Record Reviews

MANFRED MANN`S EARTH BAND ~ RADIO DAYS VOL. 4 EAST CENTRAL ONE 4 (Barcode: 5060051334498) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 - 1973 Released: 2019 This is the fourth volume of an archive series collecting the BBC radio recordings by the various groups led by British keyboardist / composer / bandleader Manfred MannFind albums by this artist. This volume, recorded between 1971 and 1973 includes the recordings by the first incarnation of Manfred Mann`s Earth BandFind albums by this artist, which consisted of Mann on keyboards, Mick RogersFind albums by this artist on vocals and guitar, Colin PattendenFind albums by this artist on bass and Chris SladeFind albums by this artist on drums. The album presents twenty one tracks, which include radio recordings with original announcements, altogether a superb historical glance at British Progressive Rock at its best. The group is still alive and kicking today (2019), now in its fifth decade of activity and many wonderful album releases under the belt. The material included here comes mostly from the first four albums by the group: the eponymous debut ("Manfred Mann`s Earth BandFind albums with this title"), "Glorified MagnifiedFind albums with this title", "Messin`Find albums with this title", and "Solar FireFind albums with this title". Manfred Mann´s Earth Band was from its inception an integral part of the British Progressive Rock movement, although it operated within a unique outline dominated by Mann´s compositions and his Jazz influenced keyboards wizardry and imaginative improvisation skills. His pioneering keyboard technique and especially the wonderful usage of the Moog synthesizer established him as one of the most revered keyboards player on the scene. His extended keyboard extravaganzas, which can be heard here, are among the finest examples of Moog playing in Progressive Rock, way more advanced that what other synthesizer players at the time were doing. As appropriate for the genre, some of the tracks present here are extended versions of album tracks, running beyond the ten minutes mark and in one case almost reaching the twenty minutes mark. In contrast to many other attempts by Prog groups, which often resulted in boring excessive doodling, the music present here is exciting and fascinating all the way through. Overall this is an absolute must for all Manfred Mann fans and connoisseurs of British Progressive Rock of the early 1970s period and a stunning historical document of the period, which should not be missed! The music was compiled by Greg RussoFind albums by this artist, who also wrote the informative booklet accompanying this album – great job mate!

Updated: 13/07/2019Posted: 13/07/2019

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