UNIDENTIFIED FLYING ABSTRACT - LIVE AT CHIPPING NORTON 1974

In the beginning of 1974 Nektar were busy finalising their latest recording effort "Down to Earth". On March 27th 1974 they entered a recording studio in a town called Chipping Norton to celebrate bass player Mo Moore's birthday. They celebrated it with a live-in-the- studio jam session. This session, which took place between 2 am and 5 am, was recorded and now released on this cd. From the six songs, five were new and only one "Desolation Valley" had been released before (on the 1972 album "A Tab in the Ocean").

The cd opens with "Desolation Valley". A great dynamic, jazzy track with subtle guitar lines. "Oops - Unidentified flying abstract" is heavier and more jammy with a great spacy organ sound and a wah-wah guitar solo. The third track, "Mundetango", sounds great with the tango time signature. Next is the bluesy "One Mile Red" which flows into rock 'n' roll with "The Ticket". This will not really appeal to fans of progressive music. "We Must Have Been Smashed" is a jazzy piece with again wah-wah guitar and nice organ. The last track is "Summer Breeze". It is a guitar instrumental which was inspired by the descending chords of Yes' "Starship Trooper".

The tracks 2, 3 and 6 had already been released on the album "Sunday Night at London Roundhouse" together with two live recordings. But it is a good thing that finally the complete session is released on cd. Both sound and playing quality is excellent. The jam- character of the music makes it a nice album to listen to. The music is not very complex or inventive (except for the first track), but it just sounds good. It can be compared to the music that was released on the album "Sounds Like This".

Another "Nektar" jam. From 1974 but only released in ...2002.

If you except the great opening number "Desolation Valley", most of the other "songs" are some sorts of improvisation. And not of the best caliber, I'm afraid. Of course, this version of "Desolation" is absolutely magic. If only "Nektar" would have stuck to this brilliant space-rock...They are so great while playing these sorts of songs. Even if the original song has been quite extended, it is such a pleasure to listen to it that I just can be enthusiastic.. The incomparable highlight of this (live) set.

The second (and last ?) good song of this album is "Mundetango". Nice intro, hypnotic riff, catchy melody. Even if this song sounds a bit outdated (remember, this is a 1974 recording) I find it rather pleasant. Great keyboards and those riffs...I just love it. Another highlight.

All the other ones will have this funky feeling aleady available on their s-tudio album "Remember the Future" (seriously overrated IMO).

The closing "Summer Breeze" also pleases me but only because it is different from the jazzy / funky "Oops", the bluesy "One Mile..." and "We Must...". It generates some varition in this live, studio jam party. Still a calm and nice moment.

As to rate this album, I will be gentle. Five out of ten but upgraded up to three stars. Thanks to "Desolation Valley" and "Mundetango".