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HOBSON'S CHOICE

Eclectic Prog • United States


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Hobson's Choice biography
HOBSON'S CHOICE is an American progressive rock quartet, with all its members originating from New Orleans. They have so far released one album, titled New Horizons, a work that remained mostly unknown (though not necessarily obscure, as far as the music is concerned); the band, however, is promoting better its music these last three years, mostly through concerts, while also preparing a second album.

The admiration and focus on classic 70s prog rock is for sure the entire axis on which HOBSON'S CHOICE revolve. Grouped around 1992, the initial quartet was made out of David Stocker on keyboards, bassist Joel Webb, vocalist and songwriter Stan Elder (one of his songs having survived, included on the debut) and Tom Larson on drums and percussions, the last two being afterwards replaced by Richard Bird (guitar and vocals) and Doug Walsh (percussions). Throughout the first years, HOBSON'S CHOICE mainly played covers of prog rock pieces, by titans such as GENTLE GIANT, ELP, GENESIS, YES, PFM, PINK FLOYD, but they've transitioned towards original prog-making soon after, the prior act of tributing having solidified into clear, straightforward influences. New Horizons was mainly desired to be HOBSON'S CHOICE best debut input, after extended composing and recording.

The feedbacks on New Horizons (few as they were and as they still are - a thing to be hopefully redressed soon) generally acclaim it as a successful and interesting work of symphonic prog - and it is, indeed, the style that you can primarily hear. Nevertheless, HOBSON'S CHOICE drift as well on capturing as much from classic prog rock as possible, proof of this being the extensiveness of their influences, but also (more into the music) the sound of their instrumental art. In addition to the abovementioned array of influences, the musicians have their own special prog idols, Richard Bird, for instance, feeling inspired by Frank ZAPPA. Not to forget, a bit of classical music (on one hand) and modern rock (on the other) smoothens the assortment.

Since HOBSON'S CHOICE is almost a side-project, the stories of the four current musicians, though all close to each other as New Orleaners, are divided. Of course, HOBSON'S CHOICE stands as their most serious project (if not the only serious one) in which the love for 70s prog was taken one beneficial step forward, towards real shots of new prog rock (the covers phase being, in other words, understandable, but their own c...
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4.01 | 25 ratings
New Horizons
1996
3.89 | 8 ratings
In Case of Second Sight
2022

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HOBSON'S CHOICE Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 In Case of Second Sight by HOBSON'S CHOICE album cover Studio Album, 2022
3.89 | 8 ratings

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In Case of Second Sight
Hobson's Choice Eclectic Prog

Review by Rivertree
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / Band Submissions

4 stars Are you interested in a little time travel, escorting the band HOBSON'S CHOICE hereby? Formed in 1992 they were a distinct progressive rock band hailing from New Orleans, US. During their existence the quartet could release one album named 'New Horizon' in 1996. Now the real sensation, simply a surprise for most of us ... October 2022 then saw the arrival of a sophomore one, appropriately entitled 'In Case Of Second Sight'. The formal recording phase regarding this song material already had began in the fall of 1999. But it all remained unmixed and unreleased till now, for what reason ever. We will experience nearly the same line up again three years later, consisting of Richard Bird (guitars, vocals), David Stocker (keyboards, vocals), Joel Webb (bass) and Tom Larson (drums), enhanced with some additional collaborators anyhow.

Nine songs have made it on this sophisticated production, yet again a wonderful string of pearls. In total they are having more than one hour of music in supply here. The band's output is mostly symphonic and art rock tinged, moreover provided with a rather tricky eclectic approach. Along with their debut in the same way this generally features a proper 1970's vintage styled atmosphere. Influences deriving from diverse genre dinosaurs are occasionally shimmering through, who wonders? But it's quite an unique presentation anyhow. Richard Bird and David Stocker both are providing fine lead vocals, where one of them is getting close to John Wetton or Greg Lake in expression, at best to recognize on the song Entropic.

