Dave Bainbridge - Veil of Gossamer Review by Gary Hill Dave Bainbridge may not be a household name, even in the progressive rock world, but after listening to this CD, I think he should be. He has created with Veil of Gossamer one of the finest prog releases of the year. More
Banco del Mutuo Soccorso - Darwin! Review by Bill Knispel Banco del Mutuo Soccorso is perhaps the best known and most widely loved Italian symphonic progressive bands. Revered every bit as deeply outside their home nation as within it, their works help to form the cornerstone of both Italian progressive and symphonic progressive music. More
Peter Banks - Two Sides of Peter Banks Review by Steve Alspach The initial string-slinger in Yes, Peter Banks appears to have been overlooked in progressive rock annals in favor of his successor, but his work in Flash has stood up quite well to the years. On this album, Peter assembles an extremely strong group of progressive rock musicians, and the CD explores a wide range of musical styles. More
Tony Banks - Still Review by Gary Hill Featuring both progressive and pop leanings, this solo album from Genesis keysman Tony Banks is a strong effort. There are some wonderful moments here, and no real throw away tracks. More
Banned From Utopia - So Yuh Don't Like Modern Art Review by Gary Hill A strong debate rages among progressive rock fans as to whether or not Frank Zappa qualifies as prog. I know that I am in disagreement with my friend and prog authority Bill Martin over this matter, as I feel that FZ's music does fit under the banner. More
Richard Barbieri - Stranger Inside Review by Gary Hill Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist in Porcupine Tree and also the defunct group Japan. More
In a seeming sea of modern musical acts without talent and originality it’s refreshing to find a band that not only has created a powerful album (yeah, remember when it was all about the album and not the single?) but also stretches into musical territory that’s not simple to categorize.
Perhaps this isn’t the most obvious choice for progressive rock inclusion. Still, groups like the Strawbs are considered prog, and these guys have the same fascination with folk music.
Beardfish - Sleeping in Traffic: Part One Review by Gary Hill The easy approach to describing this Swedish band would be to say that they are along the lines of The Flower Kings. The thing is, that would only be partly true. More
Beardfish - Sleeping in Traffic: Part Two Review by Bill Knispel One year on from the release of their first album for InsideOut Music, Beardfish fulfills the promise made via the title of that release (Sleeping in Traffic Part One) with the second half of their lengthy concept piece.
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The Beatenpath - Solace Review by G. W. Hill Sisters Lena Boone and Gwen Beyer come by musical talent through their DNA.
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Adrian Belew - Side Three Review by Gary Hill When I first got Belew's Side One it was said that that disc was going to be the first a trilogy of CD's. This album draws that set to a close, but as it turns out, there is now to be a fourth. More
Adrian Belew - Side Two Review by Gary Hill This CD is the second in a trilogy axe-man extraordinaire Adrian Belew has on tap for release this year. While I find this one to be a very strong release, I don't like it as much as Side One. More
Adrian Belew - Side One Review by Gary Hill All right, I realize the year has just started, so this statement is probably premature, but this album may well be the best prog rock release of 2005. Yes, I like it that much. More
Adrian Belew - Side Four Review by Sonya Kukcinovich Side Four is The Adrian Belew Power Trio live follow up to his already well received Sides One, Two and Three. With everything from the cover art work to the unique song titles being steeped in the Belew tradition of coming at you from left field, his musical approach actually makes total sense, with a unique respect for harmony, melody, sound, texture, color, and feel.
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Bellaphon - Firefly Review by Gary Hill This Japanese release from 1987 is a very entertaining instrumental progressive rock album. Many influences are represented here including Yes, Genesis and jazz. More
Ray Bennett - Angels and Ghosts Review by Gary Hill Ray Bennett is probably best known in progressive rock circles as part of the band Flash, Peter Bank's first post-Yes band. It really does not do Bennett justice to refer to him in that manner, though. More
Let’s get this out right at the beginning, this really isn’t progressive rock. It’s pure jazz. That said, there are similarities between the two styles.
