CHARISMA KEYBOARDS

"Charisma Keyboards" is an eclectic, perhaps indulgent collection of six tracks by artists signed to the Charisma Label. The tracks were recorded between 1970 and 1974 with all but one being by established acts.

It is mere speculation, but it may be that one of the prime objectives of this release was to promote the then new album by Robert John Godfrey entitled "The fall of Hyperion". Godfrey did of course go on to find a degree of fame as founder of the Enid ("..Hyperion" can be found on this site under that band's entry, although it was in fact released in his name as a solo act). Prior to that time, he had worked with Barclay James Harvest, whom he helped to create the BJH Orchestra, and has since been recognised as an uncredited "joint author" of six of their songs including "Mocking Bird". I am however digressing, but it is interesting that Godfrey's song dates from 1974, the year this compilation was released, while the other five tracks are from 1970 to 1972.

Godfrey's contribution here, "Mountains" reflects the compilation as a whole in terms of content. While the track does indeed feature keyboards, piano mostly in this case, Chris Lewis's vocals also feature strongly on this rather understated piece.

I am getting ahead of myself though, as "Mountains" is the last track on this album. The opening number is Keith Emerson's controversial adaption of "America" from "West side" story" from his time with The Nice. Listening to it now, it is still easy to understand why it was the cause of such debate, but the keyboard excesses of Emerson still sound wonderful today.

The following track, "As your mind flies by" by Rare Bird has to rank as one of the great lost prog classics of all time. The version here runs to over 10 minutes, and features swirling Hammond organ, choral vocals, keyboards and guitar interplay, and a supreme melody.

Closing side one is Bo Hansson's "Flight to the ford", one of his more accessible instrumentals but actually dominated equally by guitar and keyboards. Van Der Graaf Generator's "White Hammer" represents their "Least we can do" album for this compilation. A decent enough piece, but for me the weakest selection of the six here. "The fountain of Salmacis" is a highly appropriate track from Genesis "Nursery Cryme" album, the wonderful mellotron surges bringing back great memories of that fine album.

It was unusual, even in 1974, to find a compilation which was truly devoted to prog. That the compilers selected just six lengthy tracks, many of which are not what might be described as immediately accessible (normally a pre-requisite for compilations) is to their eternal credit. "Charisma Keyboards" is an essential collection.

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