By now you know full well I abhor "Best Of" lists; too subjective, argumentative, and time wasting. Why bicker, debate, and argue over who was better/more prog/the most creative when the option to simply try it all and focus on what we prefer is always on the turntable? And does it really make the music better if it sold the most copies? By that logic we would all be worshiping at the altars of Engelbert Humperdinck and Slim Whitman...
These past 52 weeks proved to be an exciting time in the world of progressive rock. Several new bands released first albums while still others expanded their catalogs, offering second releases and more. Many artists worked with new bands or went the solo route, thus expanding their stake in the prog garden. Time for a walk through said garden so as to enjoy one last time the rich bounty 2017 brought forth...
The year opened excitingly enough; I was fortunate to land an interview with Jordan Rudess. He was extremely cordial, polite, humble, and down-to-earth. Jordan continues to stretch the boundaries of prog music with his innovative ideas and creativity. He also plays a mean keyboard; enjoy Jordan's interpretation of "White Christmas" here...
Nick Beggs, Nad Sylvan, Rikard Sjoblom, Malcolm Galloway, and Will Geraldo are among those who either released solo work away from their bands, performed with new bands and/or collaborations, or presented new music with their existing bands.
Abstract Aprils and Seconds Before Landing also joined the ranks of bands expanding their acreage in the prog garden as they released new material this year. One of the things I find rewarding is discovering new bands and following along as they grow and build their body of work, gaining a wider audience along the way.
I realize not every off shoot in the prog genre is appealing to every proghead; there are sections of the prog garden I prefer not to travel myself. However; I find it more gratifying to promote the music I like rather than tear down that which I do not.
Time for another holiday interlude; Greg Lake performing one of my personal favorites...
Several musicians passed through the veil in 2017. Though not progressive artists by definition, one could make the argument that without Chuck Berry and Fats Domino laying some of the early groundwork for rock 'n' roll to take hold, progressive rock may never have built its foundation.
Prog rock has not been immune to loss and tragedy as many icons recently left the garden prior to 2017. Greg Lake, Keith Emerson, Chris Squire, John Wetton, and David Bowie each left a huge mark on the genre in his own unique way. Without the inspiration these and other artists used to blaze the trail, we may never have been graced with many of the prog giants we enjoy today--or will tomorrow. Prog rock thrives and continues to grow because new artists, inspired no doubt by these and other pioneers of the genre, enter the fray all the time.
Progressive rock has birthed many off-shoots of the genre; neo, classic, alt rock, metal...the list continues to grow. There are those who believe anyone playing prog outside the "established boundaries" are heretics to the entire genre. I however believe that by definition the boundaries of prog need to be challenged, stretched, and--dare I say--twisted. There is not a bigger fan of King Crimson on the planet than yours truly, but I can also appreciate the talents and "view through a different lens" Gregorian Rock provides. And without the antics and mayhem of Dreadnaught, the prog garden would be a bit too dull and dreary.
Time now for your holiday dose of Christmas Frippertronics...
So fellow progheads, I would like to take this time to thank you sincerely for making the search for all things prog the best idea I ever let my daughter talk me into. The journey has been nothing short of an absolute blast, and without you it would never have been even close. As we make our way to the end of the ride that is 2017, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Joyous Noel, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Solstice...regardless of how you celebrate, thanks for bringing some of that revelry to the Concert Closet these past twelve months.
So the search for all things prog will once again take a short hiatus to celebrate the holidays, clean out the debris from 365 days spent traveling, and get ready for a new and exciting 2018. Thanks for coming, and I look forward to discovering and sharing all things prog with you again...until next time...
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