CHIMERA

Another overlooked name in progressive rock circles,Duncan Mackay was born in Leeds,UK in 1950 and studied violin in his young age,before moving in Johannesburg at the age of 21 and focusing on his keyboard skills.The result of his collaboration with his brother Gordon and drummer Mike Gray was this ''Chimera'' album,releases back in 1974.

Of course ''Chimera'' didn't break any grounds,as the keyboard-driven prog style presented here was already established by previous keyboard wizards like KEITH EMERSON (who's influence on MacKay's style is quite evident) and RICK WAKEMAN.The unique thing is that this album features not only any guitar but also any bass player and is entirely centered around Mackay's various keyboards,including electric piano,the bombastic Hammond B3,the classical-influened piano and the spacey sounds of the ARP synth.Anyone into ELP knows exactly what to expect.Plenty of dynamic changes,complex breaks,classical melodies,bombastic jams and experimental bits along the way of the three long epics.Despite the length of the tracks,all of them are quite cohesive.Sparse vocals are also handled by Duncan Mackay,not his best skill,but they are decent at least.

Please,add another keyboard wizard in the list if you dont mind.''Chimera'' is definitely a grower and Mackay can place himself among the pages of the prog history with this album alone.Recommended,especially if you are a devoted fan of bands like ELP,THE NICE,BEGGARS OPERA.