McCully Workshop - Genesis. 1971 South Africa

McCully Workshop were one of the more well known bands coming out of the late 60s South African psychedelic scene. On their sophomore effort Genesis, the band adopted their psych background and combined that with the then-popular horn rock movement. It's a fascinating blend, as McCully Workshop created something wholly original within a familiar space. The McCully brothers hold down the rhythm section and lead vocals, while new guitarist Bruce Gordon provides the fiery psych toned solos. The key member here is Ian Smith who plays trumpet, flute, flugelhorn, and trombone. They multitracked his instrumental sections, so he sounds like a full horn section! I don't think I've ever heard one person contribute so much brass sounds on a record like this. And the flute sections are sublime.

The compositions are decidedly progressive rock oriented, with multiple tracks carved up in sections very much in the same spirit of the early King Crimson albums. The music itself still has its psychedelic provenance and I was most reminded of The Moody Blues, but with the songwriting of Chicago Transit Authority instead. Very much in line with some of the more progressive oriented UK horn rock bands such as Brainchild, Greatest Show on Earth, and Galliard. If any of these bands push your buttons, then Genesis is a must own.

Personal collection
CD: 2009 Fresh Music

Originals are very rare, much more so than the debut. This CD was my introduction to the album, which I purchased not long after release. It comes complete with full liner notes and masters tape sound. Fresh Music is by far and away the best reissue label from South Africa.