US Heartland prog/fusion lps
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Music Lounge
Forum Description: General progressive music discussions
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=134403
Printed Date: February 13 2025 at 15:33
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: US Heartland prog/fusion lps
Posted By: DoobieBrother6
Subject: US Heartland prog/fusion lps
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 14:11
|
Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Yeah. Get it on. |
Replies:
Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 14:20
|
Surprise - Assault on Merryland (1977) St. Louis, Missouri Just the first obscurity to pop into my head. I assume we don't need to mention the obvious stuff like Kansas, Styx, etc.... ------------- ...that moment you realize you like "Mob Rules" better than "Heaven and Hell" |
Posted By: Grumpyprogfan
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 14:43
|
Pat Metheny Bubblemath Monobody Kansas |
Posted By: mellotronwave
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 17:20
|
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 18:13
 Definitely my favorite of the U.S. classic era prog bands, out of Chicago ------------- "Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." -- John F. Kennedy |
Posted By: David_D
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 18:16
|
I'd love to play with here, but I'm afraid that my knowledge of artists' very exact geographical origins is too limited for this.  ------------- quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 19:13
|
South Dakota's White Wing was one of those bands from the US Heartland that combined hard-rock with British progressive rock elements. They released their sole, self-titled album in 1975. |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 20:14
Probably not but somewhere in between the two camps is Pavlov's Dog. I think they are worth mentioning. I assume if you know Surprise you probably know them too.
|
Finnforest wrote:Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 20:16
I'm not sure how you got the idea Pye Fyte or Fireballet were from the mid west but they were actually from Massachusetts and New Jersey respectively.
|
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 20:27
|
Unfortunately I can't think of a whole lot (especially not many that weren't already mentioned. Some would be: Animator (Chicago) Tiles (Detroit) Discipline (Detroit) Pavlov's Dog (St. Louis) The Load (Ohio) Von Frickle (IL) Yezda Urfa (IN) Starcastle (IL) Asia (if they count and no not THAT Asia  ) (SD)Not mid west but worth mentioning anyway: Glass Hammer (TN) Salem Hill (also TN) Crack the Sky (WV) |
Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 21:02
Definitely heard OF them, but never heard THEM. Will have to check 'em out. ------------- ...that moment you realize you like "Mob Rules" better than "Heaven and Hell" |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 23:03
|
Matrix was a jazz fusion group from Appleton, Wisconsin, formed in 1974. Even though they released three dope albums in the second half of the 70s, i.e., in the heyday of the fusion genre, and although they did get a little shine at the Monterey and Newport Jazz Festivals, the crew didn't blow up like some of the bigger acts. |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 23:39
|
Froggie Beaver was a four-piece band formed in the heartland city of Omaha, Nebraska, in 1971. They dropped an album of convincing progressive rock, "From the Pond," in 1973, and then disappeared from the scene. |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 23:48
|
that Matrix is some snappy tight sh*t-- just ordered Wizard from '78 Thanks for the rec ------------- "Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." -- John F. Kennedy |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 23:55
Start with Pampered Menial which is a bit hard rocking but with mellotron. The second one is more folky and even a bit Canterburyish. Both are great though.
|
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 07 2025 at 23:59
| There was also an early 70s band called Madura (not on P.A.) from Chicago. |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 00:08
|
The Load was a trio from Columbus, Ohio, releasing their only album—if we don't count the second album dropped as an archival CD only in the late 90s—in 1976 titled Praise the Load and then disbanded and gone into forgetfulness already in the late 70s. "Praise the Load," however, is a beautiful, well-played, keys-driven album clearly crafted in a tradition of 70s symphonic rock. This video contains both albums. |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 01:22
|
So, back in '69, a band called Jubal was born in Indianapolis. In 1973, Dave and Brian Zerfas were the last ones standing from the original lineup, and as they got the chance to hit the studio and lay down some tracks, they decided it was time to change the name to Zerfas. In the same year, Zerfas released their sole, self-titled progressive psychedelic album. Zerfas, the album, is all about a laid-back vibe with a twist of country flair. And the curse of many US Heartland bands repeats itself here too—despite the album being excellent, they didn't succeed in recording a second album. Zerfas finally wrapped things up in 1983. |
Posted By: Grumpyprogfan
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 03:58
| King's X was formed in Missouri. |
Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 06:33
Thanks Mike. Good luck tomorrow! ------------- ...that moment you realize you like "Mob Rules" better than "Heaven and Hell" |
Posted By: Disconnect
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 06:58
| I'll second prior comments on Discipline (out of Motor City)....I've yet to hear anything by them that isn't tremendous. Excellent live band as well. |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 07:15
| St. Elmo's Fire were from Cleveland Ohio. |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 07:17
Oh you mean with the Eagles? I'm very hopeful. Thanks!
