This is an intriguing set. I've landed it under the prog rock heading because much of it fits as "art rock." There is an artsy vibe to most of the set, really.
Michael Sadler - Clear Review by Josh Turner The albums being released from Prog Rock Records these days exhibit exceptional production. This is by no means an exception.
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Salem Hill - Be Review by Steve Alspach Thank God for perseverance. Without it, Edison would have said "The hell with it, candlelight's not so bad," the book of Exodus would have been a lot shorter, and Salem Hill wouldn't have given us this crafty little gem.
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Salem Hill - Mimi's Magical Moment Review by Josh Turner They don't even sound like the same band and I hate to say it, that turns out to be a very good thing. I'd sooner think this was a new album by Kaipa or Kansas than by Salem Hill.
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I covered a release from the band Apocalypse, whose 1976 album was recently released for the first time. That band was composed of several musicians including brothers Tom and Michael Salvatori.
Saxlife - Total Sax Retain Saxlife Plays Yes Review by Gary Hill Saxlife is Jamison Smeltz performing as a saxophone quartet of one. Here he has compiled a collection of his arrangements of Yes songs.
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Scenes - Call Us At The Number You Provide Review by Gary Hill While this band is being billed as prog metal, frankly, I think they fit more firmly into the progressive rock category. While there certainly is a lot of crunch on display here, they show a wider range of sounds than that limiting factor would seem to indicate.
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Don Schiff - Peering Over Clouds Review by Gary Hill Over the years several musicians have started using The Stick - an instrument that combines both guitar and bass like ranges into one instrument.
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Jason Schmidt - Banged Oddities Review by Vivian Lee "One person did this?"; a friend asked when I played this CD for him. He and I both liked "Tranquility"; an example of the power of percussion to command listeners' attention, even on a sub- or unconscious level. More
This is the second set from Dave Schoepke that I've reviewed. Like that one, I've landed this under the progressive rock heading because of the experimental nature of it.
Founded in 2005, this San Francisco based outfit's third album, Last Album Before the End of Time, is an ambitious work and a successful synthesis of multiple musical styles.
Prog fans with a love of classical music are highly urged to check out this three-track EP from ScienceNV, whose ranks are composed of actual scientists.
As a reviewer, I’m exposed to a lot of interesting music; some good, some not so good. There is so much music coming out that flies under the radar that we (as the music buying public) don’t get exposed to in our normal lives.
ScienceNV returns with the second part to their concept The Quest For Prester John.I liked the first part, so I was really looking forward to hearing this disc.
I've reviewed a couple other discs from this act in the past. It seems that every time they release something new, it's much stronger than the previous album.
The Security Project - Live 2 Review by Gary Hill The first part of this live album came out recently. If you read my review, you'll know that I love it.
This new set from The Security Project continues their cycle of re-envisioning Peter Gabriel songs, but brings new flavors and concepts to that idea, while also stretching it out a bit.
Senses - Fields Unsown Review by Gary Hill The music on this disc is quite strong progressive rock by an independent band that should, if there is justice, begin getting some attention soon. The music herein is quite good, although there is a slight tendency for sameness. More
This is quite an effective and entertaining set. I have put this under progressive rock, but I'm sure some will argue with that. The mix of sounds, jazz, world and rock might qualify it by itself.
Here is one that is perhaps not a tight fit under progressive rock. That said, the intriguing blend of instrumental world music with classical, rock and more is decidedly progressive.
This 1975 album is pretty cool. I'm reminded quite a bit of Klaatu a lot of the time, but this was actually contemporary (more or less) to that band. There is a healthy helping of funk built into a lot of this.
This new album features multi-instrumentalist Carlos Severe Marcelin who is part of the Sally Tomato band. The album is instrumental except for one cut.
Legacy is Shadow Gallery's fourth disc, and certainly one of their best. Those who consider Shadow Gallery to be prog metal rather than straight progressive rock should really give this disc a listen.
I've put this under progressive rock, but it's not a tight fit. There is a definite melodic rock element to the music here that lands in the territory of AOR prog.
Jeremy Shaw - Neptune Ensemble Review by Vivian Lee Neptune Ensemble is a solo debut effort by Chapel Hill, NC artist Jeremy Shaw. The album features guests Jonathan Robinson on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Marc Gratama on drums and backing vocals.
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Billy Sheehan - Compression Review by Gary Hill Billy Sheehan is a bass legend, and, of course the bass work on this disc is very very good. Interestingly enough, so is the guitar, drums and vocal work. Even more interesting about that is the fact that Sheehan is responsible for the majority of that as well.
The bass guitar is an instrument whose players are often overlooked, relegated to playing the rhythm hidden behind guitar heroes, singers and keyboard wizards. A few bassists have managed to put together chops and performances that allow them to rise above this status.
