Prog Rock Wednesdays (Page 10 of 24)

Some very "fresh" and uniquely performed music. (That means I like it, TF). I plan to check out some more of their offerings.

Can't really place them] in the music spectrum anywhere (and why would I need to?), but I think I hear a little bit of David Clayton Thomas in there, and some soft horns probably would be appropriate........

BUT.....it stands on its own just fine.

Thank you my friend for once again pleasantly surprising me!

Bill

Mostly Autumn    "The Gap is Too Wide"     2009

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

I'm changing this post, after realizing I'd posted the initial selection in March 2015. That's what I get for not writing it down. Here's a warm piece with terrific vocal arrangements, and lots of instruments to create layers of lavish music. This song is from their second album "The Spirit of Autumn Past" (2002).

Phil Manzanera    "Diamond Head"    BBC Studio, London

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76vZq_8 … tml5=False

Phil Targett-Adams (Manzanera is his stage name) is one of those amazing guitarists, who has habitually shunned being the centre of attention for most of his career. His resume is very impressive, from early work with as lead guitarist for Brain Eno and Roxy Music, to his own projects such as 801 and Quiet Sun, to collaborations with Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Steve Winwood, and John Cale ... to name only a few. He has co-produced and co-written with all of these, and in recent years has been second guitar for David Gilmour on his tours.

On top of all this, he is a spectacular guitarist, with a way of putting emotion into his playing that few can match. His creative use of sustain, string bending, intonation, tremolo, and pick attack are all hallmarks of his unique style. Hope y'all enjoy this one!

TF
What an amazing performance. !  So very talented - each contributor of the band  at such a high level.
Classic song.... unique voice and stage presence.

I could not help but think of how much Phill and Ian sound so much alike!

Jethro Tull was soooooo special - thanks for sharing this performance

Jim

Three Friends    "Working All Day"    Gouveia, Portugal, 2014

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

These guys eventually formed out of the disbanding of Gentle Giant. The original "three friends" (Gary Green - guitar, Malcolm Mortimore - drums, Kerry Minnear - keyboards) used the title of GG's second album for the band's name, as the Schulman brothers (Derek, Ray, and Phil) owned the rights to the Gentle Giant name. Three Friends also went through some personnel changes, but managed to release some great material, including this one from GG's 1972 album where the band's name came from.

ABWH    "Birthright"    Japan, 1989

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

Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Howe are 4/5's of the classic YES lineup. They could well have released this concert DVD as YES, excepting that absent bassist Chris Squire owned the rights to the name at the time. It wouldn't be the first time that some squabbling amongst band members has complicated things. Nevertheless, this concert represents some of the group's finest work, and incorporates some of their older classic material, with their newer, fresher music at the time. Although the concert was filmed in Japan in September 1989, the DVD wasn't released until late-1993:

NOTE: This is from the same concert as yesterday's "Tuesday's Flying Fingers" submission.

Marillion    "The Space"    Netherlands, 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6MNMpZAk8s

This selection follows after recent experiences that Beamer has shared with us, regarding his son's interest in learning guitar. His boy especially showed interest in the Squier "Vintage Modified 70's" Stratocaster being played in this concert by Steve Rothery. Here's someone who could be playing any guitar he wants to, but chooses this one which sells for under $400 ... this says all that needs to be said. This is Squier's version of the famous David Gilmour black-top Custom Shop Strat, which sells for $6,000 or more.

Pretty good song also, and Steve Hogarth's vocals are amazing. It's the last song in an encore set, and you can hear him straining. This song is from their 2013 DVD "Brave", filmed during the Marillion Weekend in Port Zelande, Netherlands.

Richard Wright & David Gilmour    "Wearing the Inside Out"    Royal Albert Hall, 2006

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5maelCiug4

Written and sung by the late Mr. Wright, here's a beautiful performance featuring the superb saxophone playing of Dick Parry. Last week's entry (with Phil Collins) started me thinking (again) about the brevity of life. It's important that we make the most of each day, and these many fine musicians and songwriters continue to "speak from beyond" with the legacy of great music left behind. Recorded in May 2006, he wouldn't have had many more performances after this; Richard passed away in September 2008.

Heart    "Mistral Wind"    Seattle, 2002

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAd9u2h_pRA

I know it's not Wednesday, but Anne Wilson came up in another thread, and I just had to post this majestic piece of work from Heart, which features her multi-faceted vocal abilities. Nancy's opening stretch on the acoustic has some interesting note combinations, adding some mystery to the tone of the song.

Yes    "Siberian Khatru"    Montreux, 2003

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Kcs4Xmb8k

An early song from their 1972 album "Close to the Edge", it typifies their lyrically-abstract style of that era. I recall listening to this in high school, and a few of us would go over the lyrics trying to figure out what - or if - they meant anything. If we did decide on a meaning, it was probably just the "substances" talking. This version is very good, although drummer Alan White was never quite able to attain the skill level of the original Bill Bruford. The original vinyl album had more of Roger Dean's other-worldly artwork inside:

Sorry about that, Bill ... I don't know how YouTube recognizes borders, but it does seem odd. Here's another version of Siberian Khatru that I hope plays for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS3UFBRljYw

Rush    "Spirit of Radio"    Toronto, July 30, 2003

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFpZFnJ6ZT8

Starting with a brief nod to the Rolling Stones (who also performed at this concert), the lads perform this classic piece. It's hard to fathom that 450,000 ~ 500,000 people attended this event (see more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molson_Ca … _Toronto). My favorite story out of the whole thing was that Justin Bieber was unceremoniously booed off the stage ... that would have been both thunderous and hilarious!