Record Reviews
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  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ A FOREIGN FIELD THAT IS FOREVER ENGLAND
TRANSATLANTIC 330 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Amazing Blondel were probably the most unique UK Prog group in all times, dedicated to playing ancient and medieval English music performed on the original instruments of the period and sung in amazing vocal harmonies. Their work was trully breathtaking. This allbum collects live recordings from 1972-1973 captured during the group`s European performances. An absolute must!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ ENGLAND / BLONDEL
BGO 0914 (Barcode: 5017261209146) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2010
4th and 5th albums by British band Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, which were quite an unusual "bird" among the flourishing UK Folk-Rock flock in the late 1960s / early 1970s. Although many British bands often relied on traditional folk material and even went back several centuries in search for inspiration (PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, GryphonFind albums by this artist and even Jethro TullFind albums by this artist), none of them dedicated their entire musical scope to English Early Music, Elizabethan song and minstrelsy, which is exactly what Amazing Blondel did. Formed by Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and John GladwinFind albums by this artist, the band was soon after expanded to a trio with the addition of Eddie BairdFind albums by this artist. The duo managed to record the debut album "The Amazing Blondel And A Few FacesFind albums with this title" for the obscure BellFind albums on this label label and after expanding to a trio they joined the roster of IslandFind albums on this label Records, recording a series of albums for that label, of which the two albums included here were the last. The very fact that a major record label would sign such an unusual fact is a reflection of the times and the character of the legendary Island owner Chris BlackwellFind albums by this artist, who collected on his label a staggering crew of music makers, promoting music on the basis of its merit rather than on its commercial potential – happy and sadly long time gone reality. These two albums are some of the most memorable and unusual musical documents of that era of Artistic freedom. "EnglandFind albums with this title" features music, almost entirely written by Gladwin, who also sings the lead vocals, is completely acoustic and played on instruments, which were used centuries ago and based entirely on the English Early Music format. The lyrics are also kept in the general spirit of the era, spiced with humorous tongue in cheek tidbits. "BlondelFind albums with this title", recorded following Gladwin´s departure from the group, is slightly more Rocky and features Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist on bass guitar and Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist (FreeFind albums by this artist) on drums as well as many other guest artists including Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, who sings on one track. In retrospect these two albums remain an ageless masterpiece, unrivaled to this very day and I can hardly imagine any Folk-Rock enthusiast´s record collection, which does not include them. For people who never came across this band before, this reissue is a splendid opportunity to fill a gap, which is unforgettable. Grab it!
| | Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ EVENSONG / FANTASIA LINDUM
BGO 626 (Barcode: 5017261206268) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2004
2nd and 3rd albums by British band Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, which were quite an unusual "bird" among the flourishing UK Folk-Rock flock in the late 1960s / early 1970s. Although many British bands often relied on traditional folk material and even went back several centuries in search for inspiration (PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, GryphonFind albums by this artist and even Jethro TullFind albums by this artist), none of them dedicated their entire musical scope to English Early Music, Elizabethan song and minstrelsy, which is exactly what Amazing Blondel did. Formed by Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and John GladwinFind albums by this artist, the band was soon after expanded to a trio with the addition of Eddie BairdFind albums by this artist. The duo managed to record the debut album "The Amazing Blondel And A Few FacesFind albums with this title" for the obscure BellFind albums on this label label and after expanding to a trio they joined the roster of IslandFind albums on this label Records, recording a series of albums for that label, of which the two albums included here were the first. The very fact that a major record label would sign such an unusual fact is a reflection of the times and the character of the legendary Island owner Chris BlackwellFind albums by this artist, who collected on his label a staggering crew of music makers, promoting music on the basis of its merit rather than on its commercial potential – happy and sadly long time gone reality. These two albums are some of the most memorable and unusual musical documents of that era of Artistic freedom. The music, almost entirely written by Gladwin, who also sings the lead vocals, is completely acoustic and played on instruments, which were used centuries ago and based entirely on the English Early Music format. The lyrics are also kept in the general spirit of the era, spiced with humorous tongue in cheek tidbits. "Fantasia LindumFind albums with this title" includes a suite of the same name (which originally took up the entire side of the LP), which is often considered as one of British Prog-Folk most revered pieces. In retrospect these two albums remain an ageless masterpiece, unrivaled to this very day and I can hardly imagine any Folk-Rock enthusiast´s record collection, which does not include them. For people who never came across this band before, this reissue is a splendid opportunity to fill a gap, which is unforgettable. Grab it!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ LIVE IN TOKYO