With this CD Sherinian continues his tradition of creating hard edged prog that is quite firmly rooted in fusion. The disc succeeds very well in creating an energetic and considerably potent instrumental mode that sends the listener on a major journey.
Derek Sherinian - Planet X Review by Gary Hill This one really comes as a surprise to many. Coming from such gigs as Alice Cooper`s band and Kiss, when Sherinian joined Dream Theater, he was perceived as more the rock and roll type of style, and less prog.
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This new single comes from an artist who has found a way to turn adversity into a strength. She has overcome a number of things in her own life and come out on the other side with a positive outlook.
This is definitely not a tight fit under progressive rock, but there is enough of the moody modern prog sound that I think it fits. The set works through a variety of textures, but does lean toward the mellower end of the equation.
So many people these days give lip service to this charity or that, but you really have to admire the people who put their money (literally) where their mouth is. Such is the case with Simon Apple as they are donating a portion of the sale of each CD to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The newest disc from Alan Simon, this is another strong one. It has a lot of the melodic progressive rock sounds that are the mainstay of so much of his career.
This is a compilation album featuring the music of French songwriter Alan Simon. There is a theme running to the selections here, in that they all feature female singers.
This new double disc set is a telling of the French Revolution. As Alan Simon tells it, the disc focuses on the dark side of the story, which has often been relegated to the forgotten section of history.
Alan Simon consistently creates compelling music. It's generally of the prog rock variety, but lands more along the lines of rock opera or even musical theater.
This is instrumental space rock. It's quite cool stuff. It has a pretty wide range of music, but as is the case with most space rock, the change is always gradual.
Alex Skolnick Trio - Transformation Review by Gary Hill Alex Skolnick is a true artist, not content to sit still in one musical genre. Certainly he is probably best known as the guitarist for the metal band Testament, his first professional gig.
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As you might gather from the title, this was the third album from Sky. Between the two releases Francis Monkman had departed, being replaced by Steve Gray.
The fourth album from Sky focused on new arrangements of music written by others. While there is an emphasis on classical music, there are other things included as well.
While overall the concept of instrumental prog/fusion isn't greatly changed from their previous works, this one is just so strong. The quality and intensity are really dialed up a lot.
The final album (to date - the group has not worked together since, but have not officially disbanded), this is the most classical release they ever did. It was recorded with a symphony orchestra.
This is a particularly awesome box set. It's also a great value. You get all seven of Sky's studio albums, and as a bonus there is a live DVD included as the eighth disc.
I've always dug this band. Their combination of fusion with pure jazz, King Crimson-like guitar work and more has filled their studio discs with smoking hot instrumental work.
These guys were sent via their PR rep as heavy goth rock and post-punk. I can see that, but just based on this track, I've landed them under progressive rock.
I previously reviewed a single from this act. I landed that under progressive rock. I'm doing the same here, but it's not the tightest fit from start to finish.
It seems appropriate that this release is being reviewed in the same issue as a collection by John Cage. This is similar to his work in the way that it is very much outside the box and experimental.
This is the brand new album from Soft Machine. A group with a long history, the current lineup is John Etheridge, Theo Travis, Roy Babbington and John Marshall.
Soft Machine - Live at the Baked Potato Review by Gary Hill This is a new live album recorded at a Los Angeles show in 2019. The instrumental music here has a jam band vibe throughout a lot of it, but it is also quite jazzy and decidedly prog.
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There is a real history behind this project. It's a lot more complicated and extensive story than I have space to fully convey in the space of this review.
This album is a great progressive rock disc from a band that should go far in the genre. They take a good healthy dosage of Dream Theater influences as the core of their sound.
It is still pretty early in the year, but I'll be surprised if this release doesn't make my "best of 2020" list. The mix of sounds here includes metal, good solid hard rock and plenty of progressive rock.
This album perhaps leans more toward standard jazz than fusion, but that fusion connection is solid enough for me to include it under prog (which is where we put fusion).
This album was released just before Cosmic Horror III: Stella Polaris but recorded during the same sessions as that album. This one lands a bit less metallic than that album.
Spaced Out - Spaced Out Review by Gary Hill Spaced Out (Antoine Fafard, Mathieu Bouchard, Martin Maheux, Louis Cote and Eric St.-Jean) have in their debut a solid album showcasing a progressive rock style that is based heartily in the fusion genre.
Spaced Out - Eponymous II Review by Gary Hill With this being Spaced Out's sophomore release, the group seems to have done pretty well against the dreaded "sophomore jinx".
Many influences can be heard and many comparisons can be drawn, however, the outcome is quite unique. While one prescription dulls the pain, another treats the downing affects with a stimulating boost.
Spiral Architect - A Sceptic's Universe Review by Yoni Bashan When the band Spiral Architect comes to mind, one can only visualise intense melodic chaos or the impossible pictures of M.C Escher.
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There is quite a range of sound here. It is all definitely prog rock, but within that realm there are things like electronic music, folk prog, space, fusion and more.
