Duncan Mackay - Chimera. 1974 South Africa

One cannot speak of Duncan Mackay's debut without at least a passing mention of England's finest ivory tickler's of the era. Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Graham Field, Morgan Fischer, and the lot of them, all can be heard on Chimera. In addition to that, if you're familiar with the Italian artists of the day who were doing similar (Le Orme, The Trip, Metamorfosi, Triade, etc...), then you will hear the variation of that theme as well. In effect, Chimera could be marketed as Tarkus Extract - it's Hammond organ heaven. 3 long tracks that feature more keyboards than you shake a stick at (an interesting phrase isn't it? Why would I shake a stick at something anyway?). I've read in many a place that Chimera is nothing more than keyboard exercises for warm up, but I completely disagree. Perhaps the opener 'Morpheus' is a bit grandiose, but how can one deny the beautiful melodicism of '12 Tone Nostalgia'? The side longer 'Song for Witches' provides both the melody and the 200 notes per minute aspect. This is a very fine album that borders brilliance. Perhaps a bit more sonic palette would have bumped this up a point, but nothing to complain about here. For fans of purely keyboard driven progressive rock, Chimera is tough to beat.

Ownership: LP: 1974 Vertigo; CD: 2009 Fresh Music. The LP was a birthday gift last year. The CD was acquired online new upon release. The original LP comes in a fine gatefold cover featuring surreal fried egg artwork. Personally I think surreal fried eggs are something we need more of... It's of course the spaceship variety - which is an interesting story. And that's because if you were to read the liner notes of the CD (and one should after all..), then you would think that was the only pressing. Non Monsieur. The real original has a blue label and the Vertigo swirl moniker at the top. This is a very highly collectible version and almost never offered. As far as CDs go, Chimera was strictly the fodder of pirates until the excellent Fresh Music label of South Africa came along and put the issue to rest. There are fine liners, photos, etc.. The sound is a bit "loud" but not distracting. There is also one bonus track, but it's clearly more modern and doesn't fit with Chimera. Worth hearing once I suppose. The CD also features a different font.