"Refugee" by REFUGEE – April 1974 Debut and Only LP on Charisma Records featuring Bassist Lee Jackson and Drummer Brian Davison (both ex The Nice) with Keyboardist Patrick Moraz of Yes (30 August 2019 UK Esoteric Recordings 3CD Expanded Edition Box Set featuring Two Live CDs as Bonuses – A Previously Unreleased BBC Radio One "In Concert" Show from 9 May 1974 and a Live Show at Newcastle City Hall 16 June 1974 First Issued in 2007 – Jean Ristori and Patrick Moraz Remaster of The Album and Newcastle Show with a Ben Wiseman Remaster on the May 1974 BBC Radio One Concert) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Grand Canyon and The Future Relayer..."

In 2020, the three multi-instrumentals that made up England's REFUGEE are a footnote in Prog Rock's rich and illustrious history – a banks-of-keyboards band that could have become a force to be reckoned with, but were hit with bad luck and inopportune timing.

To set the scene - newcomer and then virtual unknown Swiss Keyboardist Patrick Moraz had joined forces with two other virtuoso players – Bassist Lee Jackson and Drummer Brian Davison – both of whom had done Prog and Classical Rock time with The Nice before Keith Emerson broke of to form ELP in 1970. Taking their name from a girlfriend's comment, Refugee made one album on Charisma Records in 1974 but then promptly imploded when Moraz was poached for YES (replacing Rick Wakeman).

This beautifully done 3CD Box Set from Esoteric Recordings of the UK (part of Cherry Red) remasters their solitary self-titled album and throws in two live shows on Discs 2 and 3 recorded in the same year (1974) – one Previously Unreleased BBC Concert, the other only issued in 2007 – with the whole lot newly remastered under the supervision of Moraz. Let's get to the Grand Canyon and the future Relayer…

UK released 30 August 2019 - "Refugee" by REFUGEE on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 32685 (Barcode 5013929478503) is a Expanded Edition 3CD Mini Clamshell Box Set of Remasters that plays out as follows:

CD1 "Refugee" (51:27 minutes):

1. Papillon [Side 1]

2. Someday

3. Grand Canyon

First Movement - The Source

Second Movement - Theme For The Canyon

Third Movement - The Journey

Fourth Movement - Rapids

Fifth Movement - The Mighty Colorado

4. Gate Crasher

5. Ritt Mickley [Side 2]

6. Credo

First Movement - Prelude

Second Movement - I Believe

Third Movement - Theme

Fourth Movement - Lost Cause

Fifth Movement - Agitato

Sixth Movement - I Believe (Part II)

Seventh Movement - Variation

Eighth Movement - Main Theme Finale

Tracks 1 to 6 are their debut and sole album "Refugee" - release 19 April 1974 in the UK on Charisma CAS 1087 and July 1974 in the USA on Charisma FC 6066. The one-minute track "Gatecrasher" appeared on the US LP (in the position its placed on this CD) but was not credited on the UK vinyl variant.

CD2 "BBC Radio One In Concert 9 May 1974" (33:13 minutes):

1. Ritt Mickley

2. Someday

3. The Grand Canyon Suite

First Movement - The Source

Second Movement - Theme For The Canyon

Third Movement - The Journey

Fourth Movement - Rapids

Fifth Movement - The Mighty Colorado

Produced by JEFF GRIFFIN and Engineered by JOHN ETCHELS (introduction from Mike Harding) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

CD3 "Live At The Newcastle City Hall 16 June 1974" (64:22 minutes):

1. Outro - Ritt Mickley

2. One Left Handed Peter Pan

3. The Diamond Hard Blue Apples Of The Moon

4. Someday

5. Papillon

6. She Belongs To Me

7. The Grand Canyon Suite

First Movement - The Source

Second Movement - Theme For The Canyon

Third Movement - The Journey

Fourth Movement - Rapids

Fifth Movement - The Mighty Colorado

8. Refugee Jam

First issued 2007 as the CD "Live In Concert (Newcastle City Hall 1974)" on Voiceprint VP421CD. Tracks 3 and 6 are cover versions - 3 originally by The Nice and 6 by Bob Dylan.