Spock's Beard - Feel Euphoria Review by Steve Alspach Well, it isn't the Spock's Beard that we've all grown accustomed to. With Neal Morse's departure, the band bares little semblance to it's old self, but that's not to say that the band hasn't lost its edge.
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The parallels are amazing. A band, noticed for its work in progressive rock, releases for its sixth album an epic tale of a young man making his way in the world, only to have the band's lead singer surprisingly pack it in and leave the band.
The fifth album from Spock's Beard shows them to be at the forefront of current progressive music. In this album the band is able to play exciting, adventurous music without ever becoming self-indulgent or pompous.
Spock's Beard - Beware of Darkness Review by Gary Hill The leanings on this album are widespread (Neil Young, Yes, Beatles, King Crimson), and the changes are so fast as to be difficult to keep track of at times.
Day for Night is the fourth studio album from Spock`s Beard. The album is a departure from their earlier albums in that shorter numbers has replaced the fifteen-minute suites.
Star Nation - The Silver Age Review by Bruce Stringer Hawkwind drummer Richard Chadwick and ex-Hawkwind guitarist Jerry Richards play alongside musicians Steve Hayes, Alex Hart, Steve Taylor and scribe Sophie Knight on this album of industrial, post-punk, space-rock. The Silver Age is a thematic CD with many a surprise in stall for the listener and many interesting lyrics to puzzle over.
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Star Nation - Star Nation EP Review by Bruce Stringer The first thing to get my attention to this EP was the card CD sleeve design: didn't I see this in Chariots of the Gods? Dressed up as an independent CD single with lyric card inserts, this is a very interesting disc and a pity that it will probably never get the release it deserves.
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Starcastle - Starcastle Review by Gary Hill Starcastle have gotten much criticism over the years for being "a rip off of Yes". Certainly the Yes influences are very strong, but honestly they really did their own take on those influences.
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Starcastle - Chronos I Review by Gary Hill This is a collection of early material from Starcastle. Rather than go with the standard best of type collection, this one is composed of nothing but unreleased material. More
Folk rock legends Steeleye Span have been crafting their unique blend of ancient music-meets-modern instrumentation for the better part of five decades.
Robby Steinhardt was probably best known as the violinist for the band Kansas. He was certainly a unique individual in the prog rock scene of the day playing that instrument.
The music here lands under prog at MSJ because it's largely fusion, and we generally put fusion there. That said there are plenty of classic jazz moments.
This new version of Al Stewart's classic Year of the Cat album is all class. The first disc features the original album remixed from the original master tapes by Alan Parsons.
This is an intriguing and unusual set. Most of the music (only the closing title track has vocals) is instrumental, and it all fits within a "progressive" category, but there is a definite range.
This band is certainly one of the founding pieces of the whole folk prog movement. This brand new album finds that they have lost nothing over the years.
This is a new edition of a Strawbs album from 2008. The original album was out of print, so just getting the chance to own it will be welcome news for fans of the band.
Arjen Lucassen is a pioneer of the progressive as he can always be found engineering new and innovative projects. He finds talent in all the right places and involves many gifted artists in all aspects of his music.
I know that Styx fans have fallen into two camps, the DeYoung people who claim that this version of Styx isn't really Styx and thosewho support this lineup.
The last album from Styx, The Mission, was my pick for best album of the year when it came out. I would argue that the disc might be the best disc the band ever did.
While Subterranean Masquerade are not the only progressive rock band incorporating death metal vocals these days, Suspended Animation Dreams may be the most unusual disc by any of these outfits.
While this is not a slam-dunk to fit under progressive rock, I can't imagine it fitting elsewhere any better. The music is of the art rock variety, with the emphasis on the rock side of the equation.
Swedish Family - Vintage Prog - The Best of SF Review by Josh Turner Being an avid fan of the latest progressive rock, I'm torn between the classic sounds from the seventies and releases just starting to surface. Back in the day when technology was young, progressive musicians had innovative ideas and clever new instruments.
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This instrumental set weaves an intriguing sonic tapestry. While it's overall fusion based, there are elements of pure progressive rock, space rock and much more.
Robert Fripp's collaborations in the late 1980s and early 1990s with David Sylvian, in retrospect, clearly laid the groundwork for King Crimson's album Thrak.
The Syn may not be a household name but many prog fans know it as a band that Chris Squire lent his talents to before forming Yes (and again for a while when the band reunited in the twenty first century).
The latest studio album from The Syn, Trustworks features a collaboration between Syn founder Steve Nardelli and the Swedish progressive rock band Moon Safari.
This is a new reissue of The Syn's Syndestructible album on vinyl. I have to say that to me, this is probably the medium on which you should be listening to this set.
The brand of progressive rock on offer here is so intriguing and unique. There are things that call to mind references to other acts, but as a whole, it's so fresh and original.