Robert Berry - A Soundtrack To The Wheel of Time Review by Gary Hill A Soundtrack To The Wheel of Time is an album created not as a soundtrack to a film, but rather to a series of books. The fantasy books are written by Robert Jordan who has officially endorsed this album. More
Robert Berry - Prime Cuts Review by Gary Hill The latest release in the Magna Carta series Prime Cuts, this time the attention is turned on Robert Berry's considerable work on the label. The first point I need to bring up is somewhat of a mixed one here. More
Emily Bezar - Exchange Review by Gary Hill This is an insidious CD. On first listen it seems, “okay,” but it gets under your skin. Each subsequent listening has you further under its spell until you are really a big fan. More
Big Big Train - The Difference Machine Review by G. W. Hill This latest disc from Big Big Train is a fine example of how an artist can combine classic progressive rock sounds with more modern textures in a mélange that, while nodding to the music of others is as a whole something unique.
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Big Dixon - Big Dixon Review by Lorraine Kay Big Dixon is four guys that just seem to have fun playing music. Fronting the band on lead vocals is David Mcbee, while John Fusco handles the guitars and background vocals. More
Bigelf - Cheat the Gallows Review by Rick Damigella So one Saturday, whilst strolling the aisles at the Virgin Megastore on Hollywood Blvd., a particular disc caught my eye.
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The name is taken from the two lead musicians of the band. This would be Ruby Bird (accordion, harmonica, melodica, lead & back up vocals) and Billy Carl Mancini (guitars, percussion, lead & back up vocals).
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - with Oral Moses - Extreme Spirituals Review by Gary Hill Progressive rock, experimental in nature, has always flirted with unique combinations. Rick Wakeman’s IceCapades type version of the Myths and Legends of King Arthur... album and Jon Anderson’s EarthMotherEarth ballet are two examples that immediately come to mind. More
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - Petrophonics Review by Gary Hill If you are a fan of off kilter, instrumental prog with jazzy overtones; do yourself a favor and check out this band. The sound is really all their own, although comparisons to early King Crimson are justified. More
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - Dancing on A'A Review by Gary Hill I got this disc after having heard quite a few other Birdsongs albums from the catalog. Yes, the music here is consistent with the rest of their material; jazzy free form progressive rock excursions that are often hard to classify. More
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - Faultline Review by Gary Hill This is arguably the most accessible disc from Birdsongs of the Mesozoic. That said, don't expect to hear the latest pop or rock sounds here. More
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - Pyroclastics Review by Gary Hill Birdsongs of the Mesozoic is an unusual band. While they practice an adventurous form of progressive instrumental rock - at times closer to jazz or classical - they still manage to come across as playful and catchy. More
Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - The Iridium Controversy Review by Gary Hill Birdsongs of the Mesozoic definitely have class. The group has always combined classical instrumentation with more rock and jazz oriented compositions into a musical style that is nearly impossible to pigeon hole. More
Black Bonzo - Sound of the Apocalypse Review by Gary Hill Fans of old-school progressive rock should love this CD. These guys have created a modern album that captures all the best of the older incarnation of the genre. More
Black Fortress of Opium - Black Fortress of Opium Review by Gary Hill I’ve included this in the progressive rock section of Music Street Journal more because of the unique combination of sounds than anything else. Much of the disc doesn’t feel like what you would call “progressive rock” right out of the gate. More
Mike Black - Go/No-Go Review by Gary Hill Mike Black is a true solo artist. He produces every sound on this disc. More
Blackfield - Blackfield Review by Gary Hill When I first got this CD I hadn't heard of it, but knowing that Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree was involved in the project was enough to get my attention. As it turns out the album is a duo between Wilson and Israeli avant-garde hero Aviv Geffen. More
Blackmore's Night - Past Times With Good Company Review by Gary Hill Ritchie Blackmore is certainly best known for his work in hard rocking bands Deep Purple and Rainbow. He has been showing a different face with his new band Blackmore's Night. More
Blackmore's Night - Winter Carols Review by Rick Damigella Here is a recipe for a classic holiday album: Add one guitar legend to an angelic voiced alto singer, mix with a backing band of Renaissance musicians, sprinkle with a generous amount of holiday cheer and you will yield a dozen delicious Christmas treats. More
Blackmore's Night - Secret Voyage Review by Gary Hill Blackmore’s Night might not be on the radar in terms of pop culture, but they’ve certainly built a well-deserved following of those “in the know.” More
This is the second coming of Ritchie Blackmore's pet project that started off as if it wouldn't last so long, but has proceeded to find no end in sight.