 

These mini Clamshell Box Sets always lend a release a whiff of class and the Remastered and Extended "Refugee" is no different. You get three card sleeves - the two live sets featuring new artwork, a 16-page booklet with new liner notes from MARTYN HANSON author of "Hang On To A Dream: The Story Of The Nice", period photos of the three-piece in live mode and trade adverts. More importantly, the whole shebang is touched up with top-notch Remasters by JEFF RISTORI at MTX Mastering (CD 1 and CD3) - whilst long-time association audio engineer to Esoteric BEN WISEMAN handled the new BBC In Concert recordings on CD2 - all supervised by Moraz. The Audio is massive and full on - multi-instrumental passages coming at you like Todd Rundgren's Utopia on too many Vitamin C shots. To the music...

The second the wild piano-playing of "Papillon" hits your speakers, you know you're in the presence of a beast - a full-on ELP outburst in all but different name. Brian Davison plays Drums, Timpani, Gongs, Tibetan Temple Bells, African Drums, Kabassa and even a bit of Broken Glass - and you can hear the lot. "Someday" features Lee Jackson on Lead Vocals shouting about going on a trip to far flung places - locking up the house and the Bass Guitar - and while his vocals haven't dated that well - the sheer Greenslade exuberance of that keyboard break has. The first of the album's centerpieces is a seventeen-minute five-moment called after an appropriately majestic thing - "Grand Canyon". The keyboard flourishes and clear-as-a-bell Bass notes are so Yes and remind me of passages in Jon Anderson's 1976 masterpiece "Olias Of Sunhillow". 

The keyboard throwaway moment (complete with cough and voices) that is "Gatecrasher" is huge - one minute of Moraz getting funky with his synth before it crashes into Side 2 proper and the very ELP "Ritt Mickley" - fantastic muscle in the audio. We piano-slide into the album's second centerpiece - eighteen minutes of the eight-part "Credo" - Moraz really getting to shine as he races up and down that grand piano. Those huge organ notes and vocals around about seven minutes are now bigger than I remember it. Audio-wise I’d admit the BBC session is good without ever being great - huge chunky notes and the rhythm section of Bass and Drums rattling across your speakers with intent - even if it feels as if the keyboards are too far back on occasion. But when Moraz is soloing – it’s damn impressive. The 2007 set are simply more of the same.

When Refugee imploded, Swiss Keyboardist Patrick Moraz joined the ranks of Yes replacing Rick Wakeman who was pursuing a successful solo career over on A&M Records with "The Six Wives Of Henry The VIII" (1973) and "Journey To The Centre Of The Earth" (1974). Filling very big boots, Moraz would be successfully launched by Yes in November 1974 with the brilliant "Relayer" album on Atlantic Records and then get his own solo LP in 1976 on Charisma with "The Story Of 'I'". Brian Davison did a short stint in Steve Hillage’s Gong in 1975 - another band getting noticed over on Virgin Records while Bassist Lee Jackson would stay out of the limelight until the 2010s when he joined a reformation of his old Charisma Label Prog Rock muckers The Nice for live shows.

Despite original refusals to join Yes, Moraz was too good to stick around with Refugee and ultimately made the right choice (a perfect fit for the English supergroup). Still – Refugee had had their moment and left behind a rich one. And as a remembrance with both stylistic presentation and top Audio - this is as good as any almost-supergroup could have hoped for…

"Situation Normal" by SNAFU – October 1974 UK Second Studio Album on WWA Records WWA 010 – featuring Bobby Harrison, Micky Moody, Peter Solley, Colin Gibson and Terry Popple (11 February 2013 UK Angel Air Records CD Reissue – Nick Watson Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Lock And Key..."

Taking their name from the famous World War II/Vietnam War slang phrase (Situation Normal All F***ed Up) - SNAFU were a five-piece British Rock band that managed three albums between early 1974 and early 1976.

Their first and self-titled debut "Snafu" hit the shops in January 1974 (copyright date is 1973) on WWA Records WWA 003 with its Roger Dean gatefold cover - whilst their last - and sporting a move towards mid-Seventies Funk-Rock - came in January 1976 as "All Funked Up" on Capitol Records E-ST 11473 (copyright date 1975).

Angel Air Records of the UK (with the band's permission) has the exclusive CD reissues on their catalogue. Released January 2013 their debut "Snafu" is on Angel Air SJPCD407 (Barcode 5055011704077) - while released January 2000 "All Funked Up" – their third and last LP - is on Angel Air SJPCD032 (Barcode 5055011700321).

