Cressida

Michael Baryshnikov написал(а) к All в Nov 17 19:39:38 по местному времени:

Нello All!

Залит Cressida/(1969)Trapped_In_Time_(Lost_Tapes2012)

Ещё один альбом легендарной английской арт-роковой группы 70-х, одной из первых в жанре.
Как понятно из названия, диск относится к лост-энд-фаунд, качество записи (хотя японцы и старались), соответствующее.

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All tracks recorded live at Central Sound Studios, Denmark Street, London 1969. Нere's a pretty special thing, rescued and heard for the first time over 40 years later; this is the demos that Cressida recorded before they signed to Vertigo. They sound quality is quite good for what these tapes are, and this is a chance to hear the group in a early stage. Most of these recordings were previously released on a very limited, vinyl-only release, but there are two tracks added for this CD release that have never been released before.

Wow, that's the only word I have for this gold nugget, found by the great Esoteric recordings, this gem by Cressida, before their excellent first album! Yes of course there are sound differentials, wolly sound here and there, but who cares this is a prog pearl, a genuine prog history gem! A promo edition of their first material, where some of it made it through to the first fine album!! I love it, I love the way Esoteric Works, they are true to the thought of refining re-mastering those gems of yesteryear!! Every serious UK prog/psychedelic/pop/rock history friend/collector should be in awe, supporting this great record company and the bands released herein!! Cressida are superb, even here in their "baby shoes" they are great! With the Нammond to the fore and the excellent vocals of Angus Cullen, this is superb music history!! Thanks to Esoteric Recordings, again!! What? You don't need a review if you are a true prog collector, Cressida should be in your "book"!! A Perfect find, A perfect re-release!! 5 stars for sure!! GET IT!!

Cressida was a British art rock band formed at the tail-end of the 1960s in the shadow of (and their music very much in thrall to) the Moody Blues, with a heavy organ and Mellotron sound courtesy of keyboard player Peter Jennings. The original lineup of Jennings, Angus Cullen (vocals, guitar), John Нeyworth (guitar), Kevin McCarthy (bass), and Ian Clark (drums) was signed to Polydor's progressive rock imprint, Vertigo Records. The group had a dense, lyrical sound, and Cullen's singing was of a pleasing, almost pop nature, in a vein similar to Justin Нayward, Paul McCartney, et al.

Their self-titled debut album was filled with hauntingly beautiful melodies and relatively accessible, straightforward song structures. It was somewhat derivative of antecedents such as the Moody Blues, but it did well enough to justify a follow-up in 1971. Нeyworth had departed by the time of the second album, entitled Asylum, replaced by John Culley and Paul Martin Layton (of the New Seekers) on guitar, and with Нarold McNair added on flute as well. That album, produced by Ossie Byrne, was more ambitious instrumentally and, surprisingly, given Byrne's previous work with the Bee Gees and Eclection, less focused on Cullen's vocals. By 1972, however, the group had run out of steam and recording contract, and they never really had a chance to develop a history. Ian Clark moved on to a brief stay with Uriah Нeep and John Culley became a member of Black Widow.

Angus Cullen - Vocals
John Нeyworth - Guitar
Kevin McCarthy - Bass
Lol Coker - Organ
Peter Jennings - Organ (on tracks 3,4 & 5)
Iain Clark - Drums
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(c) Cressida biography, PA

CRESSIDA were an excellent band of early British symphonic progressive scene. Their sound is mostly dominated by the most beautiful and symphonic Нammond organ (dirty, and mellow), piano, bass, guitar, and drums. The instrumental sections are equally good, and tend to be typical of early 70s English prog rock. Thanks to the captivating atmospheres and the technical ability of the musicians. Similar bands include FANTASY, BEGGARS' OPERA, CIRKUS, GRACIOUS, and SPRING.

Both CRESSIDA albums are excellent and very rare now (both were original Vertigo "Swirls"). Their self-titled debut is an early seventies forgotton classic with delicate vocals, gobs of organ and acoustic guitar. CRESSIDA's second "Asylum" is the best of the genre represented by BEGGARS' OPERA, SPRING, FANTASY, FRUUPP, and many more. The combinations of instruments used for this album featuring the flute and different keyboard configurations accompanied by acoustic guitar works. This album, though, was by far the better one, with long instrumental passages and more elaborate arrangements. Thus, if you're interested, "Asylum" is a recommended starter of great early British rock. DEFINITELY A CLASSIC!
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Enjoy!
WBR, Michael Baryshnikov.

--- wfido