Panzerpappa - Pappa Xmas' Box of Avant Delight (2016, Norway)

Panzerpappa is the definitive Norwegian instrumental Avant/Progressive Rock/RIO group. Their inventive and playful sound ("Progressive Rock with a friendly face") is at once reminiscent of inspirational precursors such as Samla Mammas Manna, King Crimson, Henry Cow, Univers Zero and Frank Zappa, while at the same time sounding unmistakably like ... Panzerpappa!

Tracks Listing:
1. Koralrevens klagesang, I and II [Live at Sentrum Scene 2007]. 7:15
2. Pestrottedans [Live at Gamla 2016]. 7:27
3. Nokkelgnomslatten [Archival material ca 2000]. 10:46
4. Farlig vandring (pa tynt vann) - [Live at Gamla 2016]. 8:54
5. Fundal [Live at Zappanale 2015]. 6:57
6. De 99 trappetrinn [Live OsloProg 2002]. 10:26
7. Landsbysladder [Saxon Village - Live at Gamla 2016]. 8:30
8. I Forgot to Push It [Happy the Man cover]. 3:06
9. Feel the Breeze, Bill? [Live at OsloProg 2002]. 6:29
10. Frenetisk frenologi (for nybegynnere) [Live at Sentrum Scene 2007]. 11:25
11. Ugler i moseboka [Live at Zappanale 2015]. 7:14
12. Hulemysteriet [Live at Rock in Opposition 2013]. 5:57
13. Seriell Ballade [Live at OsloProg 2002]. 2:17
14. Snill pa Band [Live at Amatoren 2005]. 6:33
15. Fisjonsvisjon [Live at Amatoren 2004]. 6:35
16. Kamel uten filter [Saxon Village edition]. 5:30
17. Utrygge trofler [Live at amatoren 2004]. 7:14
18. Kliving i masti er forbode det er farleg a komme burti dei elektriske leidningane og festi deira [Live at amatoren 2005]. 12:11
19. Exercise of Style #92 [Live by Ett Fett Storband, 2008]. 5:18
20. Barkus i Vinterland [Extended version]. 8:56
21. The Big Medley [Live at Sentrum Scene 2007]. 13:07
22. Koralrevens klagesang, part III [Live at Gamla 2016]. 2:49
23. Skolepiano [Live in Studio December 2016]. 6:15
24. Tredje Malist [Xmas edition, 2016]. 4:24

Total Time: 175:37

Musicians:

Steinar Børve: Saxes, EWI, keyboards (1-18,20-24)
Trond Gjellum: Drums, percussion (1-6,8-15,17,18,20,21,23,24)
Anders K. Krabberød: Bass (1,2,4-6,8-15,17,18,20,21,23,24)
Jarle G. Storløkken: Guitars (1,2,4-6,8-15,17-24)
Torgeir W. Sørbye: trumpet keyboards (2,4,23)
Additional musicians:
Gunnar Flagstad: keyboards (2,4)
Ketil Hovland: trombone (2,4)
Jørgen Skjulstad: Bass (3)
Knut Tore Abrahamsen: Guitar (3)
Hans Petter Alfredsen: Keyboards (5,11,12, 24)
Anders Underthun: Alto saxophone (7)
Richard Arntzen: Tenor saxophone (7)
Sigrid Aftret: Baritone saxophone (7)
Ett Fett Big Band (19)
Elaine DeFalco: Accordion (20)

Eric Delaunay ‎– Antagonisme! (1980, LP, France)

Violent and dark French progressive in Magma and Art Zoyd vein. Full of breaks, powerfull keys and furious guitar.

Tracklist:
A1. Antagonisme (5:14)
A2. Histoire De Monsieur K (3:36)
A3. Ballade (8:41)
B1. Amuse-Gueule (3:07)
B2. Celui Par Qui Tout Arrive (8:24)
B3. Final (5:07)

Musicians:
Bass – Paul Amar
Drums – Eric Delaunay
Guitar – Philippe Bambuk
Keyboards – Jean-Marc Thiébaud

LP / Vogue ‎– 574021

Reviews: A sorely-missed French drummer, active during Prog's more muddy period, Robert Eric Delaunay was born in 1954 and he was a member of the early form of Asia Minor, joining them in 1976 and quiting the following year.In 1980 he released his sole personal effort ''Antagonisme'', which is maybe quite unknown even among Prog fans, but it was released on the important French label Vogue. Apart from Delaunay the album features also Philippe Bambuk on guitars, Jean-Marc Thiebaud on keyboards and Paul Amar on bass.
This is definitely a lost gem of intricate and innovative, all instrumental Progressive Rock with the six tracks offering bombastic and complex music with Fusion and light symphonic elements, somewhat pointing out Delaunay's future with TIEMKO. While it lacks the more Avant Garde touches of the later and it's built upon a questionable production result, ''Antagonisme'' is a monumental work of captivating and adventurous pieces, executed along the lines of KING CRIMSON, HAPPY THE MAN, GENTLE GIANT and THE MUFFINS, based on endless breaks, pounding drumming, very complex bass work and virtuosic guitar plays.The album comes mostly in a Prog/Fusion vein with impressive time signatures and technical moves, which burst evident symphonic and jazzy influences, performed in a unique way with a certain rockin' attitude and some slight experimental passages with odd synthesizer lines and melancholic guitars in the process.For fans of more down-to-earth music forms, ''Antagonisme'' contains also plenty of beautiful melodies in some guitar parts like on ''Amuse-Gueule'', which holds some similarities with HOLDING PATTERN or ''Final'' wiith its excellent guitar moves and the dreamy keys in the background.
As aforementioned, Delaunay would become the leading figure of French Prog/Fusion act Tiemko next to Jean-Jacques Toussaint, whom he knew from late-70's, when they played together in a band called Phoenix.With Halloween's keyboardist Gilles Coppin and guitarist Jean-Pascal Boffo he would also perform in Deboco.But his activities would be cut short in 1996, when he suddenly passed away, leaving much to be desired.
A fantastic and unknown album of complex, instrumental Progressive Rock, which deserves a proper reissue, and the best tribute to Eric Delaunay and his long career in Prog music.No less than highly recommended. (apps79/RYM)