What you have here is a firm fan fave - the one in the middle with the Boeing 737 plane in the middle (of the artwork that is). Their second platter was not surprisingly called "Situation Normal" - released October 1974 in Blighty (and like the debut, again on WWA Records). After that factoid preamble, let’s get to the wind turbulence…

UK released 11 February 2013 - "Situation Normal" by SNAFU on Angel Air Records SJPCD048 (Barcode 5055011704084) is a straightforward transfer of their second studio album from 1974 (no bonus tracks) onto CD reissue and remaster and plays out as follows (37:27 minutes):

1. No More [Side 1]

2. No Bitter Taste

3. Brown Eyed Beauty & The Blue Assed Fly

4. Lock & Key

5. Big Dog Lusty

6. Playboy Blues [Side 2]

7. Jessie Lee

8. Ragtime Roll

Tracks 1 to 8 are their second album "Situation Normal" - released October 1974 in the UK on WWA Records WWA 010 and May 1975 in the USA on Capitol Records ST-11343. Produced by STEVE ROWLAND (of Pretty Things fame) and Engineered by MARTIN RUSHENT - the album didn't chart in either country.

There is a Picture CD using the Gregory Holdal front cover artwork, an 8-page booklet with new liner notes from CLAES JOHANSEN that includes interviews with Bobby Harrison and Micky Moody. It talks of their formation, tours as a support act with The Doobie Brothers, Eagles and War and features a few period photos. It's small but perfectly formed. The Remaster is by NICK WATSON at SRT Studios in Cambridge and its nice and beefy. You can hear its power the second the Bass and Drums of "No More" kicks in.

Vocalist Bobby Harrison hailed from Procol Harum and Freedom (BH was on the "Whiter Shade Of Pale" single) whilst Lead Guitarist Micky Moody started in the Vertigo and Bronze Records rockers Juicy Lucy, passed through Snafu and would eventually end up with Nazareth and Whitesnake. Keyboardist Peter Solley had done stints with Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds, Fox and Paladin to name but a few - whilst Bassist Colin Gibson had played with a huge number of acts including Skip Bifferty, Ginger Baker's Air Force and Heavy Jelly. Drummer Terry Popple had whacked his kit for the obscure Island Records band Tramline, the even more obscure Australian Prog Rock band McPhee in 1971 and would eventually land in Alan Hull’s Lindisfarne offshoot group Radiator in 1977.

With all songs written by the trio of Bobby Harrison, Micky Moody and Peter Solley - together the five-piece SNAFU created a sort of more soulful Savoy Brown meets Juicy Lucy meets the Country-Rock of Brinsley Schwarz kind of sound - with Micky Moody's stunning slide guitar work evident on the standout track "Lock And Key" - while Bobby Harrison could get Paul Rodgers soulful like on funky tunes like "No More" and "Playboy Blues". A trio of guest horn players feature on the Side 2 finisher "Ragtime Roll" - Mel Collins, Bud Beadle and Steve Gregory.

The Funk-Rock of "No More" is typical of their sound – mid Seventies Cado Belle (over on Anchor Records) – Moody going into Boogie any chance he gets. Things get Souther-Hillman-Furay Country Rock with the Pedal Steel of "No Bitter Taste" – a postcard with a month-old date – our poor boy is hoping against hope. Slim Chance type Mandolin opens the hoedown of "Brown Eyed Beauty & The Blue Assed Fly" where the album suddenly descends into a Gram Parsons pastiche – a yee haw misstep for me.

But then we hit 2:45 minutes of pure Juicy Lucy "Who Do You Love" slide-guitar magic – the wildly sexy "Lock & Key" where Moody lets rip with fantastic Elmore James slashing. Its here that you realize if Snafu had more of this – they might have made a bigger impact than flitting around between too many styles. In fact they knew the song was so good that they returned to it for album number three, only that version is not Blues Slide but Funk Rock more akin to Mother's Finest (both versions are cool by me). Side One ends on the only-OK "Big Dog Lusty" – a Little Feat funk tune that chugs along but feels like its trying too hard.

We return to Stevie Wonder clavinet Funk-Rock for Side 2's "Playboy Blues" – a look back on my life song that has a great guitar break and double-vocal chorus. "Jessie Lee" is a surprisingly pretty Country-Rock bopper where Snafu sounds like Help Yourself and it all comes to an end with five minutes of "Ragtime Doll" – a piano roller that starts out slow but soon goes into a rather obvious rock and roller romp to the end.

Snafu was like so many bands in the mid 70ts – good – but never really good enough to be anything more than a support-act for the main event that invariably had the hit tunes needed to make it. But those who love "Situation Normal" will need this really great sounding CD reissue to get their fix...