TALKING ELEPHANT 144 (Barcode: 5028479014422) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009
9th and last album by the wonderful British Folk-Rock / Prog group Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. After recording four wonderful albums for the IslandFind albums on this label label, the band switched to the DJMFind albums on this label label, where they recorded four additional albums before disbanding. With the departure of John GaldwinFind albums by this artist, the duo of Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and Edward BairdFind albums by this artist continued to carry the band´s tradition, utilizing well-known Rock musicians as guest artists and modifying the sound to a more contemporary rockier song format. This album has nothing to do with Japan, as it was recorded in Europe, although the group was quite popular in Japan at the time. This album represents in a way a comeback to the acoustic version of the band, with just Wincott and Baird up front, accompanied by an orchestra at times, doing what they do best. In many respects it is the best effort of the later period of the band and a perfect parting gift. Worth investigation!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ RESTORATION
TALKING ELEPHANT 093 (Barcode: 5028479009329) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1997 Released: 2006
The original members of Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist: John GladwinFind albums by this artist, Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and Edward BairdFind albums by this artist, reunited 22 years after they created some magical music in the 1970s, and recorded this great album as if time stood still since. They were at it again, reviving, at least stylistically, early English music, with their acoustic instruments and amazing vocal harmonies, presenting a new set of wonderful melodies and those humorous lyrics, even throwing one Latin song as a bonus. Transported in time a few hundred years back, one can hear Elizabethan chords, madrigals and other trademarks of medieval music, at their full glory. One can only wish that all band reunions would produce such a triumphant result, but alas this is too much to ask in most cases. At least this album is the exception, which was well worth waiting for. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ RESTORATION
TRANSATLANTIC 301 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A reunion album by this group from 1997, 22 years after they disbanded. Fortunately this amazing recording continues the tradition of excellence set by their original albums and there is no change or difference whatsoever. The same brilliant instrumental performances and vocal harmonies of elegance and charm. For lovers of medieval music this is truly an extatic experience.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRYPHON ~ GRYPHON
TALKING ELEPHANT 117 (Barcode: 5028479011728) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007
1st album by the wonderful British Prog group GryphonFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. Formed by students at the Royal Academy of Music in London, the band members were all well educated in classical music, which was evident both in the level of their compositions, as well as in their superb performing skills. Founded by Richard HarveyFind albums by this artist (keyboards, woodwinds and guitars) and Brian GullandFind albums by this artist (woodwinds – especially bassoon – keyboards and vocals), who both shared a deep love for early music, Renaissance and medieval church music, as well as British folk, which determined the group´s musical direction. Combining these elements with some contemporary Rock elements, they managed to achieve a completely unique sound and musical vision, which was somewhere between Folk-Rock groups like PentangleFind albums by this artist and Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and Early British music ensembles like Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist. The pair was joined by guitarist Graeme TaylorFind albums by this artist and the trio started performing mostly in the Folk-Rock circles. Later expanded to a quartet, when joined by drummer David OberleFind albums by this artist, the group finally crystallized their stylistic approach. Signed by the legendary TransatlanticFind albums on this label label, they recorded 4 classic albums for the label, all of which are superb examples of British Folk-Rock / Prog and essential pieces of the wonderful puzzle created at the time. This is one of those albums, which should be an integral part of any serious Prog collection and an absolute classic of the genre.
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