CIRCUS

Circus was one of the first bands to feature the talents of the well-known flutist and sax-player Mel Collins. Their self-titled debut was their only album, and consisted mostly of cover-material, but also a couple of tunes written by Collins. Musically this is typical early progressive rock that varies between the heavy, jazzy and psychedelic. Their heavy side is showed best through their really raw adaptation of The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" that opens the album. Two other of the other cover-tunes, Charles Mingus' "Il B.S." and the traditional tune "St. Thomas", demonstrated the jazz-influenced side of the band. Tim Hardin's "Don't Make Promises" had been turned into a typical flute-driven progressive rock track with an instrumental break in the middle. The same goes for Mama and the Papas' "Monday, Monday". But my personal favourite is the airy and atmospheric progressive ballad "Pleasures of a Lifetime" that was penned by Collins himself. His two other songs, the short instrumental "Goodnight John Morgan" and the psychedelic "Father of My Daughter" were less impressive, but still listenable enough. Despite the wide use of cover-material, this is a good and solid album that will appeal to fans of flute/sax-driven progressive rock.

Snow Dog wrote: I think they're already on the list, have been for a while.

Wrong Circuses - looks like with inclusion of the Brit jazz rock band we'll have a 3 ring circus.......

ANDREW wrote: Dick Heath wrote: Snow Dog wrote: I think they're already on the list, have been for a while.   Wrong Circuses - looks like with inclusion of the Brit jazz rock band we'll have a 3 ring circus....... Yes, that's right... CIRCUS (UK) - Circus (1969) CIRKUS (UK) - Cirkus One (1971) CIRCUS (Switz.) - Movin' On (1977)

Snowie is right both the UK Circkus are on the list of future inclusions and both should be included.

Andrew; whenever you feel ready?