NOWY HORYZONT

An extremely important band for the history of Progressive Rock, especially in the 1970s. There are no bad albums and all of them are worth listening to. The band are clearly very talented with their instruments and have a liking and focus on experimental solos with organ, piano, bass, electric guitar and a sublime contribution from percussion. Of all the fantastic bands to come from Poland (and there are many fine examples), SBB are the forerunner of the Eclectic mix of symphonic and experimental jazz fusion.

Here I focus on their first studio album Nowy Horyzont (New Horizon). It's a magnificent album from start to finish and is predominantly an instrumental album, but there is some spoken Polish in the sublime "Ballada O Pieciu Glodnych" (Ballad of the Five Hungry), which is the fourth track.

The opening track (Na Pierwszy Ogien) has some fantastic memorable riffs and a very exciting blend of guitar and organ; all the way kept in rhythm by the quite extraordinary drumming. Fast paced and experimental, it really showcases what is to come from the band throughout their career. Interluded with beautiful piano, it really beholds the listener.

Then "Blysk" immediately continues on the fast track theme and hugely impressive showcase of progressive rock. Comparisons can be made with ELP's early work here.

Third up, the title track where the band provide continuity of experimental music and they can once again demonstrate fully their playing abilities. An incredible understanding between the sounds. Another special mention to the drumming by Jerzy Piotrowski who keeps everything perfect. A beautiful piano finale as well.

The fifth and final track is a long one running to 20 minutes. Very experimental and what is to become very typical of this band in the 1970s. Wolnosc Z Nami. Beautifully crafted and meandering between differing moods.

What a tremendous album. But it isn't over if you happen to have purchased the remaster CD, because there are four excellent bonus tracks. These are equally impressive and, as with all the SBB back catalogue remasters, they are important contributions from what must be a huge amount of recorded music available. Unlike most bands who remaster their projects, SBB bring full length and new music to the listener with these bonus tracks. Nothing out of place, no fillers. The listener is spoilt.

Easily a 5 star album. But it doesn't stop there with SBB. Live albums and studio albums; the vast majority are 3+ stars minimum. Just a great band and a very important one for Poland and for Progressive Rock. Nowy Horyzont is a good studio album to start with and I hope you won't be disappointed.