by request

Pedro Ruy-Blas ‎– Quisiera Ser / Y Todo Sigue Igual (1976, LP 7", Spain)

Songs:
A. Quisiera Ser (2:45)
B. Y todo sigue igual (3:10)

Polydor ‎– 20 62 185
7" LP included on Pedro Ruy-Blas & Dolores/ Sus Mejores Grabaciones Para Discos Polydor (1973-1976)

Pedro Ruy-Blas ‎– Luna Llena (1975, LP/ CD, Spain)

Tracklist:
A1. Despertar
A2. Vivo de cualquier modo
A3. Lina
A4. Luna llena
B1. Déjame a mi aire
B2. La libertad
B3. La luz maravillosa del amor
B4. Hubo una vez un hombre

LP included on Pedro Ruy-Blas & Dolores/ Sus Mejores Grabaciones Para Discos Polydor (1973-1976)

"Spanish singer and composer, born in Madrid in 1949 as Pedro Ample Candel.He spent his early years as a musicians as part of the Pop/Rock groups The Brisks, Los Grimm and even Canarios during the 60's.By the 70's he started a solo career with several singles from early-70's, most of them banned from the Spanish dictatorship as subversive.In mid-70's he showed interest in Jazz music and recorded his debut ''Luna llena'' in 1975 (Polydor) with several of impressive guests: flutist/ sax player Jorge Pardo, bassist Alvaro Yebenes from Canarios, guitarist Andres Olaegui and later pianist of Vega Luis Fornes.
''Luna llena'' is an effort by Ruy-Blas to mix the Latin/Spanish music taste with Jazz-Fusion and he succeeded at some point.The album is quite easy-listening, lacking though a bit nerve or true intricacy and focusing more on melodic Latin-Jazz with a strong amount of vocals by Ruy-Blas.The instrumental parts have also a strong funky vibe in a sunny atmosphere with decent electric piano and groovy bass lines, being however rather commercial-sounding.There are bits of good instrumental sections with fine work by Pardo on flutes and Tomas San Miguel on electric piano and some psychedelic vocal-filled opening passages with hypnotic guitar and synth parts.The blend is actually inconsistent despite being well-played, a nice demanding instrumental adventure is surprisingly followed by parts close to Jazz-Funk with limited interest.
This album is possibly a decent addition to any collection, if you are after some tropical Latin-Fusion with a pleasant atmosphere throughout.Fans of more progressive listenings should try some samples first.On the thin line between a good and an average album". (apps79)

Pedro Ruy-Blas / Dolores ‎– Dolores (1976, LP,/ CD Spain)

Flamenco meets jazz fusion on this monster from Spain.Don't be put off by visions of men with dodgy perms,gold medallions,hairy chests and twanging guitars warbling their way through the Manitas de Plata songbook with a red rose in their gob-this is a fucking bomb! Check out "El Jaleo" and "La Ausencia" for some latin mayhem.The rest of the lp is great just give it a few listens as it's a real grower.

A1. La Niña De Los Montoya (6:32)
Bass Guitar – Alvaro Yébenes
Flamenco Guitar – César Fornés
Flute – Jorge Pardo
Lead Vocals, Vocals, Drums, Percussion – Pedro Ruy-Blas
Piano – Luis Fornés
Written-By – Hilario Camacho, Pedro Ruy-Blas

A2. La Mitad De Medio Duro (5:38)
Acoustic Bass, Bass Guitar – Alvaro Yébenes
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [ARP Odyssey], Vocals – Luis Fornés
Flamenco Guitar – César Fornés
Lead Vocals, Drums, Congas, Percussion, Vocals – Pedro Ruy-Blas
Written-By – César Fornés

A3. La Ausencia (3:45)
Acoustic Bass, Bass Guitar – Alvaro Yébenes
Flamenco Guitar – César Fornés
Piano – César Fornés
Soprano Saxophone – Jorge Prado
Vocals, Drums, Congas, Timbales, Cabasa, Agogô – Pedro Ruy-Blas
Written-By – Alvaro Yébenes, Pedro Ruy-Blas

