FRED

I believe this stuff was recorded in '73/'74 but never released back in the day. I think it may have been if the band were from and it was recorded in the UK or even Europe, but I can see why it would have sunk without trace in the US. The sound on this album suggests a touch of Comus but with a Curved Air and even PFM vibe...which I know doesn't sound very fusion. That comes mainly from the keys man who seems to be pulling the band in that direction. The aforementioned influences/comparisons are due to the prominent violin which is never JL Ponty flash but more of an enhancer of the sound and perhaps the melody too You can hear a bit of National Health and Hatfield and the North too even though it preceded them. It's not quite 'all over the map' but makes good use of its travel pass and was a speculative purchase in a sale as it looked very my kinda 70's ...and is a just under but will give it a 4 star rating and for those looking for an off the beaten track thing...those travel passes eh...I really would suggest giving it a try if any of the above 'influences and similarities' are in your wheelhouse.

The bulk of the album's material was recorded between 1971 and 1972 as aforementioned, while a few numbers come from 1970 or 1973 recordings.Depending on the year the style of Fred ranges from pure Psychedelic Rock to complex jazzy Progressive Rock and everything in between.The more accesible tracks feature plenty of vocals performed by Rose, light organ and piano sounds by keyboardist Ken Price, the fuzzy guitar playing of DeCristopher and the psychedelic rhythm section of bassist Mike Robison and drummers Bo Fox and Peter Eggers.The bucolic life of the band is evident on the easily recognizable Folk melodies, still even these tracks contain some jamming sessions with a full rich sound.A few bluesy cuts included are rather dull and out of the whole atmosphere.On the other hand there are also these well-performed moments, seeing the band in full shape and delivering more complicated offerings with obvious jazzy leanings and a few symphonic hints with Rose's excellent violin drives on the forefront, more adventurous guitar playing and some powerful keyboard work.This material is quite interesting and propably a major listening for a prog fan.

Decent Psych/Prog is the result of this effort by World in Sound label and if you like a good dose of psychedelia thrown in a sea of intricate performances, ''Fred'' will be definitely among your major preferences.A well-captured document of this lost band, which comes warmly recommended