Tracklist: 1. HCHO 40 8:31 2. An Epilogue For Cajolement 7:53 3. There Once Was A Night Of "Choko-Muro" The Paradise 19:11 4. Erlio 2:02 5. A Breeze In The Dawn 10:53 6. "Choko-Muro" The Paradise 1:55 7. In The Moonlight 2:35
Hailing from Hokkaido, Japan, Providence is one of the most remarkable Symphonic Prog bands of the 90s. Led by the brilliant keyboardist Madoka (Tsukada) and the evocative vocals of Eriko (Kumazawa), this album is a cinematic journey into a high-fantasy world.
The music is characterized by complex, "Baroque" arrangements and lush synth layers, drawing comparisons to Renaissance and Early Genesis but with a distinct Japanese neoclassical flair. Originally released on the Made in Japan label (and later reissued by Musea), "Choko-Muro" is a rare masterpiece of technical precision and fairytale atmosphere, highly prized by fans of intricate, keyboard-driven progressive rock.
Tracklist: A1 Hai Mai Visto 3:20 A2 Dolce Laura (Your Side Of The Bed) 3:32 A3 Vecchia Canzone Nuova 3:22 A4 Mio Padre 5:10 A5 Dormi Cara 4:00 A6 Rimpianto 3:20 B1 Solo Qualcosa In Più 4:15 B2 Un Attimo Di Gelosia 4:10 B3 Odio, Amore (Black Cat Woman) 3:35 B4 Aria D' Estate 4:00 B5 Toccata E Fuga (Dalla "Toccata E Fuga In Re Minore") 4:55
A hidden gem of the 1970s Italian scene, this self-titled debut by Il Segno Dello Zodiaco is a sophisticated blend of Progressive Rock and melodic Italian Pop. Released on the iconic Ri-Fi label, the album stands out for its lush arrangements, poetic lyrics, and a distinct "dreamy" atmosphere that balances symphonic ambition with catchy hooks. While it leans more towards the "Pop-Prog" side of the spectrum compared to heavier contemporaries, its rare original pressings are highly sought after by collectors of Mediterranean vintage sounds.
A1 Eruption 4:22 A2 Colour My World 4:22 A3 Fire 4:13 A4 Fire And Rain 4:04 A5 Joy To The World 3:30 B1 Introduction 3:20 B2 The Stones Of Years 3:13 B3 Feelin' Alright 5:39 B4 Lucky Man 5:07 B5 The Approaching Storm 3:18
A standout entry in the prestigious Ariston "Serie Progressive" (AR/LP/12066), this album is a masterclass in early 70s Italian instrumental music. Victor Bacchetta (Vittorio Bacchetta), a virtuoso conductor and multi-instrumentalist, delivers a dynamic performance where the Hammond organ and piano take center stage. Backed by elite session musicians from the Ariston stable, Bacchetta blends Jazz-Rock, Classical, and Psych-Prog. The record is particularly noted for the "Eruption" suite, showcasing his technical prowess. As a rare artifact of Italy's experimental underground, original copies remain highly prized by collectors for their unique sonic texture.
Tracklist: 1. Lady of Shalott (16:24) 2. Cuckoo (Love's Labour's Lost) (16:47) 3. Tomorrow (10:47) 4. Love Is waiting for a Lover (7:58) 5. Cuckoo (2002 alternate version*) (16:25)
Bonus VCD 1. Video-Track (20:47): - a) Lady of Shalott (Videoclip) (1977) - b) Me El-ma - c) MIO Catalog 2. Announcement (0:36) 3. Tomorrow (live in Beit Lessin) (11:00) 4. Lady of Shalott (live at Galei-Tzahal radio) (12:41) 5. Catharsis (Istopy) (7:46) 6. Nightmare (Me El-Ma) (6:31) 7. Toridtagitar (Me El-Ma) (5:22) 8. The Children Dance (Me El-Ma) (8:59)
* New remix with added Mellotron and digital effects
Releases information Recorded between 1975-1977, restored and remastered by Asaf Carmeli & Erez Siag
ATMOSPHERA, not to be confused with a Brazilian art-rock band with the same name, is an Israeli progressive rock band from the late 70's. They recorded two long, epic pieces for an album with English lyrics (Shakespeare & Lord Tennyson), but the album was too far-out for the small Israeli music industry, so the master tapes were archived and the album was never issued on vinyl. 25 years later, a small collectors' label, MIO records, gathered all the tapes, videos and information on the lost band, and issued the album on CD, with bonus tracks and a videoclip.
ATMOSPHERA's style is "mainstream prog" - heavily influenced by YES's symphonic style. The music is melodic, classical and well-arranged. The band lineup consists of Efrayim Barak on vocals, Moti Fonseka on guitar, Alon Nadel on bass, Yuval Rivlin on keyboards, and Ami Lipner (later re-named himself to Mi El-Ma) on drums. Mi El-Ma, the drummer, is influenced by Bruford's style, Nadel, the bassist, emulates Squire's sound, the keyboardist, Rivlin, uses some of Wakeman's tricks, and even soloist, Barak, sounds very much like Jon Anderson. YES fans will find delight in this highly-capable group of musicians, who offer virtuoso abilities and solid compositional skills.
The double album boasts three major highlights: "Lady of Shalott", "Cuckoo - Alternate Version" (new remix with added Mellotron and digital effects), and the avant-garde "Catharsis" by a different, later line-up called ISTOPY. In 2002 a double CD was released with the debut tracks and some bonus tracks, live renditions, video clips and VCD material. (progarchives)
A unique Japanese funk masterpiece from 1973, in which Rinsyoe Kida, Tsugaru's shamisen Maestro, and Akira Ishikawa, one of Japan's most loved and celebrated leading drummers, as well as experimenter and brilliant composer, performed together. The ancient sound of the shamisen ride on the finest funk and the intense groove of Ishikawa.