A4. Ceuta (4:58)
Bass Guitar – Alvaro Yébenes
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [ARP Odyssey] – Luis Fornés
Flamenco Guitar – César Fornés
Soprano Saxophone – Jorge Prado
Written-By, Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Voice [Shouts], Voice [Whispers] – Pedro Ruy-Blas

B1. El Jaleo (8:50)
Drums – José Antonio Galicia
Flamenco Guitar – César Fornés
Flute – Jorge Prado
Vocals – Paula Bas
Vocals, Cabasa, Agogô – Pedro Ruy-Blas
Written-By, Piano – Tomás San Miguel

B2. Reflejos (5:06)
Bass Guitar – Alvaro Yébenes
Electric Piano – Luis Fornés
Flugelhorn – Arturo Fornes
Soprano Saxophone – Jorge Pardo
Trombone – José Chenol, Sigfredo Vidaurreta
Trumpet – Jose Luis Medrano
Vocals, Drums – Pedro Ruy-Blas
Written-By, Electric Guitar – Andrés Olaegui

B3. Lavapies (7:06)
Contrabass – Alvaro Yébenes
Flamenco Guitar – César Fornés
Piano – Luis Fornés
Vocals, Bells – Pedro Ruy-Blas
Written-By – Luis Fornés

Polydor ‎– 23 85 112

LP included on Pedro Ruy-Blas & Dolores/ Sus Mejores Grabaciones Para Discos Polydor (1973-1976)

Pedro Ruy-Blas / Dolores ‎– La Puerta Abierta (1977, CD, Spain)

Songs:
1. La Suave Luz (3:47)
2. Los Diez Hermanos (6:33)
3. Eva (2:00)
4. Smoïlenbash (2:02)
5. La Cometa (5:50)
6. Dedicado A Un Amigo (4:32)
7. La Puerta Abierta (6:02)
8. Membrillo (8:26)

Musicians:
Bass Guitar, Contrabass – Alvaro Yébenes
Congas, Percussion – César Berti
Spanish Guitar, Cuica – Michael Berti
Percussion, Drums – Alvaro "Chévere" Tarquino
Piano, Electric Piano, Keyboards – Jean-Luc Vallet
Producer, Arranged, Directed By – Dolores
Saxophone, Flute – Jorge Pardo
Trumpet – Alfredo Máiquez, Nano Muñoz
Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Backing Vocals – Pedro Ruy-Blas

Lp, Album - Polydor ‎– 23 85 139

CD Limited Edition Polydor ‎– 529 178-2 (1995)

Rava ‎– Katcharpari (1973, LP, Italy)

Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava has been a force in the post-bop and avantegarde jazz world since the mid-1960’s when he played with soprano sax icon Steve Lacy. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s he worked with the likes of Gil Evans, Charlie Haden, Archie Shepp, and Cecil Taylor. This 1973 MPS outing was Rava’s second album as a leader, and already displays the trumpeter as a player at the height of his creative powers. The quartet includes guitarist John Abercrombie in the early stages of his fabulous career, drummer Chip White, who has been a fixture in the Big Apple since the 70’s, and guitarist/bassist Bruce Johnson, whose wide range saw him working with the Beach Boys as well as Gil Evans. Bruce was also teacher of and inspiration to a generation of New York jazz guitarists. The title Bunny’s Pie seems strangely out of place for this haunting rubato melody as it trails off and into the up-tempo maelstrom of Trial N. 5 with swirling solos by Abercrombie and Rava. Rava’s expressive balladic intro to Dimenticare Stanca transforms into funk, with guitar and trumpet steering over the rhythmic drive. The title piece has the lyrical feel and cadence of an Incan-Peruvian folksong, whereas with its funky bass riff, Fluid Connection rides the fusion wave with standout trumpet and guitar solos. A tip of the hat to fellow trumpeter, Avant icon Don Cherry, Cheerin’ Cherry celebrates the Multikulti path, taking the North African route, and Bruce Johnson’s Peace is one and a half minutes of blissful ballad.

Tracklist:
A1. Bunny's Pie 2:00
A2. Trial N. 5 6:10
A3. Dimenticare Stanca 9:07
B1. Katcharpari 4:02
B2. Fluid Connection 5:40
B3. Cheerin' Cherry 9:27
B4. Peace 1:30

Musicians:

Enrico Rava (trumpet, vocal, bells)
John Abercrombie (el. guitar)
Bruce Johnson (bass guitar)
Chip "Superfly" White (drums)

Dario Baldan Bembo ‎– Migrazione (1977, LP, Italy)

Lato A

A1. Migrazione (5:17)

A2. Viaggio (4:50)

A3. Arrivo (3:12)

A4. Non Mi Lasciare (4:30)

Lato B

B1. Lontana Eri (4:05)

B2. Città Dei Pensieri (4:07)

B3. La Mia Casa (4:45)

B4. Risveglio (3:55)

Musicians:

Bass – Luigi Cappellotto

Cello – Nazareno Cicoria

Choir – "Il Polverone"

Conductor [Orchestra] – Denio Renzetti

Drums – Tullio De Piscopo

Flute – Marlene Kessiko

Guitar – Sergio Farina

Orchestra – Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala

Vocals [Soloist Of Choir] – Serafino Bimbo

Vocals, Keyboards, Flute, Composed By, Arranged By, Choir – Dario Baldan Bembo

Kevin Ayers - John Cale - Eno - Nico ‎– June 1, 1974 (1974, LP, England)

June 1, 1974 is a live album of songs performed at the Rainbow Theatre in London on the titular date. The album is officially attributed to Kevin Ayers, John Cale, Brian Eno and Nico, although other well-known musicians, including Mike Oldfield, Robert Wyatt and Ollie Halsall, also contributed to the concert.