'In Case Of Second Sight' consists of stunning compositions all the way through. And the musicians' virtuoso playing marks a mesmerizing statement too. This goes for the entire album, without restriction, not always taken for granted in these days. Especially the atmospheric song couple Exile and Last Horizon convinces me with its sheer beauty. Regarding the closing track Endeavour they are giving pace again. Anyhow, just like it is with the other songs, for the sake of variation, or maybe even contradiction, the music is unveiling a flow like coming from a surprise bag in general. Not to believe, if this treasure would have remained in hibernation, hidden forever and ever? But luckily it all turned for good in 2022, easily to be checked out on their bandcamp page! 4.5 stars.

 New Horizons by HOBSON'S CHOICE album cover Studio Album, 1996
4.01 | 25 ratings

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New Horizons
Hobson's Choice Eclectic Prog

Review by apps79
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Unknown US band, that only made on album around the mid-90's.They hailed from New Orleans, originally formed around David Stocker on keyboards, Joel Webb on bass, singer Stan Elder and drummer Tom Larson, while the free translation of their name meant something like ''no other choice''.Elder was replaced by singer/guitarist Richard Bird, the quartet recruited also percussionist Mark Whitacker and headed for the Audiophile Studios in their homecountry to record their debut ''New horizons''.The album was released independently in 1996.

Unlike the title of the album, you won't find any new horizons in this album.But Hobson's Choice had definitely a good smell of the re-emergence of Progressive Rock at the time and they certainly did not need any Spock's Beard to built their style upon.They were clearly influences by the likes of YES, GENESIS and GENTLE GIANT and recalled the music of compatriots ETHOS, MAELSTROM, PENTWATER and the likes to offer a strongly vintage-inspired Progressive/Symphonic Rock with long tracks and lush arrangements.Keyboard work is based on analog equipment with organ and synthesizers as the leading forces, while they guitar moves and bass lines are very much influenced by the classic works of YES.Music ranges from passable to astonishing with nice changes between tempos, odd time signatures, surprising breaks and often a strong sense of melody.Even the vocals have an evident nostalgic aura, coming from the aforementioned bands.Parts of the album are extremely technical with extended interplays, Classical nuances and very dense instrumental passages with impressive keyboard runs and tricky guitar workouts.Very good effort along the lines of Classic 70's Prog.

While the band was short-lived, one Doug Walsh appears to have replaced Tom Larson at some point with no signs of Hobson's Choice further activity.Richard Bird continued his career as a sound technician and recording engineer, having collaborated with Alan Holdsworth among others.

Very good, albeit rather unoriginal US Symph Prog.Despite its limited exposure, this one deserves some spins if you are a fan of the classic era of the genre.Well-played and often quite impressive music, that comes warmly recommended.

 New Horizons by HOBSON'S CHOICE album cover Studio Album, 1996
4.01 | 25 ratings

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New Horizons
Hobson's Choice Eclectic Prog

Review by tszirmay
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

5 stars Hobson's Choice has to be one of the top unknown masterpieces in my collection, an American one shot wonder that spit out a debut album in 1996 and promptly faded MacArthur style away. What makes them quite original as a prog band is that they hail from the improbable musical mecca of New Orleans, better known for its , let's say more tropical styles. They actually cut their teeth as a prog-rock cover band, doing the usual suspects Genesis, ELP, KC, Tull and Floyd. The South must have never recovered from the shock!

Truth is New Horizons is a stellar package, a seasoned quartet of master musicians composing and playing music that appeals to their creative muse as well as challenging their skills. As such, keyboardist David Stocker displays all the flourishes one would expect, though preferring his hot organ over the other ivories at his disposition, while bassist Joel Webb handles the low end chores with skill, precision and muscularity. Drummer Doug Walsh keeps things tidy and orderly, with occasional flashes of dexterity and finally guitarist/ vocalist Richard Bird shows off considerable chops and sings with an effusive voice. These are 4 tight dudes and yet, the main thrill is the sheer quality of the compositions, the ultra- vivid melodies and the obvious old-fashioned prog themes that really hit the mark. There are possible comparisons to Happy the Man, Camel, Finch, Focus, even Oldfield and Gryphon!

