Wow. Simply, wow. I decided to succumb to Last.Fm's longing recommendation, and finally got my digital hands on one of the most complex prog. rock bands of the '70s you could imagine. And I was stunned. At first, the dissonance threw me off-guard; it had good reason to, mind you. Instead of being a harsh and uninviting sound however, Gentle Giant uses polyrhythmic patterns to the greatest extent, which at times provides similarities to some baroque composers. In The Power and The Glory, legendary drummer John Weathers seems to keep this band from reaching outer space, by providing a driving and steady beat in all of the tracks of this album. I've included the first video of the blog (shock horror), so you can personally witness the almighty Weathers at his most expressive. Never have I seen such an 'in touch' drummer, who expresses such passion towards his playing as he. Please, feast your eyes on "Proclamation".
Anyway, Gentle Giant possesses what many prog rock bands nowadays lack: complexity and sophistication (thank you Wikipedia). Lead singer Derek Shulman shows an obvious natural talent for pitching, as opposed to throwing, as in many of the bands' songs have unpredictable and 'leapy' melodies. As found in "In Reflection", from Free Hand, which gives simply proves that this band was influenced by baroque in one way or another, by providing an inventive a capella fugue to begin the song with and then including an instrumental fugue to finish with.
Such an innovative band of the time deserves much more Youtube views than it currently has.
Today is
Monday, June 7
Monday, February 8
C. W. Stoneking.
I stumbled across C. W. Stoneking on a forum (Stencil Revolution to be precise), and thought I'd give him a go. After downloading the album Jungle Blues, I was pleasantly surprised.
This earthy blues album has such a rich, almost rugged sound, consisting prominently of guitar and banjo, as well as simple percussion and bass, with of course Stoneking's raspy voice.
It brings to mind images of the early 20th Century in America, strumming on the front porch, whilst a steam train toots in the background, and a horse and cart wheel past, tumble weed and local rustic tavern certainly aren't far away. The occasional, yet consistent, fill-ins provided by moody brass (Stoneking's Primitive Horn Orchestra), and a honky-tonk piano also contributes to this album and "Housebound Blues", performed by Kirsty Fraser (his wife) is certainly a notable track, which sets as some relief from Stoneking's at times apathetic tone. That said however, Stoneking truly captures the blues in all it's expressive glory, with at times a needed wander into an American Folk and even hints at times to the roots of the Appalachians.
The 2008 album, Jungle Blues, gives C. W. Stoneking an even greater name for becoming one of Australia's most distinguished blues artists.
This earthy blues album has such a rich, almost rugged sound, consisting prominently of guitar and banjo, as well as simple percussion and bass, with of course Stoneking's raspy voice.
It brings to mind images of the early 20th Century in America, strumming on the front porch, whilst a steam train toots in the background, and a horse and cart wheel past, tumble weed and local rustic tavern certainly aren't far away. The occasional, yet consistent, fill-ins provided by moody brass (Stoneking's Primitive Horn Orchestra), and a honky-tonk piano also contributes to this album and "Housebound Blues", performed by Kirsty Fraser (his wife) is certainly a notable track, which sets as some relief from Stoneking's at times apathetic tone. That said however, Stoneking truly captures the blues in all it's expressive glory, with at times a needed wander into an American Folk and even hints at times to the roots of the Appalachians.
The 2008 album, Jungle Blues, gives C. W. Stoneking an even greater name for becoming one of Australia's most distinguished blues artists.
Wednesday, January 20
Aisha Duo.
I only discovered this duo tonight, when a friend I was talking to laughed and swore at them coming up on his shuffled playlist, but after much deliberation, I proceeded to download their debut album Quiet Songs.
Aisha Duo is an Italian jazz duo, featuring Andrea Dulbecco on Vibraphone and Luca Gusella on Marimba. At first, this unusual combination produces a rather comical sound, and I was expecting the track "Beneath an Evening Sky" to break into the narration of a picture book, by Monica off Play School. But after listening to this, and several other tracks on the album, one soon gets into the relaxed feel of the instruments, with the rich jazz chords, mostly played in an undertone, supporting the frequent improvisation of the melody. There are two other instruments featured on Quiet Songs: a set of frame drums and the cello. These are played by two said Italian virtuosos, who certainly provide some relief to the at times monotonous sound of the mallets. That said, however, the consistency grants the listener with a sense of calmness, and is almost certain to allow to unwind.