"Phaedra" by TANGERINE DREAM – February 1974 Fifth LP on Virgin Records V 2010 featuring Edgar Froese, Christoph Franke and Peter Baumann (June 2019 UK The Virgin Recordings CD Reissue on Universal/Virgin Records – Album Tracks 1 to 4 Remastered by Ben Wiseman – Bonus Tracks 5 and 6 Remixed and Remastered From Original Tapes by Steven Wilson) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Mysterious Semblance..."

I can vividly remember the early spring of 1974 and seeing the strangely beautiful gatefold sleeve of V 2010 in all the hipper Dublin record shops and wondering what gurgling VCS3 layers lay within its blue-tinted innards? Was it indeed "Music That Melts" as the Virgin adverts cleverly put it in the magazine of the day – phone, radio, and turntable – all slithering off tables in a river of melted New Age plastic?

And when I got it home and slapped on that gorgeous Two Virgins colour label we’d all become so intrigued by since March 1973’s “Tubular Bells” and watched it turn at 33 1/3 on to my trusty Garrard SP 25 (with Dustbuster accompaniment) - indeed the beast that is "Phaedra" was dripping and flanging and generally Kraut Rock bubbling all over our nice middle-class carpet. I hadn’t been exposed to this much knob twiddling since my days with a Meccano Industrial Digger Set…

Like most fans – Tangerine Dream’s fifth LP "Phaedra" and sixth (1975's "Rubycon") were our intro to the German New Age Synth Instrumental Prog Rock Band - our Electronic appetites wetted by Can and Amon Düül II over on United Artists and that laugh-a-minute road-cone mob Kraftwerk over on Vertigo. But does it stand up in 2020? If I'm truthful, what was thrilling back then has slightly faded now – this is for devotees only with (if you’ll forgive the pun) electronic virgins wondering why all the fuss, legend and even the five-star reviews.

But there is no doubt at all in my mind about the Audio - leaps above the vinyl that always felt too lo-fi and the subsequent CD reissues - too underwhelming. This 2019 "The Virgin Recordings" version from "In Search Of Hades" Box Set is ethereal and the Two Bonus Steven Wilson Remixes are a full-on muscular revelation that will surely make many fans weep a wee Proggy tear and love 1974 all over again. Let's get to the Mysterious Semblance man...

UK released 14 June 2019 - "Phaedra" by TANGERINE DREAM on Universal/Virgin 774 695-8 (Barcode 602577469589) is part of The Virgin Recordings CD Reissue Series offering the 4-Track 1974 LP with Two Bonus Tracks (Remixed by Steven Wilson from original tapes in 2019) that plays out as follows (57:53 minutes):

1. Phaedra (17:36 minutes) [Side 1]

2. Mysterious Semblance At The Strand Of Nightmares (9:41 minutes) [Side 2]

3. Movements Of A Visionary (7:55 minutes)

4.  Sequent C' (2:18 minutes)

Tracks 1 to 4 are their fifth album "Phaedra" – released 20 February 1974 in the UK on Virgin V 2010 and June 1974 in the USA on Virgin VR 13-108. Produced by EDGAR FROESE – it peaked at No. 15 on the UK LP charts and No. 196 in the USA.

BONUS TRACKS:

5. Phaedra (Steven Wilson 2018 Stereo Remix, 17:37 minutes)

6. Sequent C' (Steven Wilson 2018 Stereo Remix, 2:21 minutes)

TANGERINE DREAM was:

EDGAR FROESE – Mellotron, Guitar-Bass, VCS3 Synthesizer and Flute

CHRISTAPH FRANKE – Moog Synthesizer, Keyboards, VCS3 Synthesizer

PETER BAUMANN – Organ, Electric Piano, VSC3 Synthesizer and Flute

The 12-page booklet features the original gorgeous silver gatefold artwork (a wee bit diminished by size it has to be said), period photos, concert tickets and the usual reissue credits. It's a damn shame (despite what the sticker says) there are no illuminating liner notes - but the BEN WISEMAN Remaster of the original album and the STEVE WILSON Remix Bonus Tracks more than make up for any lack of words. And nowadays (April 2020), it can be bought for under six quid.

I'd forgotten how lovely "Sequent C'" is and that pumping rhythm as "Phaedra" gathers pace about five minutes in.  The swish and swirl of "Mysterious Semblance..." floats out of your speakers in waves of Mellotron and VCS3 Synth sounds - our drowning-in-keyboards trio creating huge pallets of mystery. And those echoed twiddles as "Movements Of A Visionary" builds to an electronic rhythm that hypnotizes (always been the best track for me). But I can't quite get over how good the Steve Wilson Remix of the Side 1 "Phaedra" is - more oomph, more meat, utterly brilliant.

