Prog Rock Wednesdays (Page 2 of 24)

Here's a great piece by "Porcupine Tree" from England, from their "Anesthetize" tour in 2008. These guys are one of the tightest live groups going, featuring first-class drumming by Gavin Harrison, and solid guitar tones from Steve Wilson and John Wesley, playing PRS guitars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBfY86cktN0

This is a 17-minute track, in true "Prog Rock" style. Sit back with a hot cup o' tea, and drink it all in! This is crazy good music!

No spotlight to steal, Uncle Joe!

You're absolutely correct about the strong King Crimson influence. KC were one of the pioneers of this genre, and anyone following them would name them as an influence. In particular, Robert Fripp's "Frippertronics" as he used to call them are in evidence with Richard Barbieri's keyboard & sampling work, along with the creative drum signatures that Bill Bruford did with them. KC's 1969 song "21st Century Schizoid Man" went places that no one previous had gone, and would still be considered a Prog Rock monument.

There's an interesting tie-in between KC and Porcupine Tree, in that PT's drummer (Gavin Harrison) joined KC in late-2007 and through 2008, providing some reworked versions of older KC classics, with more emphasis on percussion than before. Hey, if you've got Gavin at the drum kit, you're going to put him to work, eh?

Good ear to notice this!

This was supposed to be a weekly thing, but I just couldn't wait! (LOL)

Genesis is another of those iconic Prog Rock bands whose influences went well beyond their band to many others. The primary 5 members of Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, and Phil Collins all went on to do other things as the years went by. But the Genesis repertoire remained intact as music that truly defined the genre. In the last couple of years, guitarist Steve Hackett assembled a stage-full of top notch musicians, and launched the "Genesis Revisited" tour. Here's one of the most iconic songs in all of Prog Rock history ... SUPPER'S READY:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSG1m1qCy2c

Opinions abound about the performances of the various players, in comparison to the originals. But IMHO this group have done an extraordinary job of capturing the essence of the work, even if they don't sound like a recorded lip-synch. You'll notice that the bassist plays his guitars left-handed, but that they are strung for a right-handed person! I can't imagine having to learn everything upside down! And I also think vocalist Nad Sylvan has done a first-rate job of capturing Peter Gabriel's intensity and inflection, even if he's not identical.

Hope you enjoy this ... I certainly have!

Here's one I consider progressive. Others may not. If that's the case, one of our kind mods can yank it.

Unfortunately it is cut off about 30 seconds from the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k77EE3a7DUg

That was my life through most of the 80's. I followed them up and down the East Coast. A lot of my guitar education can be traced to venue parking lots from fellow Deadheads.

I must admit that I was never a big Grateful Dead fan, but this is terrific stuff ... thanks for the contribution, Uncle Joe!

I love floyd,and the Greatful Dead.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        blue skies, green lights and Pink Floyd!   ( and cherry garcia flavour Ice Creme )

I saw Genesis back in 1972 in a small venue with the mostly the original line up and wow I was blown away at the time. Peter Gabriel had his hair shaved at the front a very menacing look and during the set donned his now famous head gear.
A long haired Phil Collins played the drums with gusto...
Suppers Ready was and still is one of my favourite Genesis pieces I still know all the words.
The musical talent was was so oblivious collectively and individually as history proved it to be.
I enjoyed the revisit thanks. The lead singer certainly has a Peter Gabriel like voice and the musical arrangements were were very similar to original.
Great Thread Thanks.
I guess you've got ELP lined up some where...
ark

Rush  -  "The Garden"   (Live in Dallas 2012)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N78WeyurL4s

An amazing and moving ballad, featuring Alex Lifeson's customized Les Paul, showcasing the acoustic tone simulated by the Piezo pickup under the bridge. Technicalities aside, this is beautiful music. Just as Ian Anderson is my greatest influence for acoustic guitar style, Lifeson would be in that same place for electric style.

David Gilmour  -  "Take a Breath"   (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L96IpYeWTk

This beauty is from one of Gilmour's solo albums (On an Island) and was co-written with his wife Polly Samson. There are some notable players at this Gdansk, Poland concert, including the late Richard Wright on keyboards, and another favorite guitarist Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music, 801, etc.) playing the black Strat with white pickguard. Manzanera's style has much in common with Gilmour's, and they've shared the stage and studio together for numerous projects. Gilmour is well-known as a skillful string-bender, and really showcases that talent with some really elastic work in this piece. Hope you enjoy this one!

Tangerine Dream  -  "The Halloween Cast"   (Lisbon, Portugal, 2010)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLlmFkKm0IQ

Had to feature some more of the stellar guitar playing of Austrian-born Bernhard Beibl. He is no longer touring with TD, as apparently there was a dispute over how much (or little) they were offering him. Indeed, with founder Edgar Froese now in his 70th year, the day must be approaching when his Tangerine Dream will no longer be performing. Like everything in life, we have to enjoy these things while they're here. Enjoy!