An unusual style of jazz, this improvised chamber music is certain to stay in my Windows Media Player Library for a while yet.
Aisha Duo is an Italian jazz duo, featuring Andrea Dulbecco on Vibraphone and Luca Gusella on Marimba. At first, this unusual combination produces a rather comical sound, and I was expecting the track "Beneath an Evening Sky" to break into the narration of a picture book, by Monica off Play School. But after listening to this, and several other tracks on the album, one soon gets into the relaxed feel of the instruments, with the rich jazz chords, mostly played in an undertone, supporting the frequent improvisation of the melody. There are two other instruments featured on Quiet Songs: a set of frame drums and the cello. These are played by two said Italian virtuosos, who certainly provide some relief to the at times monotonous sound of the mallets. That said, however, the consistency grants the listener with a sense of calmness, and is almost certain to allow to unwind.
An unusual style of jazz, this improvised chamber music is certain to stay in my Windows Media Player Library for a while yet.
Friday, January 15
Ian Anderson, who else?
Ian Anderson, lead singer/instrumentalist of Jethro Tull,a band which came about existence in 1968.
Jethro Tull is well known for being one of the first bands to incorporate the flute into rock.
Genre: Jazz-, Folk-, Blues-, Prog Rock.
I find this picture to be amazing, but I'm not a hundred percent sure why. I enjoy looking at aged photographs that include the outfits of choice in them, so maybe the fact that this image is in colour and that his jacket is simply appealing is why.
Ian Anderson is quickly becoming my new obsession, rainbow jacket and all.
Wednesday, January 13
King Crimson.
And when I thought this band couldn't get any better, I uncover another long lost track that certainly gives "21st Century Schizoid Man" a run. "Pictures of a City" from King Crimson's 1970 album In The Wake Of Poseidon is an incredible song, that has the same energy level that I muchly adore about the first track of their debut album In The Court Of The Crimson King. I have only two full albums in my possession, as my internet usage never looks healthy enough to have the confidence to download another. So I scour the internet for tracks that have similarities in the tracks that I like, and I thought I'd give "Pictures of a City" a go. I am certainly not regretting it.
King Crimson is a varied band I think, the way that they produce such a similar sound between tracks, yet still making such a difference in every song. I suppose you that last sentence won't make sense unless you have heard the band, and listened to more than one track.
In ending, I will leave you with a quote. This is from "Pictures of a City".
Peace.
King Crimson is a varied band I think, the way that they produce such a similar sound between tracks, yet still making such a difference in every song. I suppose you that last sentence won't make sense unless you have heard the band, and listened to more than one track.
In ending, I will leave you with a quote. This is from "Pictures of a City".
Concrete cold face cased in steel
Stark sharp glass-eyed crack and peel
Bright light scream beam brake and squeal
Red white green white neon wheel.
Monday, January 11
Blog, World. World, Blog.
I'd like to introduce this blog to the world.
I think of Tainted Tull as a scrapbook of music artists, tracks and albums of which I take an interest to, whether it be of a pleasant of otherwise nature. I'd like to recognise that the name Tainted Tull originates from the amalgamation of the song 'Tainted Love' by Soft Cell, and the legendary band name Jethro Tull.
This is very much a blog devoted to music, primarily from the 60s onwards.
I hope you find my writings of some of the most influential artists, songs and albums somewhat of an interest to you, too.
I think of Tainted Tull as a scrapbook of music artists, tracks and albums of which I take an interest to, whether it be of a pleasant of otherwise nature. I'd like to recognise that the name Tainted Tull originates from the amalgamation of the song 'Tainted Love' by Soft Cell, and the legendary band name Jethro Tull.
This is very much a blog devoted to music, primarily from the 60s onwards.
I hope you find my writings of some of the most influential artists, songs and albums somewhat of an interest to you, too.
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