Side A

A1. "Driving Me Backwards" (Eno) (6:07)

A2. "Baby's on Fire" (Eno) (3:52)

A3. "Heartbreak Hotel" (Mae Boren Axton, Tommy Durden, Elvis Presley) (5:19)

A4. "The End" (John Densmore, Robbie Krieger, Ray Manzarek, Jim Morrison) (9:14)

Side B

B1. "May I?" (5:30)

B2. "Shouting in a Bucket Blues" (5:07)

B3. "Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes" (3:27)

B4. "Everybody's Sometime and Some People's All the Time Blues" (4:35)

B5. "Two Goes into Four" (2:28)

Musicians:

Robert Wyatt – percussion (A1/3, B1/3, B5)
Mike Oldfield – lead guitar (B4), acoustic guitar (B5)
Doreen Chanter – backing vocals (A3)
Liza Strike – backing vocals (A3)
Irene Chanter – backing vocals (A3)
Ollie Halsall – piano (A1), guitar (A2/3, B4), lead guitar (B1/3), acoustic guitar (B5)
John "Rabbit" Bundrick – organ(A1/3 & B1/5), organ, piano, electric piano (B1/3)
Archie Leggatt – bass guitar (A1/3 B1/3, B5)
Eddie Sparrow – drums(A2/3 B1/3), bass drum (A1), tympani (B5)

Claudio Rocchi ‎– Il Miele Dei Pianeti Le Isole Le Api (1974, LP, Italy)

After a series of albums that were quite similar in their general style, one can sense something is afoot with this one. This would be a transitional album, however it would be the next one where Rocchi really started to throw a 'U-turn' at his fans, to use his own words. Here Rocchi, helped by members of the band Aktuala, would begin to pull the mystical, improvisational drone-folk back from the edges of space and reassert a more deliberate song structure here and there. We still have the rhythmic and trance catalyst in 'Lila' with strummed acoustics, tablas, some nice flute, and even the participation of Grace the dog. And 'La Rana' seems to recall an even simpler, uneventful folk music. But other tracks like the opener introduce a different flavor from the previous few albums. These moments are loose and off-kilter semi-rock parts with prominent bass and a vibe that floats closer to something like 'Friends' from Zeppelin 3. The sax and strings accompanying them add more richness. Maybe a transitional album but the move was exciting and well worth the risk. btf

A1. Il miele delle api (7:24)
A2. Lila (6:09)
A3. La rana (5:02)
B1. Adesso (5:39)
B2. Ogni strada (3:19)
B3. Le isole e i pianeti (8:13)

Claudio Rocchi: vocals, guitar, songwriting, harmonium, Hammond organ

Lucio Fabbri: violin, bass, guitar, piano, organ

Daniele Cavallanti: soprano saxophone

Walter Maioli: harmonica

Lorenzo Vassallo: percussion

Susan Stukey: chorus

Trilok Gurtu: tabla

Pataphonie ‎– Le Matin Blanc (1978, CD, France)

Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Chanterelle (3:25)
2. Valse Noble (5:43)
3. Kerouac (7.54)
4. Rue Alice (14:29)
5. Le Matin Blanc (2:14)
6. Paméla Story (0:21)

Bonus tracks:
7. Rue Alice (live) (13:10)
8. Kerouac (live) (7:15)
9. Automne Souvenir (live) (7:05)
10. Mémoire Baroque (live) (9:42)
11. Mandoline Station (2:02)

Total Time: 73:42

Line-up / Musicians
Pierre Demouron / bass, double bass
Gilles Rousseau / drums, percussion
André Viaud / guitar

PATAPHONIE is a unique instrumental trio of the new musics scene in France. The only album recorded by André Viaud (Guitars), Gilles Rousseau (Drums & percussions) and Pierre Demouron (Bass) dates back to 1978. "Le Matin Blanc" proves to be a mature and powerful album, as much a Rock In Opposition production, domain of Chris Cutler as a Progressive rock issue (King Crimson). The Gazul reissue includes various bonus tracks recorded live on the 4th May 1980, during one of the band's last shows. A historical document!

