Italian band NOTTURNO CONCERTANTE has been a going concern for almost 20 years, citing 1984 as their year of formation. The first half of the 90's appears to have been their most active period, with a substantial amount of years between new album releases from the second half of the 90's and onwards. "Canzoni Allo Specchio" is their sixth full length production, following 10 years after their previous album. Notturno Concertante have made themselves a solid sixth full length production, a smooth and well produced affair that emphasizes on accessible, harmonic melodies and finely controlled arrangements. As it is a CD that broadly can be described as progressive folk rock for the first half and accessible but sophisticated jazz-oriented music in the latter half, and those who tend to enjoy both of these stylistic expressions explored in an accessible manner should be a key audience for this album. Line-up / Musicians Lucio Lazzaruolo/guitar,keyboards Raffaele Villanova/guitars,vocals Giuseppe Relmi/vocals Carmine Marra/sax,clarinet,whistles Carmine Meluccio/violin Gabriele Moscaritolo/accordion Antonio D'Alessio/bass Giuseppe D'Alessio/bass Simone Pizza/drums Discography(Album) Canzoni Allo Specchio 2012
1.Ahmed l'ambulante 2.Young Man Gone West 3.Come il vento 4.Le anime belle 5.On Growing Older 6.The Price Of Experience 7.Lei vede rosso 8.La Milonga di Milingo 9.Canzone allo specchio 10.Ark En Ciel
German band ZIFF was formed in 1983 by Achim Frick (guitars) and Michael Gross (bass), and from the start their main focus was to develop a distinct style and sound. In these early days the remaining line-up was rarely constant, but they managed to get some partially lasting line-ups going to be able to play live as well as participate in local and regional band contests. In 1985 the drummer slot was filled by Ralph Frincke, who soon became a central member of the band due to his skills in writing good and imaginative lyrics. Around the same time the band finally managed to find a stable vocalist, as Achim Frick took over the vocal duties.1987 saw the release of the demo tape "ZIFF - Deutsch", and the same year keyboardist Marco Vogel joined the band. With this addition, ZIFF had had a stable line-up that lasted until the band disappeared out of sight.After the release of their first demo, the band decided that lyrics for the songs they wrote in the future should be in English rather than their native German, and when their next demo "Children" was released in 1991, they started getting attention outside of their local environment. In 1992 the band had three tunes included on the local compilation disc "Neckar Odenwald Rock", and 1993 saw a new demo, "Sensual", released by the band. Line-up / Musicians Achim Frick/guitar,vocals Marco Vogel/keyboards Michael Gross/bass Ralph Krinke/drums Discography(Album) Stories 1995
1.Intro-The Book Of Life 2.Lady With A Past 3.Soliloquy 4.Genocide 5.Crash Kids 6.The Grim Reaper 7.Hunter 8.Old Man's Mirror 9.Poem For You 10.Swamp 11.Power Of The Sun 12.Mystic 13.Kristall
French act STEP AHEAD was active in the early 80's. Their only release prior to breaking up, 1982's "Step Ahead" has seen lots of praise coming it's way, which has led to the album being reissued two times so far. In many ways the band, dominated by the contributions of Christain Robin (guitars), Claudie Truchi (keyboards) and Danny Brown (vocals) were a precursor of things to come. Symphonic rock of late 70's Yes is a clear influence, but mixed with classical influences and 80's keyboards the resulting sound was quite similar to what was to be coined Neo Progressive in England a couple of years later. Other musicians participating on the only album made by this talented group are Gerard Macia (guitars), Antoine Ferrera (bass), Jean-Yves Dufournier (drums), Alain Lejeune (keyboards), Philippe Recht (bass), Emmanuel Riquier (drums). French act STEP AHEAD mixed obvious influences from symphonic rock with an 80's approach, specializing in the creation of complex semi-classical keyboard layers with the end result a style of music approved by the Neo Progressive team for inclusion into the database.