As you peruse the concert adverts for artists like Kevin Ayers, Supertramp, Osibisa and Tangerine Dream - you can't help think - them was the days - and this superb CD Remaster will help you revisit them...

"Sacred Hearts And Fallen Angels: The Gram Parsons Anthology" by GRAM PARSONS featuring The International Submarine Band (Bob Buchanan, Chris Etheridge, Donnie Owens with guest Glen Campbell), The Byrds (with Roger McGuinn, John Hartford and Chris Hillman) and The Flying Burrito Brothers (with Chris Hillman, "Sneeky" Pete Kleinow, Chris Etheridge, Bernie Leadon (of Eagles), Byron Berline, Michael Clarke, Leon Russell) and Solo Album guests Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt (May 2001 UK Warner Strategic Marketing/Rhino 2CD Compilation – 46 Tracks with One Previously Unreleased – Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Luxury Liner..."

Ingram Cecil Connor III (his real name) is a Bovril Artist – you either worship at the lapels of his nudie suit or you view it as barf on an otherwise perfectly clean white tuxedo. People either love or hate Gram Parsons and his honky tonks.

What you won't be, however, is unimpressed by the sheer hard work and effort that went into this obvious reissue labour of love for Rhino Records of the USA (way back in 2001). And if ever a groundbreaking musician deserved accolades for smashing down hither too impenetrable barriers (America's youth and its misunderstanding or even loathing of what they saw as hick Country music) – then Florida's GRAM PARSONS in your boy (brutally taken from us in September 1973 aged only 23). Let's get with the fallen angel...

UK released May 2001 (reissued 21 June 2004) - "Sacred Hearts And Fallen Angels: The Gram Parsons Anthology" by GRAM PARSONS on Warner Strategic Marketing/Rhino 8122-76780-2 (Barcode 081227678029) is a 46-Track 2CD Compilation of Remasters covering his entire career from 1968 to 1970 with The International Submarine Band, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Bros through to his two solo albums of 1973 and 1974 (including material with The Fallen Angels and posthumous releases from years later). Newly remastered from original tapes by BILL INGLOT and DAN HERSCH – it plays out as follows:

CD1 (77:55 minutes):

1. Blue Eyes

2. Luxury Liner

3. Do You Know How It Feels To Be Lonesome

4. I Must Be Somebody Else You've Known

5. Miller's Cove

6. Knee Deep In The Blues

Tracks 1 to 6 by THE INTERNATIONAL SUBMARINE BAND - "Safe At Home" LP released April 1968 in the USA on LHI Records LHI-S-12001.

7. Hickory Wind

8. You're Still On My Mind

Tracks 7 and 8 by THE BYRDS - "Sweethearts Of The Rodeo" LP released July 1968 in the USA on Columbia CS 9670 (Stereo)

9. The Christian Life

10. You Don't Miss Your Water

11. One Hundred Years From Now

Tracks 9 to 11 by THE BYRDS - "Sweethearts Of The Rodeo" outtakes first issued on "The Byrds", October 1990 US 4CD Box Set on Columbia 46773

12. Christine's Tune (Devil In Disguise)

13. Sin City

14. Do Right Woman

15. Dark End Of The Street

16. Wheels

17. Juanita

18. Hot Burrito No. 1

19. Hot Burrito No. 2

Tracks 12 to 19 buy THE FLYING BURRITO BROS. - "The Gilded Palace Of Sin" LP released February 1969 in the USA on A&M Records SP-4175 and April 1969 in the UK on A&M Records AMLS 931

20. High Fashion Queen

21. Older Guys

22. Cody, Cody

23. Wild Horses

Tracks 20 to 23 by THE FLYING BURRITO BROS. - "Burrito Deluxe" US LP released May 1970 on A&M Records SP-4258 and A&M Records AMLS 983 in the UK

24. Sing Me Back Home

Track 24 (and Track 1 on CD2) by THE FLYING BURRITO BROS. - first issued as unreleased tracks on the "Close Up The Honky Tonks" 2LP compilation released June 1974 in the USA on A&M Records SP-3631 and July 1974 in the UK on A&M Records AMLH 63661

CD2 (78:36 minutes):

1. To Love Somebody (as per Track 24 on CD1)

2. Still Feeling Blue

3. We'll Sweep Out The Ashes In The Morning

4. A Song For You

5. Streets Of Baltimore

6. She

7. The New Soft Shoe

8. Kiss The Children

9. How Much I've Lied

Tracks 2 to 9 are from his first solo debut LP "GP" as GRAM PARSONS – released January 1973 in the USA on Reprise MS 2123 and March 1973 in the on Reprise K 44228 (reissued April 1976 using the same K 44228 catalogue number but with Warner Brothers corporate logo on the label). 

10. Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man

11. That's All It Took

12. California Cotton Fields

Tracks 1 to 12 by GRAM PARSONS and THE FALLEN ANGELS - Posthumously released LP "Live 1973" issued February 1982 in the USA on Sierra Records GP 1973

13. Return Of The Grievous Angel

14. Hearts On Fire

15. Brass Buttons

16. $1000 Wedding

17. Love Hurts

18. Ooh Las Vegas

19. In My Hour Of Darkness

Tracks 13 to 19 are from his second and last official studio album "Grievous Angel" as GRAM PARSONS – released January 1974 in the USA on Reprise MS 2171 and June 1974 in the UK on Reprise K 54018.

20. Brand New Heartache

21. Sleepless Nights

22. The Angels Rejoiced Last Night

Tracks 20 to 22 are from posthumous GRAM PARSONS and THE FLYING BURRITO BROS. LP "Sleepless Nights" - released April 1976 in the USA on A&M Records SP 4578 and June 1976 in the UK on A&M Records AMLH 64578.

From the outer card slipcase through to the two individual card digipaks housing two themed label CDs and a fantastic chunky 52-booklet - "Sacred Hearts And Fallen Angels: The Gram Parsons Anthology" reeks of class and dedication on the part of its compilers. CD1 for instance repros the Lee Hazelwood Industries logo for the February 1968 American "Luxury Liner" 45 on LHI 45-1205 (from the "Safe As Milk" album) - while CD2 goes to the solo career and gives us a tan label of his February 1974 American single for "Love Hurts" on Reprise REP 1192. Beneath each see-through CD trays is memorabilia – an American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Membership Form for a 19 July 1967 engagement (guaranteed by Lee Hazelwood) while CD2 has a handwritten note to Rick Grech. It’s a testament to detail.

The 52-page booklet too is crammed full of GP goodness - an introduction by the first lady of Country Rock Emmylou Harris and Rhino's James Austin – an in-depth career discussion by Holly George-Warren and thereafter a track-by-track breakdown. Throughout there are beautiful photos of all the key players, pictures of the various bands he was in and on to the solo year of 1973, outtakes from album covers and finally massively in-depth reissue credits. Musicians include Glen Campbell guesting on two International Submarine Band tunes - Roger McGuinn, John Hartford and Chris Hillman when GP was with The Byrds - Chris Hillman, "Sneeky" Pete Kleinow, Chris Etheridge, Bernie Leadon (of Eagles), Byron Berline, Michael Clarke when he was with The Flying Burrito Bros. and guests like Leon Russell, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. There is a lot here. The Audio comes courtesy of two long-time Rhino-associated engineers – BILL INGLOT and DAN HERSCH – and as ever – it all sounds so damn good. Like most fans I've had the Flying Bros twofer on A&M Remasters CD and the GP Warner Brothers one too since the 90s - but this 2001 original master tapes trawl trumps the lot. To the music...

Although Lee Hazlewood had an eye for talent and a love for a tune with a Pop-Country bint as was evidenced in so many of his Pop hits - even Lee probably didn't think The International Submarine Band would amount to much (poor sales kind of proved it). But that doesn't stop a tune like "Luxury Liner" sounding like it had been pedal-steeling around for decades instead of coming out of a bunch of under 20-year olds (Donnie Owens guests on Guitar). GP's talent for a great hooky ballad immediately leaps out at you too when listening to his co-write on "Do You Know How It Feels To Be Lonesome?" Glen Campbell guests on guitar for two - "I Must Be Somebody Else You've Known" and "Miller's Cove" - both with the best audio I've heard for this notoriously bootlegged album.

Guitarist Bob Buchanan co-wrote the mighty "Hickory Wind" with Gram for the Byrds-do-Country 1968 album "Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" - tall pines and oak trees in South Carolina. John Hartford plays Banjo and Guitar while Lloyd Green plucks that Pedal Steel. Jukebox Honky Tonk kicks in with "You're Still On My Mind" - an empty bottle and a broken heart sounding 'so' good. Cleverly this Anthology then reaches for three of the then new "Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" outtakes on "The Byrds" 1990 4CD Box Set - a lilting cover of William Bell's 1961 Stax hit "You Don't Miss Your Water" alongside a GP original - the nobody knows song "One Hundred Years From Now".

