LIVE IN AMSTERDAM

No matter how astounding their studio albums are, the preferred Flairck experience is the live one. This double CD set from 1980 features nearly every track from the first two albums and one unreleased 20 minute masterpiece.

The live setting creates a focused energy that brings out the best performance in each player, making each track more vital and dashing then its studio counterpart. On top, Flairck take plenty of opportunities to improvise; they change tempos, add or extend certain sections, remove others, and so on. It makes this into a must-have live album for fans and for others it's an excellent compilation to get acquainted with this music.

All tracks are from Flairck's beginnings, which were their most progressive period. Flairck doesn't play rock obviously (no electric instruments nor drums) but this is as progressive as folk can get, it's an instrumental mix of European folk traditions and classical music, but the long symphonic compositions and musical virtuosity have nothing ado with traditional folk song or pop song writing. Flairck take you virtually anywhere within the course of their songs. Especially the 20 minute pieces The First Day After You Left and Variations on a Lady are an intricate array of musical scenes, melodic wealth, different moods, changing tempos, solos,... the works. No, it's no rock 'n' roll, but it sure rocks.

Flairck are a stunning band and their first few years especially are highly recommended to prog fans and folkies. 4.5 stars.