Roberto Cacciapaglia ‎– The Ann Steel Album (1979, LP, Italy)

Tracklist
A1. Find Your Way (4:00)
A2. Quite Still (4:19)
A3. Sport Et Divertissement (4:49)
A4. Southafternoon (4:06)
B1. My Time (4:08)
B2. Sparkling World (4:39)
B3. Portrait (4:26)
B4. Measurable Joys (4:39)

The LP is a collaboration between the veteran Italian musician and '70s American model Ann Steel, with composition by Cacciapaglia and Steel on vocals throughout. An avant-garde artist with an interest in pop and electronic music, Cacciapaglia made most of his music using only six different notes, until The Ann Steel Album. Today, the LP is considered a precursor of the futuristic synth "sci-fi" pop of the '80s. The vinyl run on London based label Half Machine Records will be the imprint’s second release of 2011 after a two-year hiatus, and the first vinyl pressing of The Ann Steel Album since its initial run more than 30 years ago. Half Machine Records

Accademia ‎– Accademia (1981, LP, Italy)

Tracklist:

A1. Il Cavaliere Del Vento (4:27)

A2. E La Mente Va (4:20)

A3. Va Come Va (3:28)

A4. Dietro L'Angolo (4:13)

B1. Conservatorio (4:24)

B2. Un Passo E Poi (3:35)

B3. La Città (4:15)

B4. Biancaneve (4:52)

Musicians: Leonardo Schiavone, Claudio Frigerio, Rino Trasi, Giuseppe Cattaneo, Giulio Di Benedetto, Leonardo Ristè

You can find the Accademia albums listed from Disco-Pop to even Symphonic Prog around the net, but the truth is this band from Italy, active between 1980 and 1985, was playing somekind of Classical-drenched Pop with big orchestral moves and melodic sensibilities on vocals, akin to 80's Eurovision contest's groups.Their arsenal included guitars, bass, drums and cellos and the result on their debut (apparently also in the following four albums) is full-on orchestrated Pop Rock with emphasis on the unusual string parts and the polyphonic choruses.Completely cheesy at moments, but instrumentally they had their own style indeed. apps79 (RYM)

Leonardo Schiavone (Gli Accademia)
Leonardo Schiavone, si è diplomato in Clarinetto presso il Conservatorio G. Verdi nel 1976 a Milano e si è perfezionato con il Maestro A. Prisco. Ha studiato Pianoforte, composizione con il maestro Mariani. Ha suonato in molte orchestre Italiane (RAI, Angelicum, Pomeriggi musicali Comunale di Parma, ecc.) e tenuto molti concerti come solista in tutta Italia. Ha vinto il primo premio al concorso internazionale di Stresa nella categoria musica d’insieme e come solista. 

Ha inciso nel 1975 il suo primo lp con i Maxophone gruppo di rock jazz progressivo,conosciuto e venduto in tutto il mondo e tuttora molto ricercato nel web. Ha suonato al festival jazz di Montreaux e fatto tournè molto importanti al seguito di grossi nomi della musica leggera italiana. Ha inciso con il gruppo degli Stormy Six l'lp Macchina Maccheronica e fatto concerti in tutta Italia e in Europa. Dal 1980 al 1985 ha inciso 5 lp con gli ACCADEMIA, ottenendo un grande successo di critica e di vendita, è stato sigla del festival bar per due anni consecutivi e invitato nelle maggiori televisioni di tutta Europa , ha partecipato a programmi televisivi di successo come (Domenica in, Discoring, Festival bar e tante altre trasmissioni televisive di successo ecc.). 

Con gli stessi Accademia ha vinto il disco verde come miglior gruppo esordiente nel 1981. Ha composto musiche per la RAI (Documentari, telefilm, ecc) e composto vari spot pubblicitari; per vari anni è stato presidente e giurato alla fiera di Milano per il concorso rock Milano musica. Oggi è docente di ruolo di Clarinetto presso la S.M.S. G. Verga di Milano, insegna al liceo Musicale Tenca di Milano, e presidente dell’ A.A.M.B. “Associazione Amici della Musica Bicocca”. 

Dal 2004 si dedica alla ricerca di nuovi artisti da promuovere con l’edizione Casa discografica e partecipa in qualità di Direttore artistico e presidente della giuria.

Sensation's Fix - Live in Firenze, Piazza della Signoria, 28 maggio 1975 (Italy)

 

Franco Falsini era stato nel 1966 uno dei fondatori del leggendario trio fiorentino dei Noi Tre, che comprendeva anche un futuro componente della Triade, Agostino Nobile e il batterista Pino Pini. Il gruppo, influenzato dai modelli inglesi dell'epoca, realizzò un unico singolo, Un posto dove, nel 1966, dopodiché Falsini uscì, sostituito da un'altra futura leggenda del rock progressivo italiano, Paolo Tofani (poi negli Area e da solo come Electric Frankenstein).

Trasferitosi in Inghilterra, Falsini formò i Flying con il bassista Dave Anderson (poi con Hawkwind e Amon Düül II) e un batterista di nome Chris e con questo gruppo tornò in Italia dopo circa un anno di permanenza a Londra, ma il trio si sciolse ben presto. Dopo un'altra breve esperienza con Le Madri Superiori, Falsini si trasferì negli Stati Uniti nell'agosto 1969 con la moglie americana e qui conobbe il batterista Keith Edwards e cominciò a sperimentare le registrazioni multitraccia e l'uso di strumenti elettronici. Rientrato in Italia, dopo alcuni concerti come solista allo Space Electronic di Firenze con il nome di Paolo Uccello, venne contattato dalla Polydor che aveva ricevuto alcune sue registrazioni, per un contratto discografico e formò i Sensations' Fix chiamando dagli USA Keith Edwards e coinvolgendo l'ex bassista dei Campo di Marte Richard Ursillo, anch'egli di origine americana.

