COSMIC FURNACE

Roger Powell should be well known to those who love synthesizers. He was a protege of Bob Moog, went on to become a programmer for Arp, and even developed one of the first (if not THE first) portable synthesizers for moving about on stage (Jan Hammer fans most likely saw one of Powell's keyboards in use).

This album was the first of Powell's all too infrequent solo albums. Released in 1973 on the once proud Atlantic Records label, it showcases Powell playing in a style somewhat different than what his fans who know him from his work with Todd Rundgren and Utopia may be used to.

The underlying style, not surprising considering the year it was produced, is similar to what Tangerine Dream was doing at the time, mostly hypnotic swirling synthesized rhythm tracks, with solos on top. But it's in the solos that Powell stands out. He was able, long before the use of samplers, to capture the spirit of guitar and saxophone solos, creating a recognizable sound, while also retaining much of the keyboard feeling as well. I presume this may have had something to do with Rundgren signing him on two years later hor the Utopia project.

I must say that this album has become one of my favorite electronic albums since the day I found it in a record store. I see that it has been released on CD. I must upgrade my copy.