17.06.2008.
Aquila - Aquila (1970) (@256)
(Review from progarchives.com, dprp.net)
Welsh band Aquila arose from the ashes of late 1960's band "Blonde On Blonde". Founding guitarist Ralph Denyer left that band in 1970 to work on a new project. He brought in four other musicians including George Lee, a dedicated wind instrumentalist and the five piece Aquila was formed.
Aquila's music, while substantially based in art rock, draws in influences from a diverse range of influences, including jazz and heavy rock. They play a most pleasant form of progressive rock music that follows in many ways where groups such as King Crimson left off following the release of In "The Court Of The Crimson King". The group manages to combine straightforward rock music with rather more complex arrangements together with the introduction of various "unconventional" rock instruments such as saxophones to great effect.
Deyner was the clear leader of the band, writing all the songs on their sole release, a self titled album -- split into two distinct halves. Side one has four self contained tracks which range from jazz rock to psychedelic proto-progressive, all the while remaining firmly in art rock territory. Side two is taken up entirely by the "Aquila suite", a 26 minute venture in three parts, delving into much progressive territories.
Aquila is an unjustly lost album from 1970. It is perhaps George Lee's contribution which distinguishes "Aquila" from other releases of the time, his multi-instrumental talents giving each track a unique flavour. Ralph Denyer's own contribution though should not be under-played. As sole songwriter and vocalist, as well as lead guitarist, he takes great credit for the way he exploits the talents of his fellow band members.
Line-up :
- Ralph Denyer / vocals, electric & acoustic guitars
- Phil Childs / Fender bass & piano
- George Lee / flute & Alto, Soprano, Tenor and Baritone saxes
- Martin Woodward / Hammond organ
- James Smith / drums, timpani, various percussion
Track List :
01. Change Your Ways - 5:18
02. How Many More Times - 6:22
03. While You Were Sleeping - 5:25
04. We Can Make It If We Try - 4:35
05. The Aquila Suite (First Movement: Aquila (Introduction), Flight If The Gilden Bird) - 8:29
06. The Aquila Suite (Second Movement: Cloud Circle, The Hunter, The Hill) - 8:52
07. The Aquila Suite (Third Movement: Were Do I Belong, Aquila (Conclusion)) - 8:57
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