Record Reviews

CZAR ~ CZAR SUNBEAM 5040 (Barcode: 5051125504015) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2007 Only album by British group CzarFind albums by this artist, which consisted of Bob HodgesFind albums by this artist (keyboards & vocals), Mick WareFind albums by this artist (guitar & vocals), Paul KendrickFind albums by this artist (bass & vocals and the band’s main composer) and Derrick GoughFind albums by this artist (drums). They played great proto-Prog material, based on the extensive use of Hammond organ and mellotron and heavy lead guitar, as did many of their contemporaries. The lengthy tracks leave plenty of space for solos by the lead instruments and their 3-way vocal harmonies are pretty unique. Stylistically the group’ material is similar to early Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, Atomic RoosterFind albums by this artist and especially NiceFind albums by this artist, due to their use of adaptations of Classical Music themes, which served as a basis for long instrumental tours de force. Unfortunately their rearrangement of Manuel de FallaFind albums by this artist’s “Ritual Fire Dance”, which was their most ambitious piece, was omitted form the original LP release, only to be corrected with it being included as one of the bonus tracks on this reissue. The original LP earned a legendary status over the years and became a rare collector’s item, now back in circulation. Lovers of the late 1960s early British Prog will have a field day with this album, which lost none of its charm over the years.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend