Gong although they are in a class far beyond either of these groups, there are also hints of early Genesis . There is an appearance by Robert Wyatt but in comparison with Sinclair his voice is harsh and not as good. A real classic of progressive rock, one you should of course own. I find astounding that this record is still so fresh and compelling 35 years after release. Astonishingly well recording the cd is a masterpiece of studio craft. The North were maybe a tad less compelling live simply because the nothetts add so much to this record.Few lps can come close to this gem of prog rock and I have no hesitation giving it all 5 stars. A near perfect debt from one of Britain's finest groups. If only there were more records like this.