PHOENIX

Another of those CDs that I had bought a long time ago and for some reason I didn´t pay much atention to it. When I put it back on my CD player I was stunned by how actually good it was. And I was even more surprised when I read that it was released in 1982. Phoenix sounds so much as a product of the previous decade that I initially thouht it was recorded around 1972! Anyway, it was a bold move to have such stuff put out in the early 80´s, because it is pure classic prog, even with some 60´s traits on it, something not hip at all in 82!

The record starts exactly in that fashion with tablas and sitars, but soon the sound becomes more like Renaissance with great piano, guitar and the beautiful voice of Marion Weldert (which reminds me a lot of Annie Haslam´s). The classic Renaissance is a clear influence and often it shows through the CD, but there´s more to it, with some jazzier parts, typical german folk bits and a heavier instrumentation, like the use of the electric guitar for good, melodic and inspired solos. The band also had a soprano sax player, something not very common for the style but it works quite well in the album context. vocals are sung both in english and german. My CD has a 12 minute bonus track. Althogh I´m not a guy fond of jam sessions, this instrumental has very good moments, with little self indulgency and pointless noodling so commonly found on those pieces, showing they were really an outstanding group. It was a nice addition after all.

The album was very well produced and recorded, and the group had some very good, convincing songwriting skills. Arrangements are tasteful and the instrumentation well exectuted by all involved (the piano parts are just gorgeous!). As a debut album Phoenix is more than promising. Unfortunatly they wound not survive for long, releasing only a uncharacteristic weak followup before they broke up. A real shame. But at least they left this fantastic CD for us to enjoy.

If you´re into melodic symphonic prog in general, you should not miss this one. Renaissance fans will have a field day!

Rating: 4 stars.