FRIENDSHIP

JUNIPHER GREENE were the first Norwegian band to release a double album, and this is it from 1971. I'm a little shocked to be the first collaborator to review this one only because it's such an incredible recording.The flute, guitar and organ are very impressive throughout this record and I like the vocals as well. Interesting that the vocals are in English yet the detailed liner notes are all in Norwegian unfortunately.

"Try To Understand" is an uptempo track with flute leading early until it's replaced by the vocals and a full sound. Nice guitar after 2 1/2 minutes and the organ floats in and out. More flute later. "Witches Daughter" is mid paced and catchy with vocals. I like the guitar interlude, then back to the vocals and organ. "Music For Our Children" is a psychedelic flavoured, slow moving track with vocal sounds that echo. It kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes and he sounds like John Wetton here.The guitar lets it rip before 4 minutes to the end, and there's two of them !

"A Spectre Is Haunting The Peninsula" has a good heavy intro with organ, vocals a minute in. "Sunrise / Sunset" kicks in with organ right away but it settles some when the passionate vocals arrive.This is great ! Guitar and throbbing bass join in before 2 minutes when the vocals stop. Organ leads the way then the vocals return. "Magical Garden" is laid back with organ that pulses with that beat and bass as the vocals join in. Love this stuff. Guitar to the fore before 1 1/2 minutes. Nice.The vocals return and the guitar continues. Amazing ! The guitar is just killing it 4 minutes in. Harmonica before 5 minutes then it settles back to the end. "Autumn Diary" is mellow with piano, organ and a beat as the vocals join in.

"Maurice" is also a laid back, mid paced track but with the flute leading. "Attila's Belly Dance" is a short drum/organ piece. "Friendship" starts with this 6 minute prelude before we get the almost 20 minute suite to end the recording.The prelude sounds so good to start instrumentally.Vocals before 2 minutes.The suite opens with strummed guitar and organ as the bass and drums join in. Excellent sound here as it builds.The guitar comes to the fore as the organ floats.Vocals after a minute as it settles. It kicks back in at 2 1/2 minutes with the guitar out front. It settles again and this sounds so good.The music simply drifts along as they jam in a laid back manner.Vocals are back before 8 1/2 minutes, flute too. It picks up 10 minutes in.The guitar is on fire 11 1/2 minutes in and it's experimental sounding here as well. Nasty organ 16 minutes in, I mean evil. Drums and organ come in and out. Incredible ! Vocals are back with a calm before 18 minutes.

I'm just really drawn to their sound.There's no mistaking that early seventies flavour. A classic !