GOLDEN SECTION

This is a real treat for ISOTOPE fans out there as we get almost 70 minutes of previously unrealsed live material from their most popular era. Some great information in the liner notes as well about this period in their careers, as we get three of the band members giving their thoughts and memories of that time.This lineup included the great Gary Boyle on lead guitar, the legendary Hugh Hopper on bass, Nigel Morris on drums and Laurence Scott on keyboards.The first 6 tracks are taken from a live performance in Germany in May of 1975. The next 2 songs were recorded live in N.Y. U.S.A. in late March or early April 1975. The last 5 tracks were recorded in London, U.K. in July of 1974.

The band acknowledges that this was such a great time for them in their musical careeres.The label "Gull Records" had in fact given the band members a weekly wage so they were reasonably well payed.They played often 5 times a week plus they did a tour of the U.S.A. and a couple of tours through Europe. In Europe they opened for bands like GONG, MAGMA, PFM and others. In the U.S.A. they were supported by "Motown Records" of all labels. At that time "Motown" was signing what they called "Alternative" bands, sort of branching out beyond what they were known for. An interesting story is that the official photographer of THE JACKSON FIVE told David Howells who was the manager at Gull Records, that Michael Jackson had an ISOTOPE record. When he was asked about it Michael said he liked it because it sounded different from U.S. Fusion. What !!! Anyway on their U.S. tour they opened for AVERAGE WHITE BAND, HUMBLE PIE and THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND (where they saw Johnny Winter hanging out with them). They opened for other bands as well, and got to sit in on a couple of MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA rehearsals, which was a thrill for them. By the way Gary Boyle apparently was a huge fan of WEATHER REPORT, while Nigel Morris was more into MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA. Of course they were fans of both bands anyway, but that was their preferences back then. One of the last gigs they did they opened for JUDAS PRIEST. Nigel remembers that concert mainly for the non-reaction the band got. Big surprise.

As for the music itself it's excellent. One minor complaint is that there are three songs "Illusion", "Spanish Sun" and "Attila" that are on this recording twice. I'm not sure if that was necessary considering how long it is with them on it. This is a joy to listen to though with Hopper's outfront bass playing including some fuzz, and man Boyle is all over this album.The drumming and keys are outstanding as well. If I had to pick a favourite track it would be the title track, Hopper's "Golden Section".

By all means an excellent addition to any prog head's collection.