TITUS GROAN

This English prog formation was rooted in the late Sixties, as the band Jon, they recorded two singles at EMI but both were ignored. Then Jon changed the name into Groan (derived from a Fourties fantasy book ) and the band succeeded to get attention from a record company during a festival. Titus Groan got the opportunity to release a maxi single in 1970, but again without success. The next year Titus Groan released an eponymous debut album, in 2010 reissued by Esoteric Records with the three maxi single tracks from 1970 as bonus tracks: Open The Door Homer, Woman Of The World and Liverpool, only the latter track can impress me, a kind of 'Santana jam'.

But Titus Groan its debut album from 1971 sounds to me as interesting, typical early Seventies progressive rock, blending rock, blues and jazz, with inventive compositions and strong interplay between guitar, brass and keyboards. We an enjoy variety and tasteful work on a wide range of instruments.

Swinging with powerful saxophone and lush organ in It Wasn't For You.

Again a swinging rhythm in Fuschia, now with flute and propulsive guitar riffs.

Dreamy with acoustic guitar, warm vocals and flute in I Can't Change.

A mellow atmosphere with wonderful interplay between Fender electric piano, saxophone and electric guitar in It's All Up With Us.

And lots of shifting moods and muscial ideas in the epic highlight Hall Of Bright Carvings (close to 12 minutes): outstanding work on the hobo (evoking early Roxy Music), flute and guitar (in the vein of 'former God' Eric Clapton), along exciting interplay, this is Titus Groan at its artistic pinnale!

After the release of their debut album Titus Groan went on tour, first shortly as support act for legendary Classic Prog trio ELP, and then in the province. Unfortunately halfway 1971 Titus Groan decided to call it a day. Because of a lack of attention, I think too much competition with all those emerging bands in the early Seventies. Keep in mind that even Genesis and Yes had to work very hard to earn money and to get gigs, along all those many interesting good bands from the Early British Progressive Rock Movement: from Gracious, Beggar's Opera and Spring to Rare Brid, Julian's Treatment and Bram Stoker, there was simply no room for Titus Groan.

If you like Colosseum and early Roxy Music or a fusion of rock and jazz, this CD reissue could be worth to discover.

My rating: 3,5 star.

This was my PA review # 1500.