Symphonic proto prog

I'm interested in compiling a list of bands(and albums) that might be described as symphonic proto prog. That is to say early prog with mellotron(the more the better  )or some other symphonic quality(perhaps an orchestra). They can be from any country but preferably between 1968 and 1972(or thereabouts). I know many of the so called proto bands are from the UK but you don't have to limit them to that country if a group has the sound I'm looking for. I already know the obvious groups(Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Camel, Focus, Strawbs, BJH, etc)so I'm looking for the more obscure or even one shot bands. Thanks.

Edited by Prog_Traveller

 

 

     Try Caravan.

Oh yeah I know Family too but only the first two. Great stuff. Music from a dolls house is certainly a candidate for first prog album or at least proto prog.

 

 

SPRING, FANTASY   and MELLOW CANDLE   fit perfect in your list.

There others from that period that  fit more in the psychedelic label.  They used Hammond not mellotron.

 

 

The Collectors

Here is some early dutch proto-symphonic prog:

• Earth & Fire: Song of the marching children (1971)

• Mr Albert Show: Warm Motor (1971)

Definitely Cressida, they're great.

The Moody Blues, of course!!!

For a great intro buy this:

THE MOODY BLUES

Gold

(Boxset/Compilation, 2005)

Track Listings

CD1:
1. Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)
2. Nights In White Satin
3. Ride My See-Saw
4. Legend Of A Mind
5. Voices In The Sky
6. Lovely To See You
7. Never Comes The Day
8. Gypsy (Of A Strange And Distant Time)
9. Candle Of Life
10. Watching And Waiting
11. Question
12. Melancholy Man
13. The Story In Your Eyes
14. Lost In A Lost World
15. New Horizons
16. Isn't Life Strange
17. I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock'n'Roll Band)

CD2:
1. Remember My friend (single edit/ by Blue Jays)
2. Blue Guitar (by Blue Jays)
3. Steppin' In A Slide Zone
4. Had To Fall In Love
5. Driftwood
6. Forever Autumn (by Justin Hayward)
7. The Voice
8. Talking Out Of Turn
9. Gemini Dream
10. Blue World
11. Sitting At The Wheel
12. your Wildest dreams
13. I know You're Out There Somewhere
14. Say It With Love
15. Bliss The Wings (That bring You Back) (orchestral mix)
16. strange Times
17. December Snow

Line-up/Musicians

Releases information

2xCD Polydor 0602498268353 (2005)

Edited by Mandrakeroot - October 07 2007 at 16:34

Though not  an a  exclusive symph prog band,  the Beatles beat the Moody Blues on this with Strawberry Fields Forever and A Day in the Life. I am the Walrus and much of side two on Abbey Road are other examples  The Moody Blues are a great example though.