La casa discografica mise poi in commercio le registrazioni demo mandate da Falsini, pubblicando nel 1974 un primo album intitolato Fragments of light ed un altro senza titolo con il nome del gruppo scritto in modo errato (Sensation's Fix) uscito solo per scopi promozionali.
Nello stesso anno venne realizzato il primo vero album del gruppo, Portable madness. Il gruppo provava in una casa di campagna vicino Firenze, ed aveva un gusto molto vicino alla musica tedesca che li rende unici nel panorama del prog italiano. Gruppo principalmente elettronico, con un suono basato su tastiere ed effetti elettronici e con un uso limitato della voce, i loro album furono tutti autoprodotti e registrati nello studio del gruppo, spesso con una qualità tecnica approssimativa.
Nel 1975 Falsini pubblicò un album solista, Cold nose, colonna sonora del cortometraggio Naso freddo di Filippo Milani, produttore del gruppo e autore delle copertine dei loro album. L'album contiene lunghi brani dominati dalle tastiere e da chitarre spaziali

Uscito nel 1976, il quarto album dei Sensations' Fix Finest finger, con l'ingresso del tastierista Stephen Head, è il primo a contenere parti vocali più elaborate, ed è un lavoro più accessibile dei precedenti. Anche il disco seguente, Boxes paradise, prosegue nella stessa direzione.
Falsini ed Edwards si trasferirono poi di nuovo negli USA, dove venne registrato Vision's fugitives, uscito senza grande successo per una piccola etichetta californiana. Questo è il loro album dal suono più americano, e include anche l'ex batterista dei Campo di Marte Carlo Felice Marcovecchio (chiamato Marco Marcovecchio in copertina) in un paio di brani.
L'ultimo album pubblicato in Italia fu Flying tapes, uscito nel 1978 e comprendente rifacimenti di brani dagli album precedenti.
Ormai stabilmente in Virginia e cambiato il nome in Sheriff, il gruppo, comprendente Falsini, Ursillo ed Edwards, realizzò un LP con la collaborazione del secondo chitarrista Frank Filfoyt, album uscito solo negli Stati Uniti e caratterizzato da un suono molto più rock.
All'uscita di Ursillo, che era rientrato in Italia, il gruppo proseguì come trio con il nuovo bassista Gary Falwell per tutto il 1979, ma suonando una sola volta dal vivo. Seguì lo scioglimento definitivo, verso la fine di quell'anno, quando Falsini decise di trasferirsi a New York e lavorare come tecnico del suono.
Più tardi, nel 1983, Falsini è riemerso come chitarrista e produttore del gruppo elettro-pop The Antennas, autori di un LP ed un singolo usciti in Francia. Successivamente produttore di musica techno a Londra nei primi anni '90 ed ha continuato a suonare e produrre musica in giro per il mondo.
Keith Edwards rimase negli USA dove ha suonato per molti anni, prima di contrarre una grave malattia che lo ha portato al suicidio.
Il bassista Richard Ursillo ha continuato a suonare in vari gruppi della zona di Firenze dopo la fine del gruppo, ed ha collaborato per un breve periodo alla riunione del Campo di Marte nel 2003.
Due album di registrazioni inedite sono stati stampati nel 2012, dimostrando un crescente interesse anche all'estero per questo gruppo. Time to decide, stampato dall'etichetta russa Mirumir, contiene registrazioni risalenti all'ultimo periodo di attività del gruppo, mentre Music is painting in the air, per l'etichetta statunitense RVNG, documenta il loro periodo più creativo, tra il 1974 ed il 1977.

Tracklist: 

01. The Left Side of the Green 4:07 

02. Just a Little Bit More on the Curve 7:10 

03. Portable Madness, Part 1 17:08 

04. Portable Madness, Part 2 (incomplete) 12:25 

Bonus tracks 

05. Into the Memory 9:15 (Milano 1976) 

06. Just A Little Bit More On The Curve 5:22 (Parco Lambro Festival 26-29 July 1976)

Musicians:

Franco Falsini - guitars, keyboards, synthesizers. 

Richard Ursillo - bass 

Keith Edwards - drums 

Steve Head - keyboards, synthesizers (1976 only)

Johan Hedréns Anna Gram ‎– Kollaps Eller Kärlek (1986, Cassette, Sweden)

Johan Hedréns Anna Gram – Kollaps eller kärlek (Cass BAR 8602)

A cassette filled with powerful music, non-conformistic, against the apathetic ethics. Rockmusic without polish an conventional klichés. But with joyful drums, keyboards, basses and other sounds and songs. The musicians are mainly: Johan Hedrén, Lars “Lach’n” Jonsson and Ulf Strandberg.
Johan Hedrén has also worked with Kultivator. He is also member of Ur Kaos.

