ROCK AND ROLL SYMPHONY

CARNEGIE was a 6-piece American symphonic progressive rock band formed by the classically trained twins Mark and Clark Seymour. Mark and Clark had a quite successful career before CARNEGIE as The MARK & CLARK Band, but that's another story. CARNEGIE's line-up is quite unusual, as Mark and Clark are both Grand Piano players who played back to back at the concerts, their brother Scot is a Moog and Mellotron player in addition to the traditional Guitar, Bass Guitar and Drums. Because of the line-up the music is very grandiose and pompous with both classical influences as well as reminiscences to EMERSON LAKE & PALMER, GENESIS, STYX, SUPERTRAMP and QUEEN. What could've been their big chance turned out in disappointment. Their signing to CBS was no good for the band. In the studio they never got the chance to play their unique kind of symphonic progressive rock. Instead they were "forced" to play a more hit-oriented music. Thanks to the interesting Shroom Productions label we now have the opportunity to hear CARNEGIE as they were in their heydays back in 1977. Unfortunately the sound quality is really bad at times and it takes away a lot of the dynamic you would've got if it was a proper studio recording released on a major record company. Shroom Productions is however honourable for releasing this CD called "Rock and Roll Symphony". And that is what it is, a Rock and Roll Symphony! If you're into the good old progressive American bands from the 70's you will surely enjoy this album although the somewhat poor sound quality. Recommended!