AIR CUT

Items ordered by ending time | Showing all 8 items

Visit eBay search:'prog rock' for items
Sell your CURVED AIR items on eBay !

Best selling order

Visit Amazon tag:'Progressive Rock' for more prog rock

A hard to find diamond

A real hidden gem this one, which is generally much more progressive than Curved Air's previous albums.

With Daryl Way and Francis Monkman no longer in the band, Sonja Kristina, whose distinctive voice is one of the band's strongest trademarks, was the only original member left. She continued however to surround herself with highly competent musicians, including the multi-talented Eddie Jobson. The other Curved Air trademark, the violin of Way was mainly replaced by keyboards, with Jobson only reverting to violin on a couple of tracks.

"Purple speed queen" is a storming opener, with a great synthesiser solo in the Rick Wakeman vein. "Elfin Boy" follows on much more softly, Kristina's voice never sounded more haunting than it does here. The track is a real weepy, with beautifully sympathetic violin accompaniment. "Graceful his fingers, they waltz on the strings, gentle the song that he sings", as the lyrics go.

The third track "Metamorphosis", is in my opinion Curved Air's best ever track. Starting with almost classical piano, the track builds and softens, quickens and slows. Sonja's vocals vary from the almost child like, to seductive temptress. They combine with some really infectious themes and great instrumental work for over 10 minutes, to make for a real prog classic.

Kristina takes something of a back seat on side 2, with an instrumental track, and a rare (for Curved Air) male vocal lead on "Two three two". The feature track on side 2 is however the longer final song, "Easy". For want of a better description, this is a prog power ballad. Once again, the track has superb keyboards including an excellent instrumental break, and Kristina on top form vocally.

If all Curved Air means to you is the full frontal nudity of the cover of their first album, plus variations on "Vivaldi", this album will open up a whole new dimension for you.

Undoubtedly their best, but criminally very difficult to track down on CD. Nice painting of the then current line up on the rear cover too.

2006 update - The album has finally been released on CD. The remastering is superb, bringing out the full majesty of this wonderful album.

This is a progressive sophisticated hard rock record and it has a very surprising powerful sound for the year! The bass is VERY bottom, and the distorted & aggressive organ and electric guitars give one of the most powerful sound of the 70's. It is sometimes very loud and heavy! Obviously, the louder the volume is, the better it is! With the presence of the wonderful Eddie Jobson on keyboards and violin, one has to expect subtle refinements: it is really the case here, and Jobson produces smooth and emotional textures, especially with the help of his poignant, nostalgic & sophisticated piano and his electric violin: what a GREAT musician! The female lead vocals are very good, and the compositions are rather complex. There are lots of acoustic guitars too. The drums are very noisy and well played. You often pass from aggressive bits to smoother ones, and vice versa.

I've only recently got into this band, which is mainly known because of its charismatic female vocalist, Sonja Kristina Linwood - together with Renaissance's Annie Haslam, one of the few women singers on the original prog scene. Though they are considered by many as mere second-league contenders, this is an unfair prejudice, because from what I've heard so far their best output is an excellent example of early Art Rock, rich with diverse influences - folk, psychedelia, classical and even harder-edged rock.

"Air Cut" (recently released on CD after a wait lasted several years) is widely recognised as their best effort, and with very good reason - the most important of which being the presence of an androgynously beautiful, 17-year-old keyboardist and violinist by the name of Edwin "Eddie" Jobson. Without any offence to his predecessors, violinist Darryl Way and keyboardist Francis Monkman - both outstanding musicians and composers - Jobson is the real ace in the hole of this record. His contribution on a compositional level is essential, his performance nothing short of spectacular, especially as regards the keyboard parts. His sophisticated playing complements Sonja's hauntingly wistful vocals to perfection, and one cannot help but wonder how he could be such an accomplished musician at such young age.

With the exception of the rather average, though mercifully short "World", all the tracks on this album are very strong, ranging from the out-and-out hard rock of opener "The Purple Speed Queen" (a fantastic, typically '70s title) and the equally hard-edged, though more complex "U.H.F.", to the acid-folk-influenced "Elfin Boy", featuring lovely accapella vocals at the beginning. The band show remarkable versatility, with Kirby's biting electric guitar injecting a supplementary dose of power in their sound, and bassist Mike Wedgwood (who would later join Caravan, stepping into the daunting shoes of one Mr Richard Sinclair) offering a strong vocal performance which provides a perfect foil to Kristina's sensual tones in the album's two closing tracks, powerful rockers "Two-Three-Two" and "Easy".

However, the real highlight of the album is the 10-minute-plus epic "Metamorphosis", which highly deserves to be included in the pantheon of the best-ever '70s prog tracks. It is a showcase for Eddie Jobson's astonishing talents, and undeniably one of his finest hours. His performance on the grand piano gives the likes of Emerson and Wakeman a run for their money; later, he switches effortlessly from piano to organ in order to match Kristina's commanding voice and the march-like rythm provided by the drums. Utterly mesmerising. Jobson's violin skills are instead best demonstrated by the stunning instrumental "Armin", which sees all the instruments interweave seamlessly to create a dynamic bravura piece.

After Jobson left the band, Curved Air would never again be able to match "Air Cut" 's extremely high standards - which was a pity, as this album shows they had the potential to become a major league band. Even though the latter was never to be, any self-respecting prog fan should get hold of this album to get an earful of really original, skillfully played and intriguing music. Four solid stars for this one.

Actually, it's 3,5 stars!

It seems that "Air Cut" is generally considered the best one by CURVED AIR. For me, it is much less inspired work than say, "The Second Album". It is still very good effort, however, and is surely to be recommended, especially given the totally undeserved obscurity of this fine band. But, as I say, this album doesn't deliver as strong as previous. Perhaps exactly some of the "stronger" harder-rocking moments are the reason that I much less appreciate it. These are close to mainstream rock. I would easily skip "Purple Speed Queen", "World" and "2-3-2" which mean nothing to me.

On the other hand, there are plenty of brilliant moments, above all an epic "Metamorphosis". In the first part it contains a marching rhythm section with "delayed" guitar solo, which sounds extremely like CAMEL's "Dunkirk" theme from the celebrated "Snowgoose". To avoid confusion, the latter was recorded some two years later, in 1975! Overall, this is still very good album that should be highly regarded in spite of my criticism. CURVED AIR are surely deserving to be ranked in the top league of "classic" prog rock, and why they had not been marked in that way, remains to be investigated. (What comes to my mind is that a lead female vocalist, especially so good looking as Kristina, was not taken too seriously in those still male-dominating era, when gender-awareness was in its roots! Male chauvinism?!)

1.5 stars really!

Never a big fan of this band, this album is a dramatic cut from their early discography as almost all the musicians are gone from the original line-up. With only Sonja Christina remaining (and to a lesser extent Mike Wedgwood on bass), newcomer Jobson (a credible replacement of both Darryl Way and Francis Monkman) does help somewhat but ultimately cannot save the day. A rather ugly artwork (but that was never CA's forte anyway) and some very roughly cut tracks do not help this album.

As I said above I was never much a fan, but it is clear this album is not helping my opinion as on the first side of this vinyl only the 10-min+ Metamorphosis is really worth a hearing (but flawed as its middle piano section is simply too low level recorded), because both the horrible semi-hard rock opener and its uninventive acoustic follow-up do not have much going for them. But that third track does help Jobson pulling his stronger showing of his career (except for his UK work, this is as good as he ever got) and the group is almost credible as whole. The second side of the album is somewhat more even, but there are no highlights either, save the instrumental Armin. While both the hard-rocking UHF (the middle section) and Easy (but it sounds badly recorded) have their moments, but overall this album confirms Sonja's limits as a singer. In more than a few tracks she slips badly and is simply atrocious when not just passable when not blundering and her lyrics are ... so very very average. The two Wedgewood composition bring very few added value to the album.

Generally, this album is generally regarded by fans as CA's last worthy one, but this writer (I was never easy on this group) does not even consider this a real CA album for its strange line-up does not even resemble the group's usual history. And if not for Metamorphosis, this album would be among their worst. And even with that track, it remains of the lesser or at least a very average one, even compared with the band's weak standards.

This is Curved Air at their absolute creative peak, and that's really something unexpected after a very impressive effort such as "Phantasmagoria" and a major breakdown produced by the departures of Way and Monkman. Unexpected as it may have been at the time, it was true and real: the newcomers managed to bring new refreshing energy and effective musical ideas to the refurbished Curved Air, and you can tell that Sonja Kristina's enthusiasm at her singing is a clear proof of a permanent sense of purpose and faith within the band's ranks despite the uncertainty of the moment. The opening track, a catchy rocker with artsy flavours, pretty much reflects the frontal spirit of undeterred optimism that seems to inspire the band all the time. In contrast, 'Elfin Boy' shows the acoustic side that Sonjia Kristina is so much fond of: in comparison to 'Melinda' from the previous album, 'Elfin Boy' bears a more mysterious vibe, due in no small degree to the distant, almost whispering Sonja's chanting, but also to teh surreal violin textures provided by Jobson. Now that we have just mentioned him... Among the newcomers, a very young Eddie Jobson is heavily featured in the strong presence of his synth solos, keyboard layers and orchestrations, Baroque- inspired pian otouches and impressive violin performances. He also provides the music to what many Curved Air experts declare as the band's best song ever: 'Metamorphosis'. All the way from the majestic piano intro, the intervention of organ and synth for the rockier passages and the reappearance of the piano for the eerie interlude, there is a consistent lesson in the clever use of the various cadences of diverse keyboards in order to create different moods cohesively coordinated with each other in a continuum. The rhythm section feels particularly tight in this track, and the guitar leads keep a coherent symphonic feel, complementing the moods led by the keyboards. The powerful instrumental 'Armin' is another strong progressive item in which Jobson again assumes a leading role, this time on his electric violin (together with some mellotron washes during the climax). The fluid convergence among the musicians is so solid that it is unbelievable that the line-up came to fruition in a moment of crisis for the band. 'U.H.F.' is a typical CA rocker with an added soft interlude that serves as a vehicle for some symphonic ornaments. The symphonic feel dominates the spirit of the beautiful, majestic ballad 'Easy', which closes the album in a very solmen manner. On the other hand, 'World' and 'Two-Three-Two' are trivial, not bad nor unpleasant, but definitely they don't bring anything special to the album's repertoire. All in all, the greater moments are predominant: with this album, Curved Air managed to enhance both their rocky and artsy sides, building a perfect equilibrium between them. "Air Cut" is a real excellent gem.

