This often overlooked Austrian band epitomizes the whole Austrian progressive movement. The prime mover is Hubert Bognermayr (keyboards and vocals) who later became known because of his pioneering with the Fairlight computer and his 'electronic hunter's lodge' (blessed by international musicians and the famous Bob Moog). The other members were Hubert Schnauer (keyboards and flute), Harald Zuschader (keyboards, flute and guitar), Fritz Riedelberger (guitar, piano and vocals), Gerhard Englisch (bas and percussion) and Frank Hueber (drums and percussion). The band was founded in Linz in 1970, and recorded its first album entitled Eela Craig in 1971 with a circulation of 1,500. Critics compared this album with established bands such as Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, Gentle Giant and Colosseum. The band had a few onstage performances with the Zürich Chamber Orchestra in 1972, which led to more performances in well known opera houses of Italy, Germany and Austria, uncommon venues for a rock band at the time.The band signed a contract with Virgin Records in 1975, to release a number of singles and albums, including the Christian concept album Missa Universalis, and a signature ethereal style cover version of Chris de Burgh's A Spaceman Came Travelling, both released in 1978. The band also released "Virgin Oiland" ('80), "Hit or Miss" ('88) and "Symphonic Rock". The melodic and harmonic music from EELA CRAIG is build upon beautiful interplay between four members with their keyboards and sensitive and howling electric guitarplay. The moving compositions sound warm and are coloured with lots of instruments, from the aforementioned keyboards to flute, acoustic guitar and assorted percussion. Wonderful symphonic rock that takes you to cloud number nine. Line-up / Musicians Horst Waber/drums Harald Zuschrader/organ,flute,guitar,sax Hubert Bognermayer/keyboards Gerhard English/bass Heinz Gerstenmair/guitar,organ,vocals Will Orthofer/vocals,sax Discography(Album) Eela Craig 1971
1.New born Child 2.Selfmade Trip 3.A New Way 4.Indra Elegy 5.Irminsul 6.Yggdrasil 7.Stories 8.Cheese
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