Tracklist:
A1 Mikael O Draken
A2 Vem Snurrar I Mitt Huvud?
A3 Opium
A4 Anarchy
A5 Som Vinden
A6 Lädret
B1 Kollaps Eller Kärlek
B2 Poff!
B3 Knotor
B4 Tårtbiten
B5 Glasögat
B6 Om Handlingen

Musicians:
Bass, Violin, Xylophone, Harmonica, Backing Vocals, Producer, Recorded By – Lasse Jonsson
Composed By – Johan Hedrén (tracks: A1, A3 to A6, B1 to B4, B6)
Drums – Uffe Strandberg
Keyboards, Guitar, Dulcimer, Backing Vocals, Producer, Recorded By – Johan Hedrén
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Mårten Spångberg (A2, A5)
Lead Vocals, Lyrics By, Arranged By [Vocal Arr.] – Magnus Aspegren (A2, B5)
Lead Vocals – Ingemo Rylander (A5, B3)
Alto Saxophone – Kenneth Schlaich (A6)
Congas – Peter Bruun (B2, B3)
Guitar – Stefan Croné (B4)
Bass, Lead Vocals, Effects [Pedals] – Mats Paulsson (B6)
Trombone – Andreas Hedvall1. Mikael o Draken (B6)

Inner Ear Brigade ‎– Dromology (2017, CD, Usa)

 

This Californian band surprised the entire world's avant-prog movement for the ability to combine instant-tuning melodies with more complex structures, making the result fresh and enjoyable.

Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Dark Sleep Fortress (6:40)
2. Black And White Taste (5:56)
3. Shaman Coin Toss (6:51)
4. Bobotut (6:12)
5. Dromology (8:55)
6. Targa Floria (4:22)
7. Birdie In The Wall (6:57)
Total Time 45:53

Line-up / Musicians - Bill Wolter / Guitar
Chris Lauf / Drums
Stephen Wright / Electric Bass
Melody Ferris / Vocals
Ivor Holloway / Tenor, Alto, and Soprano Saxophone
Eli Wallace / Keyboards (1,2,4,5)
With:
Theo Padouvas / Trumpet (1,2,4,5,6)
Andrew Vernon / Keyboards (3,6,7)
David Shaff / Trumpet (3,7)
Aharon Wheels Bolsta / Tabla (5)

"Another step upwards in development from their previous 2012 near-masterpiece, "Rainbro," the band is so tight, compositions so well polished, and super-singer Melody Ferris fits flawlessly into all tracks. Favorite song: Bobotut". brufordfreak

"BIG WOW!!! It happens rarely that an album keeps me totally stunned to the bones! This music reminds me of so many cherished music experiences all at once: Frank Zappa, Hatfield & The North, Magma, Univers Zero... Besides the amazing vocals contributed by Melody Ferris, a clear highlight is the dense and complex orchestration, with its awesome wind arrangements and breakneck counterpoints all over". Sven B. Schreiber

The Red Masque ‎– Feathers For Flesh (2004, CD, Usa)

Philadelphia's The Red Masque are a gothic-colored collision of avant-prog and psychedelic influences. Their album Feathers For Flesh, is their most accomplished release to date, featuring an exponetial growth in both songwriting skill and studio proficiency.

This third album from Philadelphia quartest The Red Masque starts off just as you'd hope in a creaking forest haunted by the wraith-like vocal of Lynnette Shelley, which promises to shuffle around in the digital undergrowth for the next hour or so. Instead, all Prog hell breaks loose with doomy organ, Curved Air-style violin sawing and a full-on rock orchestra sliding effortlessly from movement to movement. 'Feathers for Flesh' has 'concept album' written all over it, as it veers from Tarkus-era Emerson Lake & Palmer, to Kate Bush's version of rock bombast, to fusion folk. This balancing act will leave most listeners screaming in anticipation for the grand finale. — Edwin Pouncey, Issue No. 248, The Wire.

Songs / Tracks Listing
1. House of Ash (12:07)
i) Corridors
ii) Judgement
iii) The King's Lament Pt. 1
iv) The King's Lament Pt. 2
2. Passage (14:12)
3. Yellow Are His Opening Eyes (14:47)
i) The Summoning
ii) Outscream
iii) Vacant
4. Beggars & Thieves (9:38)
5. Scarlet Experiment (3:46)

Line-up / Musicians
Kiarash Emami / electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, keyboards, vocals
Lynnette Shelley / vocals, erhu, psaltery, pots, pans, slinky and other objects
Brandon Ross / bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards, vocals
Vonorn / drums, percussion, keyboards, theremin, electric guitar, bass, vocals
Guests:
Damian Boucher / violin (1)
Sue Wolfsong / vocals (5)

Nuova Idea, Top 4, Stormy Six ‎– Al Festival Pop Viareggio 1971 (1971, LP, Italy)

Track list:
A. Nuova Idea - Come, come, come
B1. Stormy Six - La manifestazione (long version)
B2. Top 4 - È stata lei
B3. Top 4 - Lady natura
B4. Top 4 - Immagine

