Record Reviews

CMU ~ OPEN SPACES ESOTERIC 2093 (Barcode: 5013929719323) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008 1st album by the excellent British Prog band CMUFind albums by this artist (Contemporary Music Unit), founded by drummer Roger OdellFind albums by this artist and fronted by his wife Larraine OdellFind albums by this artist, a superb vocalist. The sextet also included bassist Ed LeeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ian HamlettFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Terry MortimerFind albums by this artist and drummer James GordonFind albums by this artist. They played a highly ambitious blend of Rock / Folk / Jazz, with sophisticated compositions and complex arrangements, and although mostly completely unheard of, were one of the most intriguing bands at the time. Strongly rooted in Jazz, the band members were all excellent instrumentalists and the female lead vocals set them apart from most of their contemporaries. They were sometimes compared to the band AffinityFind albums by this artist, which was also fronted by a wonderful female singer Linda HoyleFind albums by this artist and had a similar Jazz background. Unfortunately this original lineup of the group fell apart shortly after this album was released, to reformed later on and record one more album. This little known gem is a must to any serious Prog and early British Jazz-Rock enthusiast.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CMU ~ SPACE CABARET ESOTERIC 2094 (Barcode: 5013929719422) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008 2nd and last album by the excellent British Prog band CMUFind albums by this artist (Contemporary Music Unit), founded by drummer Roger OdellFind albums by this artist and fronted by his wife Larraine OdellFind albums by this artist, a superb vocalist. Following the release of their excellent debut album the original lineup of the group fell apart only to be reformed by the Odells to include another founding member guitarist Ian HamlettFind albums by this artist and new members: singer / guitarist Richard JosephFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Leary HassonFind albums by this artist (ex-MarsupilamiFind albums by this artist), and bassist Steve CookFind albums by this artist. They played a highly ambitious blend of Rock / Folk / Jazz, with sophisticated compositions and complex arrangements, and although mostly completely unheard of, were one of the most intriguing bands at the time. Strongly rooted in Jazz, the band members were all excellent instrumentalists and the female lead vocals set them apart from most of their contemporaries. They were sometimes compared to the band AffinityFind albums by this artist, which was also fronted by a wonderful female singer Linda HoyleFind albums by this artist and had a similar Jazz background. This little known gem is a must to any serious Prog and early British Jazz-Rock enthusiast.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend