ABRAXIS

ABRAXIS were a Jazz/ Rock band from Belgium who released this lone self titled album in 1977. It's an all instrumental affair with most of the music being composed by keyboardist Charles Loos the former COS member. We also get the bass player from COS as well as flute player Dirk Bogaert from PAZOP, and the drummer from PAZOP. Now the music here certainly isn't as adventerous unfortunately as the two bands I mentioned, in fact I find it a little light-weight at times but I also feel it's worth the 4 stars. Many mention that there's a Canterbury flavour to the music and I did think of CAMEL at times mostly because of the flute. We also get guitar on this one.

"Clear Hours" is one of my favourites. Man this is like the sound of a beautiful summer's day. I like how the flute gives a sunny vibe here but the bass is a good contrast because of how prominent and deep it is. Some nice guitar a minute in which is replaced by the flute, then the keys as they all trade solos the rest of the way.

"Vaise De La Mont/ A Boire/ Eta/ Manger" is a four part suite worth over 20 minutes. A slow relaxed start with flute, keys and picked guitar until 4 minutes in when we get piano only and it's impressive. Beautiful stuff. The flute is back at 5 1/2 minutes and it's solo at first and very relaxed as a light beat joins in a minute later. A change before 8 minutes as we get some depth with guitar, bass, keys and a beat. I like this a lot. The guitar starts to solo over the top in an intricate manner then he starts to light it up 9 1/2 minutes in until after 10 minutes when the keys replace the guitar. Nice bass 12 minutes in then the flute starts to lead in this pastoral section. Piano takes over 13 1/2 minutes in. A change after 15 minutes as flute, bass and drums lead the way in this catchy passage. Silence before 16 1/2 minutes then piano, bass and strings take over. Mellow is the word.

"Sweetank" has prominent bass as the flute and light keys swirl over top. I like how the bass drives this one and the drums too of course. It's the guitar's turn before 2 minutes then the bass takes the spotlight a minute later. Pretty cool. Some excellent drum work here as well. The tempo picks up late. "Billy The Keith" is laid back with flute over top. It's got more depth 2 minutes in with that bass. Some nice piano and guitar comes in late. Good song.

"Jeronimo" opens with uptempo piano before everyone joins in. "Bolle Winkl" is another favourite. It opens with solo bass as the flute and drums join in. Catchy stuff as the guitar joins in as well. He's lighting it up before 1 1/2 minutes followed by keys as they continue to trade solos. Flute to the fore after 2 1/2 minutes as it settles down. It starts to build with flute still leading the way. Piano leads after 4 1/2 minutes as it tinkles away. I'm reminded of CAMEL late. "Arhumba" has relaxed piano melodies to start with bass as a light beat helps out. Strings swell as they come and go. Piano only 3 minutes in as strings join in late to end it.

Like the MASTER CYLINDER album I reviewed recently I wish this had less of those lighter moments, but like with that album I have to give this 4 stars because it's that good.