| # | Artist | Song (click to play) | Album | Year | CD label |
| 1 | Fermata | Perpetum III | X | 1999 | BMG Ariola |
| Fermata is a long running prog/fusion band from the Czech Republic. After their first couple of albums in the mid-late 70's, they turned more in the fusion direction. This latest album finds them squarely in a standard fusion format. In the more adventurous moments, it could be compared to some Steve Morse Band, although it's usually a little more laid back and melodic in a Larry Carlton mode. It's pleasant, but, nothing to get too excited about. | |||||
| 2 | MCH Band | Arena | Karneval | 1999 | Black Point |
|
MCH Band is an experimental prog band from the Czech Republic that has been
around since the late 1970's. I am still trying to find those early recordings,
though. The music has an interesting atmosphere to it that I like. Nice
lead guitar tone with some harmonized melodies. The vocals are less that
optimum, though. This is a decent album, but, my understanding is that
their earlier albums are better. I like this one ok, though. There is
some subtle quirkiness and experimentation to the music.
MCH Band and Mikolas Chadima | |||||
| 3 | Katarsis | 5 degree Romance | Ostion | 1999 | Smogless Records |
|
A new Mexican prog band with hard-rock, heavy-metal, and goth influences.
It's not exactly a style that is my favorite, but, it is pretty good. I do
not know of many comparable bands. Perhaps some of the new Italian prog
bands like A Piedi Nudi, Spirosfera, Garden Wall, Imagin Aria...
cesgar@prodigy.net.mx | |||||
| 4 | Love Unfold the Sun featuring Stefan Dill | How the Nexus Affects Us | Live at Outpost 27.6.99 | 1999 | self-produced CDR |
|
Love Unfold the Sun has an interesting lineup of guitar (Stefan Dill), bass, drums, and
trumpet. The music is experimental prog/fusion that is cerebral and explores some
new boundaries. I am reminded of early 1970's Miles Davis, John McLaughlin's more
"out-there" stuff, John Scofield (Shinola) and Ronald Shannon Jackson. Really great
prog/fusion with an edge. I love the trumpet and guitar interplay.
Stefan Dill - Flamenco meets free jazz improv sdb@plateautel.net | |||||
| 5 | Glauco Fernandes | Native | Glauco Fernandes | 1999 | Popcorn Records |
|
Violin based progressive fusion from Brazil. Sounds like some Jean-Luc Ponty
but not as adventurous. It's a bit more mainstream than JLP. A closer
comparison would be Sagrado, or maybe even Yanni.
gfernandes@pobox.com | |||||
| 6 | Gerard | La Conquista Della Posizione Eretta | Keyboards Triangle | 1999 | Musea |
|
Two keyboard-dominated Japanese progressive rock bands, Ars Nova & Gerard,
pay tribute to some of the great keyboard progressive from the 1970's.
Between the two bands, they play covers of ELP, Trace, Banco, Balletto di
Bronzo, Rick Wakeman, and PFM.
Gerard Ars Nova...The Goddess of Progressive Rock | |||||