Bland Bladen - I Grevens Tid Review by Gary Hill Sharing personnel with Øresund Space Collective, this disc also shares some musical ground with that outfit. More
Blind Ego - Mirror Review by Josh Turner The front-man, Kalle Wahlner is a self-described egomaniac, but I wouldn’t say it’s without merit. Don’t take this on blind faith alone.
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Tomas Bodin - I Am Review by Josh Turner This concept comes from the fantasies of Flower King's keyboardist Tomas Bodin. Right from the get go, you know I Am is going to grow on you. More
Tomas Bodin - Sonic Boulevard Review by Josh Turner This album features ten blissful songs from the masterful Tomas Bodin. As his third solo attempt, he has really hit a homerun. More
Bodragaz - Awaken Review by Gary Hill I’m sure there are plenty of people who would say this disc belongs in the heavy metal category.
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Borg Symphony - Ode to Hero Tixe Review by Lorraine Kay This is a musical symphony, not merely tracks of music. The music is played by a Performance Art Group based in Los Angeles. More
Bosch - Bosch Review by Gary Hill Bosch is an odd beast. The music is incredibly free-form and experimental. It’s not really my cup of tea to be honest. More
Boud Deun - The Stolen Bicycle Review by Gary Hill The Stolen Bicycle is a very entertaining prog rock instrumental work that has much in common with the music of King Crimson. The musicianship here is very solid and this is a very well conceived album.
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Boz got his start as the lead singer for a progressive rock band. For that reason, it shouldn’t be surprising that a lot of this music leans in the direction of progressive rock.
Bozzio, Levin, Stevens - Black Light Syndrome Review by Gary Hill This album by Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin and Steve Stevens is a very wonderful work. Combining elements of Red era King Crimson, jazz, and other sources,the musicianship is impeccable. More
Bozzio, Levin, Stevens - Situation Dangerous Review by Steve Alspach Red-era King Crimson's may claim to being the best guitar-bass-drums setup in progressive rock, but Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin, and Steve Stevens are more than willing to challenge that assumption with their latest work, "Situation Dangerous". The album shows three musicians at the top of their games.
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Terry Bozzio - Prime Cuts Review by Gary Hill This disc by drum great Terry Bozzio is by definition a compilation album. Still it does include two previously unreleased numbers, one of which was recorded specifically for this CD. More
Terry Bozzio & Billy Sheehan - Nine Short Films Review by Gary Hill Terry Bozzio wrote the lyrics to this and provides all the percussion and keyboard textures. The majority of the guitar sounds on this CD are not truly guitar but keys that sound like guitar provided by Bozzio. More
Brand X - Missing Period Review by Gary Hill Associated with the prog musical style both because of their imaginative and virtuosic fusion approach to music and the sometime presence of Genesis man Phil Collins, Brand X have always been a great largely unknown musical treasure. More
Brand X - Unorthodox Behaviour Review by Steve Alspach Those fans of progressive music who stick their fingers down their throat at the mention of the name "Phil Collins" may not be familiar with this piece of work. If they were, they may think that Phil may deserve a bit of redemption before being cast to purgatory. More
I really like this album. I first heard about (and met) Tom Brislin when he was playing with Yes on their symphonic tour. I was impressed with both his personality and his playing skill.
When you consider that Dave Brock kind of is Hawkwind – at least he’s the one guy who’s been in Hawkwind through every lineup change – it might seem that a Dave Brock solo album would be a lot like Hawkwind.