Another cult act of the early NWOBPR scene, Chemical Alice came from London and were formed in late-1980, featuring future Tamarisk singer Andy Grant (vocals), bassist Jack Grigor, guitarist Dave Weston, drummer Richard Crighton and the impressive musician named Mark Kelly, later the man behind Marillion's keyboards.It is rumored the band was quite popular back at the time with many live performances.The only EP released under the name Chemical Alice was ''Curiouser and Curiouser'' from 1981, recorded at Spaceward Studios in Cambridge.Cool, underground Progressive Rock with a monster synth-led sound and almost Hard Rockin' guitars is the game played by Chemical Alice and, although the EP's production is below average, the music is pretty enjoyable and satisfying.''Curiouser and Curiouser'' contains four tracks and anyone into 80's underground British Prog knows what to expect.The opening ''The Judge'' is a nice track with good vocals, deep synthesizers and measured guitar parts in a Classic Neo Prog vein, while some keyboard passages have even a URIAH HEEP-like attitude, escaping a bit from the rule.''Goodnight Vienna'' is a great and memorable track of keyboard Prog with edgy synthesizers all around, a bit like early MARILLION, and a fantastic chorus.''Lands of Home'' is a different beast.The groovy guitars, sharp electronics and punky attitude comes like a cross between TWELFTH NIGHT and ELOY in a very original approach.The EP will close with ''Henry the King'', the MARILLION/TWELFTH NIGHT approach is here more apparent with great organ and synths textures and strong, attacking guitar grooves with also some impressive solos in the middle section.Definitely a winner among the all-time Neo Prog obscurities.Dynamic and passionate material all the way with diverse Classic Prog influences and a huge amount of energy. Line-up / Musicians Andy Grant/vocals David Weston/guitar,synthesiser,vocals Jack Grigor/bass Richard Crighton/drums Mark Kelly/keyboards Steve Leigh/keyboards Discography Curiouser and Curiouser 1981
1.Goodnight Vienna 2.The Judge 3.Henry the King 4.Lands of Home
Dutch band from Utrecht, formed sometime in the 70's and having a good live activity around the time.In 1981 Arkus aka Frans Smits on vocals/guitar, Ron Willems on guitar, Jan-Henk Wiggelinkhuizen on organ and synthesizers, John Bouwman on bass/vocals and Erik van Duin on drums/vocals entered the SR Studios in Bodegraven, working hard for six days to record their debut , inspired by Dutch poet Bert Voeten.The result was the album ''1914'', released as a private press.Wrapped under a very sensitive atmosphere Arkus played soft guitar-driven Symphonic Rock with emphasis on smooth guitar playing, melodic solos and elaborate arrangements.They seemed much influenced by CAMEL and recall at moments fellow natives ODYSSICE with Smits and Willems taking over the situation and delivering series of mindblowing, dramatic solos with a solid rhythm section in the background.The keyboard work of Wiggelinkhuizen remains in the background as well, filling up the empty holes for the guitarists and occasionally offering some nice passages.Vocals are in English and they are delivered with heart and emotion in a sensitive style.Arkus were soon abandoned by the manager with large financial debts on their backs, eventually slowing down their career, though the band kept playing live.In early-90's, at a time when the band was back alive and well, ''1914'' was reissued in CD format by SI Music with a pair of bonus tracks from the early days.Both show the band insisting on playing a warm Neo/Symphonic Rock with delicate and impressive guitar work, but ''Don't break the silence'' contains also some nice synthesizer parts not unlike the bands of the New Wave of British Prog.Many of these guitar-based prog albums rely much on how good the melodies contained are.Arkus did it very well and if you are into Neo Prog, light Symphonic Rock or even Melodic Rock, ''1914'' is a great purchase.Go for the CD reissue due to the nice pair of extra compositions. Line-up / Musicians Frans Smits/vocals,guitar Ron Willems/guitar Jan-Henk Wiggelinkhuizen/strings,organ,synthesizers John Bouwman/bass,vocals Erik van Duin/drums,percussion,vocals Discography "1914" 1981
