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+!