Sunday, August 11, 2024

Capability Brown - Voice (1973 uk, beautiful art prog rock, 2011 japan SHM remaster)



This album is probably the main reason why the band was branded with the genre "progressive".  While the first four songs are strongly in the direction of their first work, offering rather perfect and sophisticated arrangements in pop and mainstream rock, on the other side, the full-length "Circumstances" offers the band's  well-hidden prog splendor in its purest form. In over 20 minutes, echoes of the great works of bands such as Yes, Gentle Giant, Wishbone Ash, Queen and many more can be heard here in a highly original way.

Completely overlooked and undervalued, this is the 'magnum opus' of a band that I would at least grant the status of one of the pioneers of "ArtPop". As on their debut, the band also knows how to make cover versions of "I am so are You" (Affinity) and "Midnight Cruiser" (Steely Dan) their own. More than just "nice", you should definitely check it out. If the first 4 numbers are too sweet for you, you will at least get a 20-minute prog hammer of the upper category. Capability Brown had everything going for them - at least musically and it is a shame that this release caps their career and output. 
Tracks
1. I Am And So Are You (Alan Hull, Tony Ferguson, Dave Nevin, Kenny Rowe, Grahame White, Joe Williams, Roger Willis) - 3:56
2. Sad Am I (Tony Ferguson) - 3:51
3. Midnight Cruiser (Donald Fagen, Walter Becker) - 4:01
4. Keep Death Off The Road (Drive On The Pavement) (Dave Nevin) - 6:20
5. Circumstances (In Love, Past, Present, Future Meet) (Tony Ferguson, Dave Nevin, Kenny Rowe, Grahame White, Joe Williams, Roger Willis) - 20:49

Capability Brown 
*Tony Ferguson - Vocals, Acoustic, Electric, Pedal Steel Guitar, Bass, Flute, 
*Dave Nevin - Vocals, Electric, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Recorder, Mellotron, Synthesizer, Keyboards, Percussion, Vibraphone
*Kenny Rowe - Vocals, Bass, Percussion
*Grahame White - Vocals, Electric, Acoustic Guitar, Lute, Balalaika, Keyboards
*Joe Williams - Vocals, Percussion
*Roger Willis - Vocals, Drums, Piano, Harmonica

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