Record Reviews

FIELDS ~ CONTRASTS: URBAN ROAR TO COUNTRY PEACE ESOTERIC 2488 (Barcode: 5013929458840) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2015 This is the second album by British Prog trio FieldsFind albums by this artist, led by keyboardist Graham FieldFind albums by this artist, which included guitarist / bassist / vocalist Frank FarrellFind albums by this artist (who replaced the original bassist Alan BarryFind albums by this artist) and drummer Andy McCullochFind albums by this artist. The recording of this album was interrupted after the trio was dropped by their label (CBSFind albums on this label Records) and the album was never released at the time. This release includes the eight tracks that the trio managed to record as well as the demos of three additional tracks that were made at the time. Nine of the tracks were written by Field and two were co-written by Field and Farrell. The music is a wonderful amalgam of melodic songs and Jazzy arrangements, all masterly put together by Field and featuring his superb keyboards playing. This continued the approach Field already displayed as a founding member of the group Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, which he left to form Fields. The music also projected a typical "Englishness", which blissfully ornamented the output by many of the British Prog bands at the time, a quality that is impossible to describe and is only recognized by listeners familiar with the recorded work by these bands. Sadly Field left the career of songwriting and performing as a Rock musician and British music lost a great composer and very unique keyboards player, who might have contributed many more splendid pieces of music, like those present here. Thankfully this lost gem is finally available for all Prog fans to enjoy, as usual better late than never. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 24/01/2017Posted: 24/01/2017

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

FIELDS ~ FIELDS ESOTERIC 2207 (Barcode: 5013929730748) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2010 Only album by the short-lived Prog trio FieldsFind albums by this artist formed by keyboardist Graham FieldFind albums by this artist after he left Rare BirdFind albums by this artist, following the recording of their first two albums, with guitarist Alan BarryFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy McCullochFind albums by this artist. Field, who was the main composer in Rare Bird, wrote all the music for this album, which in many respects could be considered as Rare Bird´s 3rd album. The trio had a great rapport between them and the album is really excellent in every respect. Field plays some amazing keyboards and McCulloch was one of the best British drummers at the time, so it´s quite natural that the album really works. In time the album was accepted as a classic of the genre and this new edition is most welcome. A must to all Progheads!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend