JUNIPHER GREENE

Being Norwegian I am almost obligated to write a review of what might be the most influential Norwegian progressive rock album of all time. Being released in 1971 it was the first even 2LP released by Norway at the time and what a way to start! This is an absolute classic that should be appreciated by more people and hopefully this review will inspire some of you all to go and listen to this masterpiece.

Let's take a look at each of the songs on the album now!

1. Try to Understand: The album kicks off with a fantastic flute intro and a catchy guitar riff. This song is a perfect example of a progressive rock song being accessible yet still complex. Fantastic opener. 9/10

2. Witches Daughter: After the great opener it is followed up with one of the weaker (but still good) songs on the album. This song is very catchy indeed but is not as great as the rest of the songs on the album. It does have a great guitar solo though which makes it worth listening to the song every time I listen to this album. 7.5/10

3. Music for Our Children: The first side of the vinyl ends off with the best song on the album so far. This song is very progressive, going through multiple distinct sections, each of them being perfect in their own way. 9.5/10

4. A Spectre is Haunting the Peninsula: This track opens up side two and has, in my opinion, some of the best guitar riffs and guitar work overall. All in all a fantastic song that can't be improved much if you ask me. 9/10

5. Sunrise / Sunset: Thankfully side two has a solid follow-up to the great opener. This song has such fantastic vocals and is all in all a great song. Not one of the very best but not one of the weaker either. 8.5/10

6. The Magical Garden: This might be my favorite song on the album and ranks among my favorite songs to come out of Norway. The song opens up with gorgeous and catchy keyboard work and has some vocals for a little over a minute, then goes into a number of beautiful guitar / keyboard passages, before vocals eventually kick in again. Very jazzy dual guitar work and simply just phenomenal. A perfect that a song can be a masterpiece without being too complex. 10/10

7. Autumn Diary: The second vinyl record starts off with a short little track that is perfect for what it is. Nothing very special but nothing to criticize. 4.5/5

8. Maurice: The first and only proper instrumental song on the album (if you don't count specific sections of the title track as separate songs) and it is fantastic! Lots of great flute work here. 8.5/10

9. Attila's Belly Dance: Okay so this song is also instrumental but it's not even a minute long. Kind of a stupid song but I somehow find it quite pleasant and never find myself skipping it. 3.5/5

10. Friendship: And finally we enter the 26 minute title track. This is one of those progressive rock epics that never gets talked about but is easily among the best ever written. Not to mention that it is from 1971 which is before classics such as "Supper's Ready", "Close to the Edge", "Thick as a Brick", "Shine on, You Crazy Diamond", and "2112". The first six minutes ("Prelude: Take the Road Across the Bridge") ends the third side of the vinyl and is simply perfection. Very catchy keyboard riff opens up the song and great overall song writing here. The remaining 20 minutes fill up the final side of the vinyl and has multiple incredible sections as well. The first instrumental sections are phenomenal and the final part ("Friendship") is one of the most beautiful endings to an epic ever written. Unbelievable essential song that any progressive rock or jazz fusion fan must hear! 25/26

This is one of those lost gems that unfortunately never gets talked about much outside of Norway. It deserves a much more recognition and is up to par with most of Yes and King Crimson's work, if you ask me.

The early years of progressive rock, the formative years, gives me so much pleasure. If I would dare start counting the progress in the first, oh say, five years between 1967 and 1972, I think that there's so much music made that tried to break out of the mold of rock'n'roll and create a whole new universe. Some of the bands really found their niche (King Crimson, Yes, Caravan, Van der Graaf Generator et al) while others simply floated along nicely, though lacking any real identifiable identity. But then again, that does not mean that the music is less interesting och evocative.

Junipher Greene was a norwegian band, supposedly responsible for producing the first double album in that country. I find that although the band lacks any real identity of their own they did manage to record an album of the most fabolous prog rock in a sort of proto-prog sort of way. Referring to Jethro Tull when there's a presence by the flute has become the butt of a progressive rock joke but I suppose that only goes to show the major impact Ian Anderson made throughout Jethro Tulls half a century (or so) existence. And yes, there's a whole lot of flute on here but it doesn't necessarily sound like Ian Anderson and the music itself lacks the personality of Tull. But themix of blues, rock, folk and jazz makes it an album that rocks and knocks you about in a really nice way.

The opening "Try to understand" is a real hard rock knock in a blues-rock way, giving a lot of room for the flute. "Music for our children" adds a psych-jazz feeling to the mix and "Magical garden" allows the band to stretch out a bit and jam in a jazz-rock fashion. I love all songs on the album but I guess you all understand that the real prize is the epic title track, clocking in at 26 minutes.

I could talk for hours about this track. It is wonderful. The ideas within are maybe not the most demanding or challenging but it's like a really good meal where every dish adds to the experience. The track holds every kind of musical expression that Junipher Greene attempted and they managed to hit it off. They really did. Passionate vocals, great organ and jazzy playfulness amidst a plethora of blues and rock expressions. Amazing!

The whole album is warm, accessible yet challenging in a sort of melodic way where everything just falls into place. This album has become a staple of mine and every time I find myself smiling, feeling good and relaxed. You won't find the intricacies of Yes or Gentle Giant here but you will find extremely well played and thought through progressive rock. While it's not an essential purchase I do think it's an excellent addition to any decent collection.

On Friendship Junipher Greene play in a proto-progressive rock style in which the prog genre's roots in psychedelia and the counter-culture are still decidedly evident. From the opening Try to Understand to the end, regular detours into more psychedelic territory occur both instrumentally and lyrically (with the themes of songs ranging from CSNY-style homages to the underground scene and freedom and us all being one to comedic yarns about magic in the form of Witches Daughter). Tending to be rather light-hearted and optimistic, the album earns its prog credentials mainly through the epic final track (Friendship), and through the Ian Anderson-esque flute work of Bent Aserud. A decent listen, though I prefer my heavy prog a little darker.

A sprawling double-album from Norway of all places, this delightful mixture of hard-edged psychedelia, acid pop and organ-laced progressive flourishes shows that its not just about symphonic music in Scandanavia. Whilst Sweden(Kaipa, The Flower Kings, Anglagard) and Finland(Haikara, Wigwam, Pekka Pohjola) have produced their fair share of progressive acts over the years, fellow nations Denmark and Norway have been pretty quiet. Step forward Junipher Greene. Formed sometime in the late-sixties(their history is hazy at best) 'Friendship', which, incredibly was the groups debut, was issued in 1971 on the Sonet imprint. Little was heard of the album throughout mainland Europe but it did make a bit of splash in the group's homeland thanks to the concerted mixture of jazzy hammond organ, roughneck guitars, playful lyrics and memorable melodies. Now, thanks to modern communication methods(the internet!) Junipher Greene's acid-rock tour-de-force has become something of a cult item, reaching the ears of fans across the globe and it's easy to see(or hear) why. Featuring eighteen tracks spread across almost an hour-long running time, 'Friendship' is some body of work. The overall tone tends to lean more towards meaty psych-rock than complex progressive-style rock, yet several listens do reveal a more measured and intricate approach at play, especially considering that the album's final eight tracks are actually one long interlocking piece. Its also interesting to note that 'Friendship' was actually, or so it is told, the first double-album to emerge from Norway, which, in many cases would showcase a group whose enthusiasm outdoes their experience, but again, this is simply not the case. Virtually every track here sounds like the work of a mature, confident outfit - Norway's own Beatles anyone? - and the fact that 'Friendship' is rarely ever dull is a testament to the bucket-loads of imagination smothered across the album. Picking stand-out tracks is incredibly difficult - there isn't a duff song to be found - yet the catchier, poppier numbers really shine. Of these, the jocular romantic witch tale 'Witches Daughter' is probably the most indelible, featuring a muscular guitar riff overlaying an almost funk-imbued rhythm and some truly funny lyrics regarding jocular occult practices. 'Maurice', a breezy ballad-of-sorts, is also worth mentioning, with lead-singer Helge Groslie putting in another fine display whilst his tightly-wound colleagues groove effortlessly away underneath. Finally, of course, their is the eight-part 'Friendship' itself, an audacious workout that cruises cunningly between playful acoustica and complex noodling, topping off an extremely satisfying album. An absolute must for all fans of progressive rock, 'Friendship' is an outstanding achievement.

STEFAN TURNER, STOKE NEWINGTON, 2012

3.5 realy

Junipher Greene, what a nice name for a prog rock band, was one of the best and most well known progressive rock bands from Norway in early to mid '70's. They release 2 albums and each one worth to be discovered by many fans as possible. I had hard times finding this album , the second release of the band named Communnication, issued in 1973 on ON Records label. Finaly after couple of years searching I got it, on vinyl, because as far as I know this album never got a CD re issue, realy sad. So, after a good debute 2 years earlier, tha band that was a quintet , remains on this album a trio, but they manage to pull a realy solid heavy prog album all the way. reminescent of Host, Uriah Heep with some psychedelic touches, Communication was for many a step down from the debute, I wonder why because to me was a nice surprice and a pleasent listning. The title track for instance is excellent, nearly 13 min of great musicianship and good ideas , like it was in the glory days of prog. A fairly good album, while is nothing groundbreaking or innovative here, this second and aswell their swansong worth to be investigated.3-3.5 stars. The artwork is impressive, besides front cover, the inner drawing is awesome for sure.

JUNIPHER GREENE were the first Norwegian band to release a double album, and this is it from 1971. I'm a little shocked to be the first collaborator to review this one only because it's such an incredible recording.The flute, guitar and organ are very impressive throughout this record and I like the vocals as well. Interesting that the vocals are in English yet the detailed liner notes are all in Norwegian unfortunately.

"Try To Understand" is an uptempo track with flute leading early until it's replaced by the vocals and a full sound. Nice guitar after 2 1/2 minutes and the organ floats in and out. More flute later. "Witches Daughter" is mid paced and catchy with vocals. I like the guitar interlude, then back to the vocals and organ. "Music For Our Children" is a psychedelic flavoured, slow moving track with vocal sounds that echo. It kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes and he sounds like John Wetton here.The guitar lets it rip before 4 minutes to the end, and there's two of them !

"A Spectre Is Haunting The Peninsula" has a good heavy intro with organ, vocals a minute in. "Sunrise / Sunset" kicks in with organ right away but it settles some when the passionate vocals arrive.This is great ! Guitar and throbbing bass join in before 2 minutes when the vocals stop. Organ leads the way then the vocals return. "Magical Garden" is laid back with organ that pulses with that beat and bass as the vocals join in. Love this stuff. Guitar to the fore before 1 1/2 minutes. Nice.The vocals return and the guitar continues. Amazing ! The guitar is just killing it 4 minutes in. Harmonica before 5 minutes then it settles back to the end. "Autumn Diary" is mellow with piano, organ and a beat as the vocals join in.

"Maurice" is also a laid back, mid paced track but with the flute leading. "Attila's Belly Dance" is a short drum/organ piece. "Friendship" starts with this 6 minute prelude before we get the almost 20 minute suite to end the recording.The prelude sounds so good to start instrumentally.Vocals before 2 minutes.The suite opens with strummed guitar and organ as the bass and drums join in. Excellent sound here as it builds.The guitar comes to the fore as the organ floats.Vocals after a minute as it settles. It kicks back in at 2 1/2 minutes with the guitar out front. It settles again and this sounds so good.The music simply drifts along as they jam in a laid back manner.Vocals are back before 8 1/2 minutes, flute too. It picks up 10 minutes in.The guitar is on fire 11 1/2 minutes in and it's experimental sounding here as well. Nasty organ 16 minutes in, I mean evil. Drums and organ come in and out. Incredible ! Vocals are back with a calm before 18 minutes.

I'm just really drawn to their sound.There's no mistaking that early seventies flavour. A classic !

Junipher Greene - Friendship,

Yes, what a discovery! This really is early progressive gem. I found about this band by accident, and don't remember actually how. I have this text file, where I collect good, promising bands, which I haven't heard before. One day I noticed that Junipher Greene was in there, and decided to order their debut album. You can clearly hear the 70's rock in this piece, but the music is strongly progressive. Very jazz influenced music and singing too. Can't say this band was a pioneer of some sort not being so famous, but excellent music from Norway. I've own this album only couple of weeks, but I've listened it so furiously and so I feel qualified to review it.

The band consists of two guitars, drums, bass, and keyboards. And flute of course. It's great that the lyrics are in English, but the booklet is written in Norwegian. Being a Finnish lad, I know some Swedish and therefore very few Norwegian words are familiar, but that really bothers that the story in the booklet can't be read. The album title is 'Friendship', which is also the last, epic, 20 minute long song's title. The concept friendship is pretty lame in the last song, but doesn't bother me much.

The album begins with the song 'Try to Understand'. Very rocky flute beginning. This is exactly what was prog rock from the 70's. Good flute jamm and couple of fine guitar solos. There is actually a guitar duel part. The song reminds little of Focus. Very good song. The next song, 'Witches' Daughter' is the weakest link. Very boring, short, mid tempo rock song with very simple rock riff and rock drumming. Fortunately, this song include a great guitar solo. 'Music for Our Children' begins with calm bass tune, and soft vocals. Very relaxing moment. "Music makes you feel free..." After that, comes very interesting part. Fast tempo, great bass playing and "Hey!" at the end of bar. Part, which folk metal bands use much. Good keyboard and guitar solos in this piece too. Good, progressive song.

'A Spectre Is Haunting the Peninsula' is short, mid tempo rock track. Great guitar work and funny story. The song ends well. 'Sunrise/Sunset' is very interesting track. This is a jazz song, but because done by rockers, it is prog rock track. If rockers do jazz, it's prog. But if jazz musicians do rock, it's jazz fusion. Back to this song. Very nice track, which has perhaps the weirdest ending. Very odd change to happy smile guitarring. The next song is wonderful. "Wake up to the sun bright and let the reasons lie, come out of the twilight and let your senses fly." 'Magical Garden' is the best track in the album. It begins with funky bass and calm vocals. There are many tempo changes to fast and back to slow. Great guitar solos and calm flutes. "Lie in the shady grass and float into the blue, the magical garden takes care of us and it can help you too."

'Autumn Diary' is beautiful track with nice guitar work. Vocal beginning and solo till the and. 'Maurice' is great track. Very beautiful, wonderful flute playing. The song is just one long flute solo. But very interesting one. The rhythm section plays this relaxing beach beat. The song is mixture of that and marvellous, beautiful flutes with good pianos and acoustic guitars. One of the best tracks in the album. 'Attila's Belly-Dance' is hypnotizing, funny, short, crazy keyboard track before the epic 'Friendship'. 'Friendship' is something brilliant. The prelude, 'Take the Road Across the Bridge' is very easy goin', relaxing rock song with great guitar work. I'm not going to go through every part in this track. What these parts combine is something great, which every prog fan should experience. There are some vocals, but mostly the last song is instrumental with incredible feelings. It is mysterious, happy, sad, relaxing, and confusing. Excellent track, just great. This exactly is something that every prog rock fan should have. There are stuff that I don't like; The song 'Witches' Daughter', dragging tempo in some songs. But that's that. Things I like: Almost all the other song, the vocals, the fact that all of the musicians are very talented, the jazz influences, guitar solos, the 70's rock sound, flutes. This album is great. Perhaps it is not a masterpiece of progressive music, but it definitely is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. And particularly for those, who are in search for early progressive rock gems and are fans of early prog music and its development. I really recommend this album. 4/5 stars. I end this review with the words of Alex K. Carlsson:

"Friendship my friends, is a matter of thought, It's a wonderful thing that cannot be bought, It comes from the heart and lasts through the years, Through hardship sorrow and human tears, It shines, like the rays of the Sun."

Junipher Greene was one of Norway's first and best progressive bands. They also had the pleasure of releasing the country's first double album. But the big question is: "Is it any good?" Yes it is !! This album is one of those lost, early progressive gems. The album has a few short tracks and one long epic (almost 20 minutes).

The music sounds not unlike Jethro Tull or Focus. There are some nice flute solos and good guitar playing. The better shorter songs include the catchy "Try to understand" and the heavy "Music for our children". The highlight of the album is the long "Friendship" and its prelude. This track will make every proglover's heart pound a bit faster. The instrumental parts are wonderful.

A special mention has to be made to the production of the album. This is superb, especially when you consider it was recorded in 1971. In a whole this album is an absolute gem to the early prog lover.