DIE SUITEN

This compilation of the most ambitious works of East Germany's BAYON, their suites, is arguably the logical entry point to the band for the uninitiated prog fan. It spans the early 1970s through the mid 1980s and tracks their evolution from heavy psychedelic German prog a la JANE or WALLENSTEIN to a largely acoustic hybridization of classical, folk, jazz and new age. Only one track, the opener, features vocals amidst its crunching organs and cascading lead guitars. The second suite weaves in flutes and an arresting main melody. The third is like something SCHICKE FUHR and FROEHLING might have attempted in their quieter moments, with plenty of luscious acoustic guitars and strings that proxy for mellotron. The tracks that constitute Suites IV and V are more chamber oriented, honing on Theusner's and Lehnhardt's proficiency on acoustic guitar over Thet's cello, and varying the pace agreeably from reflective to vivacious. While most fans here will probably be more drawn to Suites I-III, IV and V fortify the artists' status as survivors and adapters without compromise. Suite.