I can't beleve i'm giving this 4 stars.The reason for my surprise is that after a couple of listens i was thinking it was barely a 3 star record.The more i lstened to it the better it became,that isn't unusual of course, but lets put it this way,this one came from a long way back.It's still probably closer to 3.5 than 4 though.When i saw the pictures of Eddy Jobson in the liner notes i thought it was a girl at first.He looks like he's 14 years old with long straight hair.He was actually 17 years old believe it or not when he joined CURVED AIR for this recording.Francis Monkman the keyboard player,and Daryl Way the violinist had left the band so Jobson took over for both guys.Sonja of course was the one constant for the band, and her voice was their signature. "The Purple Speed Queen" sounds like early RUSH to me.Sonja is letting it rip and sounding almost like Geddy on this rocking tune.I like the section 1 1/2 minutes in as an organ solo is followed by a guitar solo. "Elfin Boy" opens with a vocal solo as acoustic guitar comes gently in.Violin and keys follow.There is a 60's feel to this one. "Metamorphosis" is the stand out track at over 10 minutes in length.A strong piano intro is replaced by a full sound a minute in.Vocals 2 minutes in.I like this one. The organ after 2 1/2 minutes reminds me of the Canterbury sound,it's great.Beautiful piano melodies go on and on before the full sound returns 6 minutes in.The organ and guitar absolutely shine! Violin follows and vocals 8 1/2 minutes in another terrific section.The first three songs are amazing! "World" reminds me of some of the songs on QUEEN's "A Night At The Opera".It's ok,with lots of violin. "Armin" is another great track with vioin leading the way until the guitar comes in 2 minutes in.Nice. "U.H.F." sounds a little dated and is heavier.I like when the violin comes screaming in after a minute.Piano ends up being all you can hear though before the vocals arrive.The original melody returns 3 1/2 minutes in. "Two-Three-Two" features male vocals and sounds like it could have been a single.Quite catchy with some aggressive guitar. "Easy" is pretty good with piano and guitar leading off.Love the guitar 3 minutes in. Some great tracks on this one,with excellent guitar,vocals and violin.

Exit Francis Monkman and Darryl Way, enter Eddie Jobson. This is Curved Air's 4th album, and one I consider a true masterpiece. 'Air Cut' sports a crisp and lively production, the compositions are tighter, and the addition of the talented Jobson (on Electric Violin and Keyboards) adds multi-coloured textures and vibrance to the music. Jobson's selection of Keyboards is that of Monkman's - Hammond, Mellotron, VCS 3 Synth, Harpsichord, Piano, Electric-Piano and he utilises them thoughtfully to breathe ever more life into the songs on this album, not to mention that his violin playing is extraordinary - whilst Way played with strong classical leanings, EJ was more 'rock', which is one possible reason why this album is so appealing and entertaining. Sonja Kristina's vocals are superb (almost a cross between the beautifully trained voice of Annie Haslam with the hard-rockin' spirit of Suzi Quatro) and future CARAVAN bassist Mike Wedgewood sounding more confident with his instrument. Two unknowns ; Kirby on Guitars and Jim Russell on Drums complete this version of the band. Of the 8 tracks, what I think are 'lesser' ones - an acoustic, folky little ditty by the name of 'World', and a stripped-down hard-rock tune 'Two-Three-Two', whilst not as engaging as the remaining 6 pieces, they serve as a light refreshment after (or before, depending on how you look at it) the elaborate and dynamic Prog arrangements around them. Fellow reviewer 'Salmacis' has previously submitted a masterful track-by-track analysis of this album, and nailed it, spot on. I still insist on this being a 5 star record.