The Voyage was originally released in 1982 (after being recorded in 1979), and is a classic example of the symphonic, melodic progressive rock that emerged from Europe in the seventies. As with that style of music, the music consists of vocals (in English) and fluid guitar leads over layered keyboards, churning out minor chords. The best comparison would probably be to Rousseau, themselves a seventies-revivalist band, and, perhaps Camel and Sebastian Hardie. Clocking in at a little over 70 minutes, A World Of Difference is the second release by the Dutch band, whose music is very much in the melodic, symphonic progressive mode. They have modernized their sound somewhat, and shortened the compositions a bit, but still retain the melodic sensibilities that characterised their first release, The Voyage. As a result, they can be compared to Saga, who, within the format of shorter tracks, were able to tailor their tracks to retain the "progressive" nature of their music. Another point of comparison would be latter-day Kayak, whose music could be best described as "progressive pop." The last track, just short of 16 minutes in length, is very much in the vein of the music of their first release, and closes out the music on a high note.Their first album The Voyage, originally recorded in 1982 and re-released on CD in 1991, features a rich, full sound with colorful melodies, excellent vocals, and a full range of dynamics. Their instrumental approach falls somewhere between the Belgian band Machiavel and latter period Camel. Most of the tunes change tempo and feel regularly, and in general the sound is not hard, but it does cook nonetheless; Lots of guitar and keyboard exchanges, with extended instrumental passages, big pedal bass sound, and plenty of very original ideas. Line-up / Musicians Ardie Westdijk/keyboards,vocals Aad.v.d.Valk/bass pedals, harmonica,bass,vocals,synthesizer Gerard Lock/drums,percussion,vocals Arjen Westdijk/guitars,vocals Discography The Voyage 1982
1.Helix Harmony 2.Asgarith's Song 3.True Or False 4.The Voyage 5.Daily Things 6.Battle Of Somme 7.The Melody 8.Five O'Clock
'Pablo el enterrador' is one of those hidden gems of progressive rock,that was digged up from the ashes of time and became widely known to the public. Probably the most beautiful and sophisticated group from Argentina. The band consisted of four members,two of them being keyboardists,so obviously their style is quite keyboard-dominated. They combine a refined classical influence with definite progressive sound and folk with superb vocals and lyrics. Their music is enlightened by a very important sense of melody. The arrangements are inspired by classical music, and include violin and flute sounds that come just in time to enhance excellent guitar parts or even the keyboards. Sometimes, they might remind you of GALADRIEL.Their first recording "Pablo El Enterrador" appear in 1983 becoming an immediate success. After a long absence, in 1995-1997 they start working in new material that was included in their second album "2" considered by many the best work of the group. This is an Argentine band with a strong neo prog influence. There is a good balance between vocals and instrumental playing. Line-up / Musicians Jorge Antun/synth,Hammond organ Marcelo Sali/drums Jose Maria Blanc/guitar,bass,vocals Omar Lopez/piano,Minimoog synth Discography Pablo "El Enterrador" 1983
1.Carrousell de La Vieja Idiotez 2.Elefantes de Papel 3.Quien Gira y Quien Suena 4.Ilusion En Siete Octavos 5.Accionista 6.Dentro del Corral 7.Espiritu Esfumado 8.La Herencia de Pablo