 Same to you even though you'll probably be routing for the other team. |
Posted By: mellotronwave
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 09:05
|
Hi I deleted my first answer :-) I know both are not in the Midwest I don't know what 'US Heratland " meant .... so Sorry |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 09:15
Ok. No big deal. Unfortunately you can't delete posts after about two minutes or so but I see what you did there.
|
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 09:16
Just out of curiosity, where did you order this from?
|
Posted By: mellotronwave
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 09:22
Fireballet.... I Ibought it as a pricey US vinyl import in 1975 , it is still a top US prog release according to my own scale
|
Posted By: DoobieBrother6
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 09:27
| Matrix is way too jazzy for my tASTE. |
Posted By: mellotronwave
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 09:29
|
¨Checked diagonally my Cdtheque and yeah i got one :-) Easter Island from Kentucky ... Don't tell me Easter Island is not in the US Heartland ....  
|
Posted By: verslibre
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 10:04
|
This thread has done a sterling job identifying all the usual suspects. But here's one that, for whatever reason, falls by the wayside. Maybe it's Darrell Studna's penchant for trying to sound as much like Jon Anderson as he can. Realm's The Path was recorded in Kansas City, MO. Keyboards by Steve Vail, drumming by Lake Furney. "Little Bottle" ------------- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ipg=50&_sop=1&_rdc=1&_ssn=musicosm" rel="nofollow - eBay |
Posted By: DoobieBrother6
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 11:17
|
Albatros - same '76 Chicago I have the vinyl, but I think its a very early boot Frank Pisani - Sky '77? very plain coverart Luna Sea mostly mediocre but last long track is killer synth |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 13:38
They're on Amazon for $20-- I tried to find the debut but only the vinyl is available, so I went with their second which is on CD . https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002A9MN4A?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title" rel="nofollow - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002A9MN4A?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title ------------- "Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." -- John F. Kennedy |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 18:48
|
Chicago has long been a center of progressive music and related art forms. Electric blues music evolved on the shores of Lake Michigan, coming from the South Side of the City of Chicago and its "Bronzeville" neighborhood. Sadly, little is left of this culture. Jazz also blossomed in Chicago, and jazz musicians branched out into other music to pay the bills. Some amazing music is heard in the orchestra pits of Chicago's sophisticated theater scene. Jazz is flourishing still, and famous artists like Fareed Haque continue to pack the house! Please explore these websites for more information: https://fareed.com" rel="nofollow - https://fareed.com https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/chicago-music/explore-chicago-jazz/" rel="nofollow - https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/chicago-music/explore-chicago-jazz/ My friend, guitarist Chris Siebold, is a fusion gem in the Chicago region! ------------- I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!! |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 20:57
|
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 08 2025 at 21:41
Kentucky isn't considered heartland or mid west so there I just told you.
Actually, I thought of them too even though technically they don't qualify. There's a bunch of prog bands from Texas too. |
Posted By: Duddick
Date Posted: February 09 2025 at 05:51
| Those of us in the UK are at a bit of a loss re contributing to this thread. Bit like me asking for Home Counties prog bands…. |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: February 09 2025 at 07:14
Why not? Start a new thread please! I lived & worked in the Southwest (Devon) during the early-mid 1990s, it was all "Oasis," all the time. It was dreadful. ------------- I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!! |
Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: February 09 2025 at 07:32
|
^^ Ever since Keith Richards referred to Robert Plant and John Bonham as "a couple of clueless Ernies from the Midlands," I've wondered if the Midlands might be your UK version of the Heartland in the US. ------------- ...that moment you realize you like "Mob Rules" better than "Heaven and Hell" |
Posted By: Neu!mann
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 08:12
|
How about Ethos, from Fort Wayne, Indiana? Great symphonic prog from its late 1970's golden age. ------------- "we can change the world without anyone noticing the difference" - Franco Falsini |
Posted By: verslibre
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 10:31
|
Another band based in Illinois is Relayer, with seven albums released between 1994 and 2022. https://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=483" rel="nofollow - https://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=483 ------------- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ipg=50&_sop=1&_rdc=1&_ssn=musicosm" rel="nofollow - eBay |
Posted By: Saperlipopette!
