THE GORDON GILTRAP BAND LIVE 1981

This live-in-the-studio album was recorded for radio in 1981 to promote the recently released studio album The Peacock Party, but Live 1981 was not officially released until 2003. Several numbers from The Peacock Party are featured here, but these live versions are much better than the studio versions, and Live 1981 as a whole far outshines The Peacock Party, which is Giltrap's least good album from this period. Also tunes from earlier albums are featured.

The flute takes a more prominent place in the sound here, often having a Jethro Tull-like sound. Saxophones and keyboards also appear. Giltrap concentrates on acoustic guitar, but occasionally plays the electric guitar. There is less of the band spirit here that characterized Live At Oxford, and Live 1981 has less of a Rock feel. The music is entirely instrumental throughout.

I find Live 1981 a thoroughly enjoyable set that remains true to the progressive spirit that animated Giltrap's music in the second half of the 70's and the early 80's, but it is not, however, up to par with the excellent Live At Oxford album recorded a few years earlier in front of an audience.

I recommend Prog fans to get Live At Oxford first, but Live 1981 is a nice companion