RED QUEEN TO GRYPHON THREE

All time prog classic number #14 is arguably one of the most original recordings in rock , impossible to imitate and a true monument to progressive music. Firstly, this is as close to classical music played with modern instruments that you may get, more so than Gentle Giant, the Moodies or the other usual prog suspects (Floyd, Genesis, Tull, Yes and KC). Secondly, a rock band led by a Bassoonist (Brian Gulland) and a krumhornist (Richard Harvey) is rather rare, to say the least. Thirdly, a concept based on a medieval chessgame is daringly original. Put all this together in the hands of obviously highly talented instrumentalists and you get this timeless album that knows no rivals. This is complex only in the intricacy of the arrangements and the interplay between the woodwinds, the keyboard parts and the discreet yet brilliant guitar playing from Graeme Taylor (no rock star bluesy solos here ,though) . This is teamplay at its pinnacle , drummer Oberle working with bassist Nestor propelling the music forward and swerving on a dime when needed. Awesome stuff even/especially 30 years later! This is part of the package I put together when asked "Vas iz diss Progmuzik ?" with the likes of Nova-Wings of Love, DiMeola's Elegant Gypsy, Focus' Hamburger Concerto and Ange's Au Dela du Delire together with the more obviously famous big names . I have seen disbelief painted on more than one face when subjected to this magnificence. Respect comes immediatly especially from the snobbier jazzcats and the elitist Mozartists. This album , with Wakeman's monster "the 6 Wives of Henry VIII" really put them into place, once and for all. (God, I love doing that!!!). And befitting its uniqueness, this can be listened to only as a complete opus , showcasing the class, the ingenuity and sheer musical bliss emanating from theses grooves. As close to perfect you can hope for. 5 welsh birds