Edgar Broughton Band - At Rockpalast Review by Gary Hill I originally had this planned for the “non-prog” section of Music Street Journal. The more I listen to it, though, the more I think it fits into prog. More
Bruford and Borstlap - In Two Minds Review by Gary Hill This collaboration between drum and percussion legend Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson) and piano player Michiel Borstlap presents some intriguing jazz that seems to strive to exist without borders or preconceptions.
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Bruford Levin Upper Extremities - Bruford Levin Upper Extremities Review by Gary Hill The musicians on this disc are Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson), Tony Levin (King Crimson; Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe; Bozzio, Levin, Stevens; Liquid Tension Experiment), David Torn (Mark Isham, Bill Bruford), and Chris Botti(Paul Simon, Blue Nile). More
Bruford Levin Upper Extremities - BLUE Nights Review by Gary Hill This recording chronicles the live performances of Bruford Levin Upper Extremities from 1998. The disc showcases the band's unique blend of jazzy modes with Crimsonesque textures and, occassionally, just plain weirdness. More
Bruford - Rock Goes To College Review by Gary Hill Bruford’s original lineup only played two shows, both television appearances. The second of those is the recording released here. Bill Bruford is joined here, as on the two studio albums that original presented the material they perform, by keyboardist Dave Steward, guitar god Allan Holdsworth and bassist Jeff Berlin.
Bruford - One of A Kind Review by Steve Alspach I remember buying this album in 1979 and the woman who sold me this album said, "Oh, you'll love this album. It is so much fun!" I had heard albums described in a number of ways, but "fun"? More
Bill Bruford's Earthworks - Bill Bruford's Earthworks Review by Gary Hill The first disc by Bill Bruford's Earthworks project, this one might be a bit different for fans of his prog rock works, but it is also very solid. Bruford had always had strong jazz leanings, and made that quite clear over the years. More
Gary Paul Bryant - Imaginary Piano Review by Gary Hill Fans of keyboard instrumental music, rejoice, there is a new name in town and the man can play. Gary Paul Bryant's take on this medium touches on the sounds of such prog heroes and Rick Wakeman, Vangelis and Keith Emerson. More
Burning Saviours - Nymphs & Weavers Review by Gary Hill While this one might not be the most obvious choice for prog, there are certainly a lot of progressive rock influences here. These guys draw the majority of their sound from 1970’s hard rock and so much of that music was flirting with progressive rock.
Kate Bush - Aerial Review by Steve Alspach I'm in year 19 of a 3-year sabbatical from graduate school, so I can't blame Kate Bush for wanting to take a year off and and missing the deadline, so to speak. Kate was feeling a bit burned out after "The Red Shoes" and the accompanying video "The Line, the Cross, and the Curve." More
Kate Bush - Hounds of Love Review by Steve Alspach Kate Bush found her true ground in 1982's "The Dreaming" which was her first self-produced effort. As inventive and creative as that album was, "Hounds of Love" takes that creativity a giant step further. More
Kate Bush - The Dreaming Review by Steve Alspach There were signs of Kate Bush's musical maturity in 1980's "Never For Ever" but not too many people may have been expecting the curveball she threw with 1982's "The Dreaming." Often referred to as the "She's gone mad" album, "The Dreaming" is far removed from "The Kick Inside," the 1978 album that introduced the helium-tinged starry-eyed waif to the world. More
Kate Bush - The Whole Story Review by Gary Hill As is generally the case with compilation discs, this is sort of a mixed bag of tricks.
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Kate Bush’s second release, this showed hints of some of the powerful music that would show up in her catalog down the road. It’s a strong disc, but not every track is great.
Bushwhack - Bushwhack Review by Greg Olma Sometimes you just come across something that is so good you almost want to keep it a secret. Bushwhack is just one of those things.
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Jon Butcher is a true talent of rare proportions, and this is a masterpiece of the AOR / prog variety which cannot be quite compared to anything he's recorded prior or since.
