Record Reviews

CHITINOUS ENSEMBLE ~ CHITINOUS VOCALION 8405 (Barcode: 765387840525) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2005 This strange and beautiful album would have never been released at the time if not for the openness of the DeramFind albums on this label label to issue even the most eccentric material, as long as it had musical merit. The Chitinous EnsembleFind albums by this artist was as fictitious as they come, so named by cellist / composer / arranger Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist, who assembled the musicians to perform an ambitious piece of orchestral music he composed. Buckmaster was a gifted and accomplished musician, who was in great demand in UK as arranger and composer, working with top Rock stars like Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, the Bee GeesFind albums by this artist (see OdessaFind albums with this title) and even the Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist (see Sticky FingersFind albums with this title). He also composed numerous film scores, including the amazing soundtrack for Roman PolanskiFind albums by this artist’s MacbethFind albums with this title, where he cooperated with the Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist. The ensemble Buckmaster assembled to perform this complex extended composition includes a large string section and a large deployment of his Jazz buddies, all top British Jazz players like Ian CarrFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist on bass, John MarshallFind albums by this artist on drums and many more. The music is a mixture of classical influences with Jazz-Rock rhythmic patterns and modern sound vistas, all combined together into a wonderful sonic experience. It sounds absolutely great today as if time only enhanced the intrinsic beauty included therein. Wholeheartedly recommended for more adventurous listeners.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend