• From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Marillion   "Neverland"    (Netherlands, 2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3NhNz9-EOA

Marillion is another Prog Rock group that has shown tremendous durability (1979 - present). Like most groups, personnel changes happen, with the biggest being the exit of lead singer "Fish" (Derek Dick) being replaced by Steve Hogarth in this video. I personally like both, and each have a flair for the dramatic. Backing  the group for most of the time has been the excellent guitar playing of Steve Rothery. There are undoubtedly many similarities obvious with some of the better known PR groups, but Marillion stand on their own very well.

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Deep Purple   "Child in Time"   1970

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1slq_FwRN8o

Although these guys were never really a Prog Rock band, this is one of many tracks that shows they could really "bring it" in any genre they chose. They were at their peak in this era, and singer Ian Gillan was perhaps one of the best in the 70's .... powerful, dynamic, talented, expressive. And of course Ritchie Blackmore's guitar playing ranks him as one of the all-time greatest.

Side Note: the audience are sitting on their hands, not sure what they're supposed to be doing or how they should be reacting ... kind of funny, actually.

53 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2014-11-01 10:54:34)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Rush   "La Villa Strangiato"   Cleveland, 2011

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoTxTM6kBuU

Here's another instrumental piece, featuring some amazingly skillful work between guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist Geddy Lee. These guys don't take themselves too seriously, and have a blast when performing. That certainly comes out in the free-feeling attitude of their music, and makes RUSH one of the most enjoyable groups to watch. I hope you enjoy this one ... it's just plain fun.

  • From: SC Pa
  • Registered: 2014-03-26
  • Posts: 1,348

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Excellent! I haven't listened to Rush in quite some time. Thanks. smile

__________________________________
[b]Today Is Only Yesterdays Tomorrow[/b]
  • badeye
  • The Blues Fixer
  • Offline
  • From: Cape Breton Island, Canada
  • Registered: 2006-09-02
  • Posts: 3,381

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Does this count as 'prog blues '...  these guys been around for a while....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAWjSkbPC2o




badeye    cool

one caper after another
  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Good one, Badeye! I think your term "Prog Blues" is entirely accurate for the DBB, 'cuz these guys did things within the blues genre that nobody else did.

57 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2014-11-08 13:05:18)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Yes   "Close to the Edge"   Amsterdam, 2002

Part 1    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOrdEcJZyt0

Part 2   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvAa-RtwIhI

Yes' 1972 album "Close to the Edge" built further upon their album "Fragile", show-casing both their musicianship and composition abilities. The title track became an iconic piece for the Prog Rock genre, and even today's PR aficionados will typically mention CTTE as one of the top contributions to PR of all time. The song is lush with beautiful imagery, unusual time signatures, high-level musicianship, and multi-layered harmonies and counterpoint structures. The tight playing of guitarist Steve Howe and bassist Chris Squire is just plain clever, and the addition of the enthusiastic European Festival Orchestra is the icing on the cake.

Of particular note is keyboardist Tom Brislin. Yes' regular man (Rick Wakeman) was supposed to accompany them on this tour, but had scheduling conflicts due to other commitments. As a result, Brislin had less than a month to learn the entire repertoire before the tour! I know most of us are guitar players, but Brislin certainly deserves an "Atta boy!" for this effort.

This is a long one (+20 minutes) which is often a criticism of Prog Rock, i.e., it asks a lot of the listener. I find that a big mug of tea and some of my wife's home-made peanut butter cookies are ideal to enjoy with this. I hope you find this piece worth the effort.

58 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2014-11-15 15:51:30)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Marillion   "Quartz"   Cardogan Hall, 2009

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8BC5Sjmsxs

This creative piece features some cool percussion at the start (xylophone, glockenspiel, and blocks) and finishes with an emotional guitar solo from Steve Rothery. His style is quite similar to David Gilmour's, with more emphasis on "feel" than just flashy speed. He deservedly gets a standing ovation from the audience at the end. If I were a performer, I'd love to play in front of a crowd that's this involved.

Hope y'all enjoy it!

59 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2014-11-23 23:18:09)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Emerson, Lake, and Palmer    "Karn Evil 9"    California, 1974

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeQsZOQqO6I

Although ELP were probably best known for their radio-friendly song "Lucky Man", die hard Prog Rock fans are more likely to mention KE9 as one of their signature compositions. Singer / guitarist Greg Lake gave force to the sci-fi lyrics, while Keith Emerson's virtuoso keyboard playing, and Carl Palmer's amazing drumming gave the them a bigger sound than most trios can muster. These were also the early days of the synthesizer, with most gear being monophonic at the time, incapable of producing multi-note chords. Reknowned keyboardists of the day (Rick Wakeman, Jon Lord, Patrick Moraz, Mike Oldfield, etc.) featured heavy use of the Hammond B3 or C3 organ, which became a recognizable instrument for many 70's bands.