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 11:58
|
McLuhan's only album Anomaly from 1972 is awesome. Electic and inventive progressive rock with jazzy/brassy elements. They sound American or Chicagoan in similar ways that Italian prog sounds italian. Some kind of distictly differnt flavor that couldn't have come from the UK. One of the greatest prog-obscurity-rediscoveries of the internet era imo: |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 16:05
|
The Vorticists' journey actually started back in 2008, and ever since then, they have really been one of the most spirited elements in the Indianapolis music scene. They did work out a name for themselves as a live act, introducing the locals to the sound that made them unique. They hit the studio in 2011, and that autumn, their first album, "Show," was out. The same year, the band released a three-track EP as well, called "Faux Show," which was made available as a free digital download to help promote their new music. This two-release punch got them noticed by both fans and critics alike. Progressive psychedelic rock is probably the best way to describe this very original music created with gentle compositions where expressive melodies are emphasised—piano and guitar motifs come to the fore, along with beautiful vocals and choruses. They also use some pretty cool, vintage-sounding synthesizers that add an extra layer of depth to their songs. |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 16:11
Very cool, sort of Bo Hansson meets Blood,Sweat&Tears. ------------- "Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." -- John F. Kennedy |
Posted By: DoobieBrother6
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 16:33
|
I have the McLuhan lp on orig vinyl (only its a cutcorner jacket).Always thought they were Canadian because of the Leery of the North, Marshall McLuhan. ........... Got two Ethos lps - great coverart. Also from Fort Wayne, Indiana were Stencil Forest ('84) As you can tell, influenced by Happy The Man ........... PRE (Kentucky) really good YES-influence (as were most of the midwest prog bands). Reissued long ago by Steve Roberts. ZNR prog mail catalogue was my first prog Bible cheap yellowing paper and all. I nigh memorized the whole thing. ........ SUNBLIND LION - OBSERVER even though the first (private press) lp has a 11 min track, I wasn't fond of this band back in the day. But ,since its been some 30 years since I last played, I suspend judgement. 3 lp releases. |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 16:49
| If you are going to mention bands from Kentucky then you have to mention Easter Island. Too bad their first album is out of print. I had it a long time ago as a reissue called Now And Then. Very good stuff. |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 17:07
|
Super-String Theory was a dope instrumental prog band hailing from Springfield, Missouri. They are another forgotten band from the US heartland who disappeared yet deserve a mention. The debut album "Swimming in the Dutch Mordant" was released in 2003, followed by "Principles of Transformation" in 2006. The final album, "An Invention for Times Like These," was released in 2013. These three albums are like an adventure that takes listeners to an exciting dimension of progressive instrumental music. Their vibe pulls from a mix of progressive metal, jazz-rock, modern classical influences, and even some world music elements—an eclectic blend that totally works. The instrumentals are clever, high-energy, and skilfully executed, which makes them stand out. |
Posted By: EdgarKarg
Date Posted: February 10 2025 at 17:17
| The fusion and prog melodies exist perfectly in this state mix. The musical profiles in these different states stand individually unique. The musical landscape around these regions offers fantastic listening potential for this particular music genre. |
Posted By: Saperlipopette!
Date Posted: February 11 2025 at 00:24
Keybordist/Saxophonist/composer/arranger William S. Fischer's sprawling but mostly wonderful Circles (with Billy Cobham, Ron Carter and Hugh McCracken in the line up) released in 1970, and the more together, moog heavy and groovin' Akelarre Sorta, 1972 - are excellent Prog / Jazz Fusion. The first of these two cuts (or five first minutes) dabble in the familiar jazzrock-fusion landscape we know and love. While the second, reminds me more of an out there "Caution Radiation Area-like moogsploitation impro-thing" or perhaps Mwandishi's Rain Dance. But this album also feature a couple of great Psychedelic Soul-songs, that could could have been lifted from some Blacksploitation movie of the era as well. Akelarre also remind me of a Blacksploitation-score really, but I consider quite a few of those OST's in my collection a sort of African American Prog Rock/Funk-Fusion. In the late 1960's Fischer has arranged (and was a session musician) for Joe Zawinul, Les McCann, Herbie Mann... and many more. |
Posted By: Hosydi
Date Posted: February 11 2025 at 01:18
|
Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (GCO) is another contemporary band straight out of the US heartland, this time from Minnesota, one of those acts that have to be mentioned here. This quartet is very active on the live scene and has made waves by performing at the 20th anniversary of the ProgDay festival in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, back in 2014. They mixed many styles, but that blend is always impeccable. The GCO has released seven albums so far. I would like to point out two of their albums. By 2021, we've been delighted with "Flirting with Chaos," a gem of contemporary experimental rock, pushing the limits of today's progressive music. Fast forward to 2024, and the GCO dropped a new studio album titled Lost in the Numbers. If you're into some jazzy vibes mixed with proggy, violin-driven experimental rock, not without occasional trips into art rock waters, these musicians create some seriously cool soundscapes that you're going to vibe with. |
Posted By: DoobieBrother6
Date Posted: February 11 2025 at 08:16
|
Northwind - Distant Shores (aka Woods of Zandor) excellent Ethos-sound band from Detroit Speaking of Detroit..... Mike Quatro Jam Band - Paintings overlooked prog (except for first track side 2), covers Court of Crimson King and Rachmoninoff Yes, THAT Quatro ..... I did not know that William Fischer had a second lp. "Circles". has that Mahavishnu sound, no? ............ Pat Rebillot - freefall '74 fusion |
Posted By: DoobieBrother6
Date Posted: February 12 2025 at 13:57
|
Tomsix Cleveland '74 Gabriel Bondage - Angel Dust '75 Chicago Ashby Ostermann Alliance fusion Chicago Gypsy - in the Garden '71 Minneapolis - same '70 (unusual to have a 2lp debut) very good five member band but I'm no fan of the 3rd & 4th albums Bagel O'Fun fusion |
Posted By: meAsoi
Date Posted: February 12 2025 at 17:08
|
I like a female-fronted, six-piece band from Ohio, called Axon-Neuron. They are playing eclectic music that fuses prog rock, jazz rock, and metal, even modern classical influences... |