STAGE

DAVID BOWIE, one of the 'great musical explorers', had this album released in 1978, quite possibly against his will (or his knowledge). There's also video footage from gigs in Japan (and maybe Germany too) during this era of his career, floating around. Having put together a band comprising of, to name a few 'Prog' giants - Adrian Belew (lead gtr - Zappa, King Crimson, Talking Heads), Simon House (el. violin - Hawkwind, Spiral Realms) and Roger Powell (Kbds/synths - Utopia/Todd Rundgren and his own synth oriented solo ventures - oh yeah, his debut from 1973 - 'Cosmic Furnace', is quite essential for fans of Electronic-Prog....) along with the dynamic and versatile rhythm section of Dennis Davis and George Murray (drums & bass, respectively - they really are an absolutely pounding duo), many facets of Bowie's styles are covered with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. Owning the dbl LP, it groups selections from certain eras, a 'Ziggy' side, a 'funky' side, his Kraut-influenced experimental side, and the punky/pre-new wave side - that's the best way I can describe it..... and did I mention Bowie performs some of the electronic pieces on an old Chamberlin (that dinosaur keyboard which eventuated into a Mellotron..... ?) - man, Sean Mayes' thumping piano in Sense of Doubt is heavy-as-fuc...... Anyways, without a track-by-track analysis, this release captures a most extravagant and progressive period of master Bowie, with all the excitement, verve and precision of what he has to offer. Can't say no more - easy 4 stars........