'Raging Sun' kicks off this progressive 'mardis gras' musical feast with typical Floydian atmospherics, marching military drums, massive mellotron waves, rollicking Hammond, looping bass patterns and a glorious vocal theme that you swear you have heard before. It's spacey yet hectic, lush with polyrhythmic complexity and sensational playing by all members. 'Procession' is a highlight track, imagine a brooding organ /synth straight out of Peter Bardens territory, a melodic splurge that captivates you from the start, the big organ sounding like Sugarloaf or Booker T, simply fascinating. Again, the impression is that one has heard this before. Content to keep raising the bar of complete surprise, the quasi-Oriental theme that starts off the 8 minute + 'Passages' really keeps you on the toes, as the elegant piano makes its crystalline appearance, sounding very much like early Genesis. The quartet shows a strong sense of cohesion and tight playing, veering from easy to complex on a dime. The churning organ works in unison with the clean guitar theme, a very deliberate 70s feel that will win many unsure fans over, axeman Richard Bird doing some delirious notes not unlike Bacamarte's Mario Neto or Joop van Nimwegen from Finch. Tremendous music, this is. Another 8 minute piece is next up at the plate and need I repeat myself, another nugget of prog brilliance! 'Steps of Eight' is a slow-burning symphonic torch song, as Bird really leans into the microphone, showing serious intensity amid the piano rivulets and the snare taps. The arrangement breathes lovingly, clanging guitar in unison with the playful keyboards, strong hints of PFM mixed in with velvety inserts that wink at classic Floyd, even some tubular bells. A surly guitar solo gives a little bite after which Stocker does a fascinating Kerry Minnear/Rick Wakeman before the door shuts on the tune. Speaking of influence, how about a little hint of Gryphon to spice up your gumbo? 'Jan in E Moll' sounds like the medieval British group but I wonder if 'Jan' refers to Akkerman, as the acoustic guitar work is simply out of this world. Imagine that, in New Orleans! The synth does a great job imitating the bassoon and krumhorns associated with the Welsh bird! Absolutely marvelous piece of music. Can they keep this quality up to the end? 'Size of It' rambles unashamedly with even more gusto, loaded with a bubbly organ that stops and goes crazily. The synthesizer work emits a strong Celtic vibe, the piano played masterfully as the volume-pedal guitar hums, deliberate and stunning. Probably their more experimental piece here, a total keeper. The title track finishes off this lovely recording, with lavish breezy vocals leading the way, total attention to detail like the tiny synthesized 'ahs' at one point, and the definite enjoyment of playing a style of music the players deeply exalt over. Fresh, vibrant, lucid, generous and thankfully not over-produced, which only adds to the inherent charm, as the fiery mellotron blasts a massive goodbye. Bravo to your courage, talent and determination, wherever you guys are!

This is not an easy find but most certainly one of the finest symphonic prog albums from the USA ever! Definitely a collector's item and a jewel in any prog crown. I adore this album and often play it to my musician wannabe friends. Louisiana prog, babe, born on the bayou! Beat that!

5 Marching Saints

 New Horizons by HOBSON'S CHOICE album cover Studio Album, 1996
4.01 | 25 ratings

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New Horizons
Hobson's Choice Eclectic Prog

Review by maryes

5 stars Excellent work to this North-American band!!! In your music HOBSON'S CHOICE "New Horizons", bring to us a merge of Space- Rock, Symphonic Prog, something for Hard Prog and Classical music. Influenced by some bands with so disconnected styles like PINK FLOYD(like in the first and fourth tracks) , GENTLE GIANT, EL&P, PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI (like in the track 6 mix with GG and EL&P) and in some passages of guitars and keyboards the brand of YES (especially in the solos of the last track). Showing great moments in acoustic guitar and piano. For the reasons above this is, in my humble opinion, one of the best albuns of 1996 and deserves 5 stars !!!
Thanks to Ricochet for the artist addition.

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