On paper, this one looks a bit dicey. The back cover proudly states that this is "the first true fusion of classical and rock music". That's quite a bold statement considering full orchestras had been playing rock music since the late 60s. And real obscuros too - like Deep Purple. Francesca Suite is essentially one track, broken into classical "like" movements such as Presto, Gravo, and Swingo. A bit of tongue in cheek there. But once the tape rolls, none of that matters, because this thing rocks. Of course it has the trappings of classical music, but mostly this is a rough edged proggy fusion - out of time for 1981 when everyone was shooting for a more mature and sterile ECM type sound. 1975 would have been my guess had the album not told me. Had Newark named the band Moravian Sunrise, and went with more standard prog titles, you wouldn't even suspect this to be a "fusion of classical and rock". Newark's guitar is the focal point throughout. In addition to the guitar trio with bass and drums, Newark added a chamber quartet. Not the usual highbrow gathering, these cats play electric violin (2), electric viola, and electric cello. I love when they plug in the stringed instruments. In the end, the music belongs more to jazz fusion than prog rock, but that's a fine line. An excellent new discovery.
Ownership: LP: 1981 Red Dot. Single sleeve. Acquired this from a friend in England a few months ago. Been slow in getting this post out. Word is starting to get out about this record.
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