SPEAK, MEMORY (CD+DVD)

After decades of inactivity, most popular Slovak progressive band Collegium Musicum released their come-back live album (as CD+DVD)! For sure, at the very first possibility I took it to listen.

Everyone familiar with Eastern European prog noticed, that another great Slovak band, Fermata, released very similar album in year 2007. Live come-back release in CD+DVD form, old compositions, recorded live during come-back concert in Bratislava. Really very good album, just comparing with their early fusion albums, there is not too much jazz-fusion (or to be honest - no fusion at all). But - really great instrumental rock album, with heavy guitar and symphonic arrangements.

I returned back to Fermata's live release because of serious reason: Collegium Musicum and Fermata both were two leading Slovak prog bands for years. Even more, some musicians participated in both bands as well.

And - we have the same situation with this ,new CM release: two current line-up musicians (-Fedor Freso / bass guitar and Frantisek Griglak / guitar) just few years ago participated in Fermata's similar live come-back release.In other words, current CM is just Fermata with different keyboardist and drummer.

Is there a difference in music of both releases, or it's just more marketing trick? Happily, difference exists. And, for my ears, it is good difference. If returning back in early 70-s I really liked Fermata's music more than CM, mostly because of its jazzy elements, current situation is opposite.

Fermata's live release of 2007 contains instrumental rock with heavy guitar strongly in front of all sound, with very competent supporting band, strong melodies and rich arrangements, but almost with no fusion traces at all. CM new release has same guitarist, but he plays much more complex music there, with moments of improvisation. Combined with really great keyboard sound, plenty of complex and interesting arrangements and in whole quite fresh and energetic symphonic prog sound, I really prefer this album and this band today!

Everyone interested in best Eastern European symphonic prog must to listen this album (DVD contains same track + one song more).

My rating - 4+!

Collegium Musicum was one of the better Eastern European bands around. At the time when ELP albums was as rare behind the iron curtain as water in the Sahara desert, Collegium Musicium delivered the goods. And that in a manner which almost shamed Keith Emerson & Co.

Yes, this live CD/DVD is in the same vein as the excesses from Keith Emerson & Co. Where ELP was a shadow of themselves at High Voltage, Collegium Musicum delivered a cracking gig at this gig in Bratislava in 2009.

The added value here from the usual keyboard driven mix of classical music (Johan Sebastian Bach) and rock is the addition of some great electric guitar solos and some jazz elements.

Quality wise, Collegium Musicum does not have the great songs ELP had and that is a problem with them and their albums. So also with this live effort. There are some great stuff here, but most of the live effort is based on the technicalities of Marian Varga's excellent finger works and not so much on creating good melodies. This is another classic case of great musicians forgetting what music is all about.

Hence, this is not a great CD and neither a great DVD. I admire Marion Varga, but this offering is lacking any really great tune and is therefore falling by the wayside. A three star is sufficient for this live album. Check out their other live albums instead.

'.5 stars