Hope everyone enjoys this energetic performance, even though our beloved guitar is playing "second fiddle".

  • Grah1
  • Honoured Member
  • Offline
  • From: Cold and rainy Settle UK
  • Registered: 2011-05-12
  • Posts: 1,626

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Moody blues did nights in white satin

Grah1's Website

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Right you are, Graham.

I must have been thinking about "White lace and feathers, they made up his bed" from "Lucky Man". It doesn't always pay to get up early!

Nice catch!

62 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2014-11-29 12:00:13)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Yes   "Yours is no Disgrace"   Rainbow Theatre, 1972

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd4jeeu90Rk

Here's a great track from the "Yessongs" film that was released in 1974. A group of us (then in our late-teens) walked several miles to a local theatre, that played it from midnight till 3:00 AM. Certain "smoke-able substances" were in abundance in the theatre, but the understanding management never said a word. I still remember this for Steve Howe's guitar solo, which we affectionately named the "quack attack" for the raw sound of his Gibson ES-175. I remember very little of the long walk back to my apartment, but we repeatedly muttered "That was amazing!" along the way. It has a fun jazzy intro, and you can really see Chet Atkins influence on Howe's playing style.

  • From: SC Pa
  • Registered: 2014-03-26
  • Posts: 1,348

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Time for another injection of Jerry. smile From Philadelphia, Pa.  July 7, 1989. 

I'm in that crowd somewhere. The end of my regular touring days. First Daughter was born 7-29-89. Went to a few nearby outdoor shows with her on my back in '90 and '91, but traveling any distance came to an end in '89. She doesn't remember any of it but she can tell her friends that she went to a few shows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxUD2IX1UfM

__________________________________
[b]Today Is Only Yesterdays Tomorrow[/b]
  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Excellent contribution, Uncle Joe ... thanks!

Sadly, the link you posted has been taken down. Here's another of the same tune by GD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYCJ5qkVqX8

65 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2014-12-06 14:17:43)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Camel   "Pressure Points"   London, 1984

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHbWvA1kfpc

A new entry from a different band this week. Fronted by talented multi-instrumentalist Andy Latimer, they first performed in 1971, released their first album in 1972, and have 14 studio albums to date. They typically represent a bit softer side of the Prog Rock genre, with strong influences from middle-ages English folk music. Latimer was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 2007, and endured bone marrow transplants, chemo, and other formidable therapies. After several years of gradual recovery, Latimer began his "Retirement Sucks Tour" in 2013. His love of performing, incredible talent, and "never give up" attitude is truly inspirational.

  • From: SC Pa
  • Registered: 2014-03-26
  • Posts: 1,348

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Tenement Funster wrote:

Excellent contribution, Uncle Joe ... thanks!

Sadly, the link you posted has been taken down.

I just tried it and it worked.

__________________________________
[b]Today Is Only Yesterdays Tomorrow[/b]
  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

unclejoesband wrote:
Tenement Funster wrote:

Excellent contribution, Uncle Joe ... thanks!

Sadly, the link you posted has been taken down.

I just tried it and it worked.

Well isn't that odd?! I just tried your link again, Uncle Joe, and the YouTube screen says: "The uploader has not made this video available in your country." I've never seen that message before ... strange. Maybe if BadEye is reading in, he could try it and see if it's not-in-Canada issue.

68 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2014-12-13 14:38:47)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Genesis   "The Return of the Giant Hogweed"    1972

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f59EKHdeyKc

Of particular note is Steve Hackett's tapping technique, which appears on the 1971 album "Nursery Cryme" on this song and "The Musical Box". Eddie Van Halen and many others credit Hackett as being the first person to ever employ tapping on a recording. You'll also note bassist Mike Rutherford (Mike and the Mechanics), a skinny Peter Gabriel on vocals, and Phil Collins with lots of hair (drums).

The song itself is a fantastical exaggeration of a weed problem that gardeners were battling with in those days. And this could quite well be the first and only time that the Latin name for a noxious weed has ever been incorporated into the lyrics of a song (Heracleum Mantegazzianum) lol Gabriel went over the top with the lyrics, treating the infestation as if it was an alien invasion bent on conquering the planet. I suspect hallucinogens may have been involved in the composition, but it's still very good music and musicianship, by a pivotal band in the early days of Progressive Rock.

