BRAND X - A HISTORY 1976-1980

A History 1976-1980 was the first Brand X album I ever purchased, chiefly because I was unfamiliar with the band other than being aware of Genesis drummer Phil Collins being one of its members. This seemed like the perfect introduction for me as jazz fusion was a genre I had not explored much during my aural explorations which chiefly revolved around symphonic and neo progressive music.

If you're in the same boat as me and want to get your ears wet in this genre, this is really a good place to start as Brand X is one of the more accessible jazz fusion bands out there. This album also introduced me to the talented guitar work of John Goodsall, the elaborate bass playing of Percy Jones, and the skilled keyboard work of Robin Lumley.

The album covers material from Brand X's most famous period during the 1970s including tracks from Unorthodox Behaviour, Moroccan Roll, Masques, Product, and Do They Hurt? The music is quite exceptional and very easy to get into for newcomers to the genre and Brand X. With this album, you can use it as a springboard to acquiring the rest of the Brand X discography.

An excellent compilation. Highly recommended for newcomers to the genre and an excellent introduction to Brand X's music. Four stars.