George (Joji) Hirota ~ Japan

Sahasurara (1976)

Joji Hirota's debut album, going with the more anglicized George here, is a fascinating blend of jazz fusion, progressive rock, experimental avant garde combined with indigenous tribal Japanese elements. Plenty of flute, chanting and manic vocals, acoustic and fuzz guitar, piano, vibes, and a variety of percussion are the primary ingredients. At times, especially during the middle of side 2, it strays a bit too much toward the avant-garde, perhaps similar to J.A. Caesar in that way. Overall a very unique, but satisfying album.

Ownership: 1976 King (LP). Acquired in 2010.

No reissues as of 5/26/26.

9/27/07 (review); 1/28/10 (update / new entry)

Deadwood Forest ~ USA ~ Austin, Texas

Mellodramatic (1999)

When Anglagard blew through the progressive rock world in 1992 with their debut album Hostbris, it wouldn't take long for other bands to hop on the train and try something similar. Austin, Texas based Deadwood Forest took it a step further, and recruited Anglagard drummer Mattias Olsson to produce their second album. Anglagard themselves had played once in Houston in 1993, giving the respective groups a common thread. Mellodramatic is one of the more successful attempts at achieving the classic progressive rock sound. Primarily played on analog gear, including gobs of the requisite mellotron. There's also quite a bit of 60s psychedelic songwriting in place, which gives it a unique bent. I personally never tire of the style, so Deadwood Forest has a place in the collection for a long time.

Ownership: 1999 Shroom (CD). Acquired in 2000.

2000; 7/17/06; 1/28/10 (new entry)

Circus ~ Switzerland

Movin' On (1977) 

There is no better progressive rock album from Switzerland than Movin' On. The first four tracks are really swell, but what sends this album to the stratosphere is the 22 minute plus title track. It's actually quite amazing there isn't any electric guitar, though the bass and drum work is just phenomenal here, and propels the music to an incredible intensity. The first ten minutes of the aforementioned title song is jaw dropping in its composition, execution, and intensity. That sequence is hard to beat on any album, anywhere.

Ownership:

1977 private (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2000.

1990 Decoder (CD). Acquired in 1991.

1991; 1/19/10 (review)

Also own: Circus (1976)

Previously owned: Live; Fearless Tearless And Even Less

1/19/10 (new entry)

La Seconda Genesi / Paride e gli Stereo 4 ~ Italy

La Seconda Genesi - Tutto Deve Finire (1972)

The first two tracks on Tutto Deve Finire are instrumental jazz + rock with squonking sax, a driving rhythm, and a general sense of abandon. I'm reminded most of Duello Madre at this point. The remainder of the album is more geared towards the early Osanna sound (L'Uomo in particular) with wailing flute, crunchy organ, loud guitars, and super vocals in Italian. 'Dimmi Padre' is definitely the highlight, a composition that could have been lifted right off of Raccomandata Ricevuta Ritorno's excellent album. It's the classic Italian progressive rock sound, and done so well here.

Ownership: 2002 Akarma (CD). Tri-fold Karma-Pak. Liner notes in Italian. Acquired in 2010.

First copy: 1994 Mellow (CD)

5//05; 1/8/10 (review); 7/20/16; 12/4/21

Paride e gli Stereo 4 - Naufrago in Città (1971)

Naufrago in Città is an interesting album from 1971 that supposedly was recorded before La Seconda Genesi's classic. One of the rarest albums on the planet (as is Seconda Genesi), but it's not really progressive rock, so definitely prepare yourself for the proper expectation. The music is all instrumental, and is primarily acoustic guitar with flute, and some organ accents. Very pleasant, and at times, recalls Era di Acquario's more serene moments. A fine album.

Ownership: 2002 Akarma (CD)

5//05 (review); 7/20/16 (update); 12/4/21

1/8/10 (new entry)