The Flying Burrito Bros open their account with the jaunty "Christine's Tune (Devil In Disguise)" that soon descends into The Everly Brothers doing distorted guitar. Chris Hillman and Gram drag us down to "Sin City" - three years to pay or a stint in the poor house. Both the Chris Moman/Dan Penn Soul covers - "Do Right Woman" and "Dark End Of The Street" now have slow Countrified arrangements that work – while – the two parts of "Hot Burrito" sound like Todd Rundgren on Bearsville. There was an increasing sophistication to "Burrito Deluxe" – it’s tracks feeling like a dry run for the Eagles emerging sound and that Rolling Stones tie-in on "Wild Horses" always blows me away.

CD2 brings us large chunks of the two official albums - eight of the eleven on January 1973's "GP" with eight of the ten on January 1974's "Grievous Angel" and of course those stragglers afterwards ("Sleepless Nights" and the "Live 1973" posthumous compilation). Sticking with "GP" - fans will thrill to the stunning audio on "We'll Sweep Out The Ashes In The Morning" - the Pedal Steel of Al Perkins (from Stephen Still's band Manassas) clear as a bell – the song bolstered up by Emmylou Harris giving it some of passion's guilt in her ache. That's followed by the duo-tenderness of "A Song For You" - a superb GP original. Traditional Country infuses the uprooted 'our kin in Tennessee' Tompall Glaser and Harlan Howard song "Streets Of Baltimore" - that Glen Hardin piano so beautifully clear and complimentary.

So many would cover the inherent heartbreak in "She" - a stunning co-write with Chris Etheridge - hallelujah. I'd forgotten how subtle the Byron Berline fiddle is in the quietly gentle mix of "The New Soft Shoes" - beautifully judged harmony vocals too and that perfectly complimentary pedal steel and solo. Rik Grech provided the life ain't easy tune "Kiss The Children" where our sap in on the barroom floor dreaming of whiskey instead of his loved ones. The final cut from "GP" is a co-write with Pam Rifkin on "How Much I've Lied" - a 'losing you was a silly thing to do' tale of dumbass infidelity. It's not the full album, but man what a classic in the Country Rock vein "GP" is.

The live rendition of "Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man" with Emmylou’s sympatico harmony vocals is fabulous and the burst into flames at the mere mention of her name in "That's All It Took" – another lilting woe-is-me ballad. The pedal-steel band brings it all bopping home with the dad, mom and family relocation hopefulness in "California Cotton Fields".

The "Grievous Angel" followed his hurtful loss in September 1973 from substance-related issues - gone at 23 with his star rising. Rhino offer a 'Remix' Of "Return Of The Grievous Angel" and it kicks like a mule. Again guitarists James Burton and Al Perkins hit the main spots with guest shots from Herb Pedersen and Bernie Leadon (of Eagles). Faves include "Ooh Las Vegas" which Deacon Blue named a 2CD compilation of rarities after - while the Bryants and The Everly Brothers would have been proud of "Brand New Heartache" - all finished off with a cover of The Louvins' "The Angels Rejoiced Last Night" - a story song of gambling and church with an uncredited advert for the "GP" album as it fades out.

For sure this much Country-Rock in one go might test a young un's patience in 2020 - but my God what a superbly handled tip of the Stetson to Gram Parsons. Rejoice indeed...

"Ashes Are Burning" by RENAISSANCE – October 1973 UK Fourth Studio Album on Sovereign Records (September 1973 in the USA) – featuring Annie Haslam (Lead Vocals), Michael Dunford (Guitars), John Tout (Keyboards and Vocals), Jon Camp (Bass and Vocals) and Terry Sullivan (Drummer) with Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash as Guest Guitarist on the Title Track, Strings by Richard Hewson on Two Tracks and Lyrics by Betty Thatcher on All Songs (22 February 2019 UK Esoteric Recordings Expanded Edition CD Reissue with Three Bonus Tracks – Ben Wiseman Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Seeds Of Yesterday..."

There can't be too many Renaissance fans that don't worship at the Hipgnosis-artwork feet of their fourth and most accomplished platter "Ashes Are Burning" – originally issued in Blighty October 1973 on Sovereign Records. It was also the first album that really got them noticed in the USA where Sovereign via Capitol Records managed to chart the LP in late September 1973 for four weeks peaking at No. 171 (Renaissance would enjoy a further eight albums charting in America). But which issue to buy on CD?

