ROSKILDE 1978

"Roskilde 1978" captures SBB playing live at the festival held annually in Denmark. While at that time they were not a sufficiently well known act to headline the event, indeed they were the first Polish Act to play at the festival, the performance represented something of a turning point for the band. Appearing straight after Bob Marley, SBB turned many heads with their unique brand of prog. The story goes that Marley's road crew almost walked off with SBB's Polymoog, believing it to be kit of their own left on stage. Marley's crew were surprised to find a European band even had a Polymoog!

This is the first time this performance has been made available other than as part of the 9 CD "Lost tapes Vol 1" collection released in 2005. Such is the quality of both the music and the performances that it seems astonishing that it should have remained unreleased for so long.

The set played by SBB was slightly shorter than their usual concert venue presentations, with the "Going Away" suite being cut to a mere 14 minutes! In all, we have 5 lengthy pieces, including two running to over 20 minutes. The music is however surprisingly tight, and leans much more towards the rock side than SBB's later fusion orientated works. Indeed, much of what can be heard here can be seen as pre-dating neo-prog by some years. The reason for this is in part the dominant use of polymoog throughout the album. When combined with the supreme guitar work of Apostolis Anthimos and the occasional vocals of Józef Skrzek the results are highly rewarding.

Only on the final piece, "Follow My Dream" do the band allow themselves to stray into slightly a funkier, jazz style, but even here there is little improvisation as such. It is difficult to find parallels to offer in terms of comparisons. There is a bit of ELP, perhaps some Nektar, a smidgen of Focus and even some hints of Yes, but the music contained here is refreshingly unique throughout.

As I already commented, it is surprising that this fine work should have remained unavailable for so long. Even today, the music here sounds new, vibrant and contemporary. Recommended not just for those who already appreciate SBB, but for all those seeking some genuinely interesting prog.

It was a historic event when SBB hit the stage in Roskilde, Denmark in 1978. A progressive rock band taking over the festival reins from highly popular and vastly musically different Bob Marley was peculiar enough in itself, but this was also the first time a band from Poland had played at this highly popular rock festival.

And it was a successful event as well. As the liner notes tell, many in the audience - probably as expected, started to leave when Marley had finished and a Polish band was announced. But when the opening notes of the first song in the concert were played, quite a few stopped; and eventually few left the concert area, staying behind to witness this event.

Majestic, symphonic rock with space rock effects and leanings towards fusion is what the audience were served; tunes with two drummers playing, quite a lot of improvisation - in a synth and keyboard dominated musical landscape. With a well rounded and balanced mix; and strong performances from all members of the band.

SBB became a part of Roskilde history this day, and fans of the band as well as those who witnessed this concert should be pleased that this concert now is available as an official release.