Charming, but quite uncharacteristic Curved Air album. After the break up of the original band, founding member Sonja Kristina and bassist Mike Wedgood (who played on Phantasmagoria), put together a new line up that included two outstading teenage musicians: 19 year old Kirby Gregory on guitar and 17 year old Eddie Jobson on Keyboards and violin, plus drummer Jim Russel. Most fans did not believed in the band without Darryl Way and Francis Monkman. So Air Cut was not that welcomed by critics and public at the time.

Right, the songs were maybe too different from the original Curved Air, but it did contain some inspired and powerful tunes. More rocking and less experimental than earlier works, Air Cut had its share of prog moments anyway, specially with the wonderful Jobson's penned Metamorphosis and the great instrumental track Armin (absolute fantastic violin, guitar and bass interplay). Also of notice is the folky Elfin Boy and the powerful prog-ballad Easy (one of Kristina's best songs ever) The opener is a simple hard rocker, but Jobson's daring VCS synthesizer solo actually saves The Purple Speed Queen to be a mediocre track. The others are well below that but are actually not that bad, World being the only real throwaway song.

Maybe with time this line up could cut a better, more focused album, but this was not meant to be. Jobson soon left for Roxy Music (and later to Jethro Tull and UK), while Kirby joined the bogus 'Fleetwood Mac' band and Mike Wedgood would find his way to Caravan. The production was ok, and the cover was very well done (specially the back, with a beautiful paimting of the band members in a fairy scene. When I had the original LP it was really stricking).

A bit overlooked at the time, it was nevertheless a very fine release by this underrated british group. I liked it very much, but I don't think it is Curved Air's best (Second Album is my pick). However, it has some remarkable songs and it is the debut work of the now legendary Jobson. Even at that young age his playing is totally awesome. I rate this album between 3,5 to 4 stars.

The great Daryll is gone and these splendid violin notes have almost disappear from Curved Air's music. Almost because Eddie Jobson will take this role scarcely.

The crystal clear and close to perfection vocals from Sonja are still there of course, but when one has listened to the opening song from ''Air Cut'', one has some difficulties to imagine that it is played by ''Curved Air''. A basic hard-rocker!

Some more intimacy for the intriguing acoustic ''Elfin Boy'' which is a fine hors d'oeuvres for ''Metamorphosis''. It opens on some sort of march, like ''Epping Forrest'' from whom you should know. As soon as the vocals enter the scene, a definite feeling of ''Earth & fire'' prevails (but I have made this comparison already). It is of course combined by the usual ''Renaissance'' suspect (piano) during the instrumental part. It is THE highlight from this work.

At last some great violin during the excellent instrumental ''Armin''. It is more than welcome. This sound is so related with their music that I feel almost an orphan when it is played so parsimoniously.

The heavy-rock ''UHF'' is a curiosity which could have been avoided IMO, and the plain rock ''Two Three Two'' confirms that the band did the right choice while opting for Sonja on the lead vocals. But since Jobson was recently on board he got the occasion to sing; which was maybe not the best idea. Things go back to normal with the excellent closing number: ''Easy''. Again, this song is on the harder edge even if it features some fine piano parts. It is a good piece music which solidly rock at times: heavy bass and organ combined with aerial vocals: a pleasant combination by all means. A very pleasant way to close this good album of which ''Metamorphosis'' is by far the best moment.

Three stars.

I'm quite impressed by this album, which is by far the best one I've heard from Curved Air. I have never been a big fan of their earlier albums, but this I find very enjoyable indeed.

Different parts of the album remind me of many other bands. Babe Ruth (on Purple Speed Queen), Steeleye Span (on Elfin Boy), Renaissance (on some parts of Metamorphosis), Camel (very much so on some other parts of Metamorphosis, particularly the Mirage album), Kansas (on Armin and U.H.F.), Black Sabbath (also on Armin and U.H.F.), The Who (on Two-Three-Two, which is the only song here with male vocals), and a bit of Renaissance again (on Easy), or rather, like Renaissance should have sounded - a much more powerful and hard rocking Renaissance, that is! World is a jazz-vaudeville-camp song a bit like Seaside Rendezvous or Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon from Queen's A Night At The Opera.

Incorporating all these disparate musical directions into one and the same coherent album is quite a task. But, in my opinion, they really pulled it off! It really sounds like an album rather than as a random collection of songs; varied yet consistent.

The keyboard work of young Eddie Jobson is quite impressive and the guitar work is also quite good. The best part of the whole album for me is the short keyboard solo at the end of the last track and the passages building up to it, leading into the solo and then the repeat of the chorus that follows. What an ending to the album! But there are many similarly great parts, notably on the longer tracks Metamorphosis and U.H.F.

Highly recommended, even for those who (like this writer) don't like the Curved Air of earlier albums very much!