Kollektiv - Kollektiv (1973)

A bit diffiuclt to classify, Kollectiv is at times in the krautrock direction, but they also range across jazz/rock/fusion territory and even head a bit into avant-garde territory. Instrumental rock of a high caliber, whatever you want to call it. There is even a bit of early pre-Kraftwerk-like sound in the mix. An enjoyable recording that I am glad to have found. This 2007 release contains four bonus tracks totaling almost another thirty minutes of music.

 

Track List:

1. Tambo Zambo (11:49)
2. Baldrian (7:05)
3. Försterlied (1:49)
4. Gageg - Andante/Allegro/Pressluft (20:00)
5. Intro (2:23) 
6. Pull Moll (7:16)
7. Pap-Jack (13:17)
8. Rozz-Pop (5:34)

 

Download Links: Part 1, Part 2.

Espiritu - Crisalida (1975)

Argentinian progressive rock group heavily influenced by Yes, Genesis and other early progressive rock groups. This is their first album and is a classic. Very nicely produced, recently re-issued but now out of print again already (although copies can be had from independent sellers, see below). This recording is their best according to most fans of the group.

Track List:

1. La Casa De La Mente (The House Of Mind) (6:58)
2. Prolijas Virtudes Del Olivido(Tedious Virtues Of Olivido) (2:52)
3. Suenos Blancos Ideas Negras(White Dream Black Ideas) (6:10)
4. Sabois De Vida (6:10)
5. Eterna Evidencia (Eternal Evidence) (2:59)
6. Tiempo De Ideas (Idea Of Time) (3:38)
7. Hay Un Mundo Cerrado Dentro Tuyo (Yours Is A Closed World Inside) (4:20)
8. Hay Un Mundo Luminoso (There is A Luminous World) (8:07)

Download Link:Download link removed due to copyright complaint.

Unfortunately, even though this recording is out of print, there has been a copyright complaint and the recording has been removed. Copies of unknown provenance are available at Amazon here: Crisalida.

 Recordings by Espiritu:

• Libre y Natural
• Crisalida

Chimera - Des Duivels Oorkussen (1979)

This progressive folk from the Netherlands, very much a Celtic kind of sound. This is Chimera's first release. In some ways their second is better and incorporates more of a rock sound, but this one is great as well, in my opinion. This group is not to be confused with one of the several other groups by the same name, including a Chimera from Belfast.

 

"CHIMERA began as a duo of fellow students Bas and Marry Verkade. The Verkades soon wed, and along with Marry's brother Koos became a trio whose music consisted largely of British and popular American folk covers. By the late seventies the group had migrated to Dutch folk themes and original compositions, leading to their first studio release ('Des Duivels Oorkussen') on the Stoof label in 1979. This was followed with a second and final album, 'Obstakel' in 1981, where the band expanded their sound to include electric instruments and a somwhat more rock-oriented sound, particularly on the second half of the album. The second release was well-received and the group had a planned international tour and tracks recorded for a third studio album, but as Bas and Marry felt the call to full-time parenthood for their two children they disbanded the group in 1982. The band reformed several years later and existed in varying degrees until illness led to a second retirement in 1995, but no further recordings were issued."

 

Source: Progarchives

 

Track List:

1. Daphne (6:12)
2. Een Aardig Vrouwke (4:40)
3. Warris (8:11)
4. St Vitusdans (4:03)
5. De Droghen Haring (1:57)
6. De Loteling (9:20)
7. Des Duivels Oorkussen (5:48)
8. Een Boerman (6:14)

 Download Links: Part 1, Part 2.

Arti and Mestieri - Giro di Valzer per Domani (1975)

My weakness for Italian progressive rock is showing again. Just found a copy of Giro di Valzer per Domani by Arti and Mestieri and just had to share it. Unlike a lot of other progressive groups their songs are on the shorter side, but are nevertheless well crafted.

 

The sextet Arti & Mestieri was formed in 1974 in Torino, Italy, by drummer Furio Chirico, following his departure from the Trip. Drawing membership from the cream of the local jazz rock scene, Arti & Mestieri frequently found themselves sharing a bill with Area, the long-running kings of that particular arena. However, their renown was such that they also opened for a number of visiting acts, most notably Gentle Giant. An intereswting tidbit considering that Gentle Giant is one of my favorites and I still remember a concert I attended in the 70s where Starcastle opened for them.

 

Track List:

1. Valzer Per Domani
2. Mirafiori
3. Saper Sentire
4. Nove Lune Prima
5. Mescal
6. Mescalero
7. Nove Lune Dopo
8. Dimensione Terra
9. Aria Pesante
10. Consapevolezza Parte 1a
11. Sagra
12. Consapevolezza Parte 2a
13. Rinuncia
14. Marilyn
15. Terminal

 Download Links: Part 1, Part 2.

 

Other Recordings by Arti and Mestieri:

• Tilt
• Giro Di Valzer Per D
• Live/1974-2000
• First Live in Japan
• Articollezione
• Quinto Stato
• Estrazioni
• Giro di Valzer per Domani
• Acquario
• Murales