02 Oct 2018, 14:22
Greetings there Folks.
As such appears with other members here I've an appreciation with a wide vista of music, especially those original long hair sorts and have need to say that JS Bach may be considered to be the first “jazz” musician as he experimented with what was during his time quite definitely “odd” beats and meters such as ¾ and even 7/8. Previous to his time most “heavy” music was on an organ and any that even by mistake to play a minor chord risked being burned at the stake as that was a sure sign of being under the influence of the Devil. Mind you keyboardists of even modest proficiency were rare as few had opportunity to explore musical careers well enough to explore boundaries.
With that said, my fav genre of music would be Progressive Rock, a term that covers lots and continues today. Back in the late 60's many considered King Crimson to be the definement of refined sophisticated music associated with the term and Jimi Hendrix claimed (at the time) they were the finest band in the World. High praise from another that set new standards.
Which brings me to Flash, a criminally overlooked English band from 1971 formed with two original members from Yes and has been many times compared to Yes as “Yes Light”. There was a similarity though Flash was much wider in their sonic structuring, certainly less commercially oriented and had a considerably broader style employing quick time changes and wonderful interplay's with obvious while subtle classic music influences recognizable among the knowledgeable. The main driver was Peter Banks, a gifted guitarist at an early age that infused many different elegant styles into a not overly complex but somewhat difficult to listen to songs for the “normals” expecting predictability. They only put out three albums (LP's) and another “live” (released long after their demise). The song “Small Beginnings” was released in two versions- one aimed at the AM Top 40 radio market which received some success and the original for FM play. The best single song is “Dreams of Heaven” which incorporates a multitude of styles from not sit still driving rock to pure jazz riffs which showcase Peter's (and the rest of the bands) prowess. The other musicians were no sludges as the the bass player on that aforementioned song lays out smashingly outrageous jazz bass lines. Nice three part harmonies to boot.
Unfortunately, the first album lacked luster as the choice of songs always mystified me as they failed entirely at display of the bands talent. I had chance to see them twice and there was NO disappointment. Peter played a Gibson 335 (though I have seen pics with a Les Paul) and the bass player utilized a Richenbacher bass which has rarely been associated with jazz in any manner and the drummer was a very classic straight forward styled jazzer versatile enough to fill with frills never lacking and fitting perfectly. They were also a delight live and pretty close to their recordings which is in itself a rarity as what is recorded and represented on stage is often quite divorced. The best group I've ever seen in that regard was Genesis of which I've fond memories and am still awed at their technical proficiencies.
As with any group of artists, there was acrimony which led to dissolution. Consider such thus: keeping any number of artists, no matter the medium but especially ego driven musicians is akin to being married to more than one, especially when on “the road” and little aggravations become amplified which has caused many a groups demise. Fortunately the music (long out of print) is again available via a number of venues and to any with interest in the Prog Rock of the era may be worth sampling.
Cheers,
Dworkin
As such appears with other members here I've an appreciation with a wide vista of music, especially those original long hair sorts and have need to say that JS Bach may be considered to be the first “jazz” musician as he experimented with what was during his time quite definitely “odd” beats and meters such as ¾ and even 7/8. Previous to his time most “heavy” music was on an organ and any that even by mistake to play a minor chord risked being burned at the stake as that was a sure sign of being under the influence of the Devil. Mind you keyboardists of even modest proficiency were rare as few had opportunity to explore musical careers well enough to explore boundaries.
With that said, my fav genre of music would be Progressive Rock, a term that covers lots and continues today. Back in the late 60's many considered King Crimson to be the definement of refined sophisticated music associated with the term and Jimi Hendrix claimed (at the time) they were the finest band in the World. High praise from another that set new standards.
Which brings me to Flash, a criminally overlooked English band from 1971 formed with two original members from Yes and has been many times compared to Yes as “Yes Light”. There was a similarity though Flash was much wider in their sonic structuring, certainly less commercially oriented and had a considerably broader style employing quick time changes and wonderful interplay's with obvious while subtle classic music influences recognizable among the knowledgeable. The main driver was Peter Banks, a gifted guitarist at an early age that infused many different elegant styles into a not overly complex but somewhat difficult to listen to songs for the “normals” expecting predictability. They only put out three albums (LP's) and another “live” (released long after their demise). The song “Small Beginnings” was released in two versions- one aimed at the AM Top 40 radio market which received some success and the original for FM play. The best single song is “Dreams of Heaven” which incorporates a multitude of styles from not sit still driving rock to pure jazz riffs which showcase Peter's (and the rest of the bands) prowess. The other musicians were no sludges as the the bass player on that aforementioned song lays out smashingly outrageous jazz bass lines. Nice three part harmonies to boot.
Unfortunately, the first album lacked luster as the choice of songs always mystified me as they failed entirely at display of the bands talent. I had chance to see them twice and there was NO disappointment. Peter played a Gibson 335 (though I have seen pics with a Les Paul) and the bass player utilized a Richenbacher bass which has rarely been associated with jazz in any manner and the drummer was a very classic straight forward styled jazzer versatile enough to fill with frills never lacking and fitting perfectly. They were also a delight live and pretty close to their recordings which is in itself a rarity as what is recorded and represented on stage is often quite divorced. The best group I've ever seen in that regard was Genesis of which I've fond memories and am still awed at their technical proficiencies.
As with any group of artists, there was acrimony which led to dissolution. Consider such thus: keeping any number of artists, no matter the medium but especially ego driven musicians is akin to being married to more than one, especially when on “the road” and little aggravations become amplified which has caused many a groups demise. Fortunately the music (long out of print) is again available via a number of venues and to any with interest in the Prog Rock of the era may be worth sampling.
Cheers,
Dworkin
