ACT ONE

"Act One" is the debut full-length studio album by Scottish, Glasgow based progressive rock act Beggars Opera. The album was released through Vertigo Records in November 1970. Beggars Opera formed in 1969 and found some success during their career. Especially in Germany where they also toured extensively through the early part of the 1970s.

Stylistically the material on "Act One" is in an organ driven proto-progressive rock style featuring a strong and organic playing rhythm section, hard rocking guitar riffs, and a skilled and versatile lead vocalist in front. Think The Nice but more hard rocking. As you can almost guess from the crazy artwork of the album, Beggars Opera also display a good sense of humor throughout the album, but it´s never too silly or out there. Just great uplifting and energetic music with loads of well played omnipresent organ. There´s a carnival/theatre music theme (Beggars Opera even incorporates classical music themes by Franz von Suppé) which runs through the album along with the harder rocking backing, so Beggards Opera certainly isn´t a one-trick pony. They also make room for longer improvised guitar- and organ solos, so that´s also a part of their sound.

These guys can play too and not just play...they are an incredibly well playing unit and for the musicianship alone, "Act One" is more than worth a listen. The album also features a powerful, organic, and well sounding production job, which provides the band´s music with the best conditions possible to shine.

So upon conclusion "Act One" is a good quality proto-progressive/progressive rock release from Beggars Opera, which combines both the adventurous ideas of progressive rock and the harder edged riffs and beats of hard rock and makes it work. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.