Some history as to why you should choose the door marked 2019. Germany's Repertoire was for ages the only go-to place for a digital-version with their June 1995 CD Reissue on Repertoire REP 4575-WY (Barcode 4009910457528) – itself re-launched several times including right up to May 2011. Repertoire also did a separate 2006 variant on REP 5078 (Barcode 4009910507827). All of these versions simply transferred the 6-track LP and threw in a 12-page booklet. Next came Earthwest Recordings EW0093CD (Barcode 803341355194) in 2012 – again another straightforward transfer with bugger all mastering credits. None of these issues offered a new remaster or anything else either...

That all ends with this spectacular February 2019 Esoteric Recordings UK CD Remaster (Esoteric are part of Cherry Red) which not only ups the Audio game immeasurably for the album (Ben Wiseman transfer from original master tapes) but has unearthed three BBC "In Concert" recordings done in January 1974 (back from a US tour and tight as a gnat's chuff) once thought to have been lost forever – now found and sounding utterly superb – shockingly good Previously Unreleased material from their primo period.

Renaissance fans and lovers of Yes and Genesis music (circa 1973) will be lapping it the whole beautifully arranged and melodious Symphonic Rock of it all. There is even a guitar solo from Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash. Seeds of yesterday are indeed breaking through - let’s get to the details…

UK released 22 February 2019 - "Ashes Are Burning" by RENAISSANCE on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 2646 (Barcode 5013929474642) is an Expanded Edition CD Reissue with Three Bonus Tracks that plays out as follows (69:51 minutes):

1. Can You Understand [Side 1]

2. Let It Grow

3. On The Frontier

4. Carpet Of The Sun [Side 2]

5. At The Harbour

6. Ashes Are Burning

Tracks 1 to 6 are their fourth studio album "Ashes Are Burning" - released September 1973 in the USA on Sovereign/Capitol Records ST-11216 and October 1973 in the UK on Sovereign Records SVNA 7261. Produced and Arranged by RENAISSANCE - it peaked at No. 171 in the USA (didn't chart UK).

BONUS TRACKS (Previously Unreleased):

7. Can You Understand

8. Let it Grow

9. Ashes Are Burning

Tracks 7 to 9 are BBC Radio 1 "In Concert" Recordings from 3 January 1974, Compared by Alan Black 

RENAISSANCE was:

Annie Haslam (Lead Vocals)

Michael Dunford (Guitars)

John Tout (Keyboards and Vocals)

Jon Camp (Bass and Vocals)

Terry Sullivan (Drummer)

All Lyrics by Betty Thatcher, Music by Michael Dunford - except "On The Frontier" by Jim McCarty and Betty Thatcher

Guests:

Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash - Guitar on "Ashes Are Burning"

Strings by Richard Hewson on "Can You Understand" and "Carpet Of The Sun"

The gatefold card digipak repro's the UK artwork (the US variant used different photos) and a 16-page booklet with new Annie Haslam and Terry Sullivan interviews. The inner sleeve with the lyrics is here too and superb new MALCOLM DOME liner notes. Clearly both Haslam and Sullivan are aware that LP4 struck the right chord at last - the Richard Hewson string arrangements framing their sound - pretty melodies - good lyrics - and now gorgeous Audio care of a BEN WISEMAN Remaster from original tapes. When the Acoustic Guitar/Haslam Vocal break comes in at about 1:55 in "At The Harbour" - the Audio is just beautiful. It's like that throughout and shockingly the three BBC sessions are amongst the best I've ever heard come out of the Beeb.

Fans will love the Prog Rock and Symphonic Rock of Side 1's "Can You Understand" - very similar to the best parts of "Selling England By The Pound" - also issued late 1973. "Let It Grow" feels like a lovelorn love song that has stayed so sweet.

The Acoustic/Vocals opening of "On The Frontier" feels like the 5th Dimension meets Mellow Candle - that piano underpinning the combo voices. It's the same for "Carpet Of The Sun" but I'm blown away by the BBC renditions - near perfect and you can clearly hear the audience sharp intake of breath as Renaissance sounds like a super-slick Greenslade or Supertramp - up to the point that there are several shouts for 'more' after the epic "Ashes Are Burning".

Mark and Vicky Powell's Esoteric Recordings have done some humdingers in the last five years, but this little sweetie is a very real Audio jewel in their heavily laden reissue crown. Well done to all involved...