Obscure neo prog band from early '80's, who came from Holland and were formed in mid '70's around Henny van Mourik - bass and vocals. They released only one album in 1983 named very suggestive - The first goodbye. While the progressive rock music was something of a lost battle in early '80 some bands manage to survive and other just begin to take form. One of the bands from second category who has a quite successful album in that period was Cirkel (circle in English). The music is not very sophisticated like on other neo prog bands from that period, Marillion come in mind, their first album is much more rockyer, but The first goodbye has plenty of good moments, is clear that this band was promising Dutch out fit. The pop sound dominated the album but is so well melted with neo prog elements. The album is not very complex, has some fine moments, specially, keyboards sound very interesting, it gives a special '80's feel to it, but very ok in the end, Henny van Mourik has a good voice for this kind of music, nothing over the top, but enjoyable all the way. All the pieces stands as good, not a weak moment here, More than a match on the portative . In 1984 they disbanded. It’s a good album, nothing really impressive or groundbreaking like other albums from that period in neo prog zone, but well performed. Cirkel is one of the bands from early neo prog movement both from Holland and in Europe in general. Similarity with Zaragon from Denmark or Dragonfly from Switzerland. Line-up / Musicians Hans den Hartog/guitar,keyboards,vocals Hennie van Mourik/vocals,bass Ad Struijk/drums,percussion Chris van Hoogdalem/guitar Discography The First Goodbye 1983
1.The prisoner 2.More than a match 3.Four hands 4.A song of love and hate 5.Autumn awakes 6.The first goodbye 7.Sea 8.A morning in France 9.Wishing 10.Elfin
Blind Owl is one of the forgotten neo prog bands from the 80's from USA. Formed in Boston in mid '80's they manage to release only one album in 1988 named Dubut at dusk. Drummer Brian Emerson, guitarist Michael Amedure, bass player and vocalist Kenneth Bates, and Keyboardist Bruce Alger came together, and recorded "Debut at Dusk." The album was released by Raptor in 1988. However, it didn't get much notice. The band had some notoriety in New England, but failed to expand their fan base much further. Years later, it was re-released on CD, and became available in many of the better-known prog stores. Because of this, there was more interest in the band long after they were gone, then when they were active. The other success story of this band is Bruce Alger. He went on to perform with other artists, and was even a member of Eccentric Orbit for a while. The New England music scene still embraces him, and he is sited as an influence by many young artists. Many of the more familiar comparisons are used for BLIND OWL, but the most prevalent seems to be Asia's first album. Synth is given more due than guitar, and the cues are taken from the classics of the '70s, but it is definitely '80s rock. Line-up / Musicians Bruce Alger/keyboards,guitar,vocals Michael Amedure/guitar,vocals Kenneth Bates/bass,guitar,vocals Brian Emerson/drums Discography Debut at Dusk 1988
1.Feel the Fire 2.Give Up the Ghost 3.The Seed Has Been Sown 4.Hymn for 84/The Second Coming 5.Life on Your Own 6.Digital Animal Suite a.The Animal b.The Technology Highway Boogie c.The Nightmare of Reality 7.Moroccan Sand
Founded by former Elohim members, brothers Jean-Paul Trutet and Daniel Trutet, along with Delphine Douillard, and keyboard maestro Thierry Brandet. This would prove to be mainly a Brandet venture, as the Trutets did not stay for the second album. Brandet is also the primary composer. The name is taken from a mysterious community of ancient Jews, called the esséniens, who lived in the desert of Judea. Almost nothing was known about them until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. They were dislodged by the Romans, at the time of the Jewish revolution. As you may have guessed, Keyboards reign supreme with this group. There are the usual comparisons to Genesis, Yes, and even Marillion. The most obvious influence is Rick Wakeman, but there is more. Douillard's Harp is quite unique in the realm of rock music. Classical composers, and France itself, are in the mix, thus giving a unique flavor to Hecenia. The first album features the vocals of Jean-Paul Trutet, and the second is entirely instrumental. Both are highly regarded, and Hecenia is a star of modern French progressive music. Line-up / Musicians Thierry Brandet/keyboards,drum Pierre-Yves Chiron/bass,guitar Daniel Trutet/guitar Jean-Paul Trutet/vocals Pascal Tremblay/bass Claude Chauveau/drums Delphine Douillard/harp Discography Légendes 1989
1.Hécénia 2.Le passage 3.Le grimoire 4.La vieille femme et la chandelle