Dal 27 maggio al 2 giugno 1971 si tenne nella pineta di Lagomare, a Torre del Lago, Versilia vicino a Viareggio il I Festival di musica d'avanguardia e di nuove tendenze organizzato da Massimo Bernardi.
Fu uno dei più grandi eventi, in quel periodo, per la presenza di gruppi come: Madri Superiori (chitarrista Tony Sidney poi con il Perigeo), Now, (Giuliano Colivicchi, Riccardo Cioni, Stefano Londi, Fabio Portera, Ezio Turrini), Alluminogeni, Latte e Miele, Punto, Il Rovescio della Medaglia, the Pennies, La Formula 3, Nuova Idea, The Trip, Fholks, New Trolls, Cyan, Stormy Six (con Massimo Villa al canto), Delirium, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Flea on the Honey, Marco Dedè e i Bobolink, Silver e i Baci, Osanna, Circus 2000, Iskra e i Tombstones, Capitolo 6,La Ruggine e molti altri, comprese due soliste: Tsabò e Mia Martini la quale, con il gruppo La Macchina, propose la durissima Padre davvero, che venne censurata dalla RAI.
Fra i gruppi stranieri che si esibirono c'era un gruppo di israeliani e gli allora sconosciutissimi Medicine Head. Per ascoltare la musica in un ambiente naturale nacque una tendopoli spontanea denominata Pop City della quale fu nominato Sindaco Eddie Ponti, giornalista, presentatore e direttore del giornale Pop City Time.
Il festival fu una vera e propria gara musicale ad eliminatorie con in palio, per il vincitore, un ambito contratto discografico. Vinsero Mia Martini e la Premiata Forneria Marconi che presentava la versione originale di La Carrozza di Hans lunga quasi dieci minuti.
Lo svolgimento del festival fu segnato dal presunto accordo tra giornalisti e discografici sugli artisti che sarebbero stati premiati, accordo fissato già prima dell'esibizione finale. Joe Vescovi, avendo saputo di questo illecito, salì sul palco urlando nel microfono "Io sono un hippy come voi e vi dico che siete stati ingannati da questi sporchi capitalisti!"; ciò scatenò un lancio di oggetti dalla folla. Cantarelli della Davoli cercò di calmare la folla, poi, dopo la tempesta, il festival continuò, la tensione fu placata e furono largamente apprezzati i The Trip che dedicarono un loro pezzo a Jimi Hendrix.

Junie Russo ‎– Love Is A Woman (1975, LP, Italy)

Side A

1 Love Is A Woman

2 Milk Of Paradise

3 Every Time You Leave

4 Carol

5 Suddenly I'M Alone

Side B

1 Acting The Part

2 Give Me One Reason

3 I'Ve Drunk In My Dream

4 If You Really Wanna Say Goodbye

5 Vodka

Giuni Russo, stage name of Giuseppa Romeo (10th September 1951 - 14th September 2004), was an Italian singer-songwriter, who specialised in experimental music after a short stint as an art-pop singer in the early 1980's. This is the first released of this amazing voice.

Pop Workshop ‎– Vol. 1 (1973, LP, Sweden) Repost!

Interesting all-star fusion band including Janne Schaffer and Tony Williams. Definitely a Coltrane-ish jazz album with strong overtones of Mahavishnu era fusion and Herbie Hancock “Headhunters” funk. A nice mix and not too far from that other Swedish based jazz rock ensemble Ablution, though I found that one to be more unique. Those that like the early 70s jazz fusion sound, will most certainly enjoy this release. Grammofonverket.

Side A

A1 Point Of Junction (7:24)

A2 Hanging Loose (5:28)

A3 Perforated Mind (3:57)

A4 Sentience (5:54)

Side B

B1 Equinox (5:20)

B2 The Last Pharoah (5:24)

B3 Equivalent In Nature (4:52)

B4 Perfect Touchdown (3:33)

Musicians:

Alto Saxophone – Zbigniew Namysłowski

Bass – Stefan Brolund

Drums – Ola Brunkert

Guitar – Janne Schaffer

Percussion – Ahmadu Jarr, Ed Thigpen

Piano, Synth, Electric Piano – Wlodek Gulgowski

Producer – Gert Palmcrantz, Wlodek Gulgowski

Recorded By – Gert Palmcrantz

Finnforest ‎– Finnforest (1975, LP, Finland)

Side A

A1. Mikä Yö! (5:27)

A2. Sanaton Laulu (3:51)

A3. Happea (4:39)

A4. Koin Siipesi (2:52)

Side B

B1. Paikalliset Tuulet (4:17)

B2. Aallon Vaihto (4:54)

B3. Kunnes (4:34)

B4. P.S. (1:40)

Musicians:

Bass – Pekka Tegelman (tracks: B3)

Bass [Fuzz] – Pekka Tegelman (tracks: B2)

Drums – Jussi Tegelman

Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Pekka Tegelman

Organ, Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer – Jukka Rissanen

Jordi Sabatés ‎– Tot L'Enyor De Demà (1976, LP, Spain)

Side A

A1. Tot L'Enyor De Demà (5:16)

A2. S'Hora Baixa (4:09)

A3. Cançó D'Aquí (Dedicat A Toti Soler) (2:41)

A4. Ballarines Mecàniques (6:18)

Side B

B1. Obertura (8:37)

B2. Annesa (8:16)

Musicians:

Bass, Electric Bass – Jordi Clúa

Bouzouki, Percussion – Xavier Batllès

Drums – Santi Arisa

Electric Piano – Tete Montoliu

Flute – T.T. Matutano

Guitar – Toti Soler

Guitar, Percussion – Ricky Sabatés

Music By – Jordi Sabates

Piano, Organ, Synthesizer, Percussion – Jordi Sabatés