HAPPY THE MAN

Many people do not like this band, and I think it has a lot to do with their quirky, sometimes goofy humor. Those folks miss the point: humor is an important part of progressive rock. If you can go beyond that, good for you - you will discover brilliant musicianship, compositional sophistication to the point of pain, plus a soaring imagination. This is complex, rich symphonic prog at its best. If you had to compare them with other bands, the closest would probably be PFM and Maneige. Kit Watkins' chops can match any of the prog-o-saurs like Emerson, Banks or Wakeman. They are not really a fusion band, make no mistake about it. Jazzy at times, yes - fusion, no way, not on this album. Happy indeed will be be the man who discovers this album!