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Uriah Heep   "Tales"   London, 2000

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cIBA9MLAJw

Great vocal performance by Bernie Shaw and his background trio, plus flute support from Thijs Van Leer of "Focus". This entire  concert (called "Acoustically Driven") is on YouTube in various renderings, and is some of the best live Heep material recorded. Another one of those concerts I wish I could have been at!

  • badeye
  • The Blues Fixer
  • Offline
  • From: Cape Breton Island, Canada
  • Registered: 2006-09-02
  • Posts: 3,381

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Tenement Funster wrote:
unclejoesband wrote:
Tenement Funster wrote:

Excellent contribution, Uncle Joe ... thanks!

Sadly, the link you posted has been taken down.

I just tried it and it worked.

Well isn't that odd?! I just tried your link again, Uncle Joe, and the YouTube screen says: "The uploader has not made this video available in your country." I've never seen that message before ... strange. Maybe if BadEye is reading in, he could try it and see if it's not-in-Canada issue.

Got the same message T.F.   ..  only in Canada eh......



badeye    cool

one caper after another

71 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2014-12-23 02:24:40)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Porcupine Tree   "Trains"   Chicago, 2005

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AigDhKVqH8

With me being on vacation for the last 2 weeks of the year, there'll be a few more Prog Rock entries than usual. I've been enjoying learning some of PT's material, and this one is especially fun to play along with. Steve Wilson is playing that unique Babicz acoustic of his, and I've been noticing that unmistakable design in a lot peoples hands lately (Todd Rundgren, Billy Crain, Pat Travers, John Platania ... to name a few). The exceptional drumming (Gavin Harrison) and bass playing (Colin Edwin) really anchor these guys down well.

The train derails with a broken string (4:00 minute mark) and Wilson's casual way of handling it is a real hoot. This is where having a spare nearby and a good roadie to get things back on track is essential. This is another reason why I prefer live music to studio, i.e., real life can and does happen.

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Colosseum II      "The Scorch"      BBC Sight & Sound, 1978

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLEb6LDg3qE

During the 70's, the BBC would film various bands in small venues, and televise one-hour broadcasts to showcase the talent. Our modern TV concerts typically only feature so-called "talent" shows, and extravanganzas celebrating the newest one-hit-wonder recording artists. Yup ... I'm getting old & cynical.

Colosseum II was formed by drummer Jon Hiseman, and although they only put out 4 albums, the quality of music was stellar. You'll recognize a very young, almost pre-pubescent Don Airey on keyboards, who replaced the late Jon Lord with Deep Purple. You'll also notice the amazing guitar work of the late Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy) in this very tight rendition of "The Scorch" from their 1977 album "Electric Savage."

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Jethro Tull    "My God"    Montreux Jazz Festival, 2003

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A85Iq4JLy4

Here's an oldie from Tull's 1971 album "Aqualung". It's simply Ian's take on organized religion, which was a recurring theme from their early days. The interaction between he and guitarist Martin Barre is fun to watch, and for me it's a real shame that this dynamic duo has parted ways in recent years. The song "A Change of Horses" from Ian's "Thick as a Brick II" album (2012) seems to express his need for a fresh approach to his musical career, but it's always unfortunate to watch great partnerships come to an end.

74 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2015-01-03 11:22:32)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Pink Floyd    "Comfortably Numb"    Hyde Park, London, 2005

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_4uEaZQ2Kg

The lads got together for a few tunes, over 20 years after Roger Waters had left. Subsequent albums and tours saw him primarily replaced with bassist Guy Pratt, who I feel did an admirable job. For me, David Gilmour and Richard Wright were always the musical soul of the group, while Waters lyrics' were the message. Without intending to be unkind to any of them, Pink Floyd were an example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Few groups have surpassed their timeless qualities, and few have had the impact on live music like they have. The gesture by Waters at the end towards Gilmour seems awkward.

Here's a photo of all five of them together (including original member Syd Barrett) from 1968:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d6/Pink_Floyd_-_all_members.jpg/220px-Pink_Floyd_-_all_members.jpg

75 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2015-01-10 14:07:53)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Prog Rock Wednesdays

Yes (Acoustic)    "Roundabout"    California, 2004

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR5NRazwCu0

A different take on a classic piece from Yes, originally released on their 1971 album "Fragile" with electric / electronic instruments. Sometimes all of the electronics can blurr the music and musicianship behind the song itself, so doing an acoustic or unplugged version has a warm yet raw edge to it. This was "live in studio" broadcast from 2004, which was sent out to a couple dozen theatres across the US. I've got the DVD and enjoy watching it often. It's interesting to hear how a group will interpret their own music with different instrumentation, and I think they've knocked it out of the park with this one.

Hope you enjoy it!