October - s/t (1979 USA).
October - After the Fall (1980 USA). October are a Detroit, Michigan area based progressive band. Their sound is a unique combination of symphonic prog rock with a pronounced fusion flair, probably due to the abundance of electric violin. The vocals have that late 1970s “private press voice” that is found on many albums from America during this time. Strangely, the vocals remind me a bit of the guy from Babylon, though not quite as Gabriel-esque. “After the Fall” is more symphonic rock oriented, and a bit looser in structure. Long passages are reserved for jamming and other instrumental experiments. Both albums have stood the test of time well, and are certain Tier 1 CD reissue wishlisters. I’ve had the self-titled album on LP for well over 15 years. “After the Fall” remains as probably the single rarest US progressive rock album, with supposedly only 25 pressed, each with a hand painted watercolor cover. I can honestly say that in all the years I’ve been collecting, I’ve never seen one actually for sale. A good friend of mine paid dearly for one, and it’s a site to behold. Neither have been reissued legitimately on CD to date, though bootlegs abound. Syn-Phonic owns the master tapes, so I think eventually they will reissue both.
Mutha Goose - I (1975 USA). Typical Midwest prog, this time from Indiana. Recalls the southern Illinois group Thunderpussy in the compositions, though there’s a strong presence of keyboards here. Other reference points are Albatross, Ethos and Vindication. Better than most US private prog albums. No CD exists.
Sailor - s/t (1974 USA). Sometimes known as Sailor Band, though we could find no evidence of that on the LP itself. From Minnesota and surprisingly sophisticated for such a private release. Most privately released progressive albums from 1974 have a strong hard rock element, and there’s little of that here with this jazz and classically inspired album. Plenty of jazz guitar and piano. All instrumental. A nice surprise. Another one without a CD issue.