Goodbye 2018, It Was a Wild Ride

One last hurrah as we turn the final page on 2018 fellow progheads!  Looking back on the recent journey The Closet Concert Arena has taken I am at once awed, inspired, saddened, excited, and hopeful.  So much happened and so much fantastic music was released that to recount it here would take far too long and fall far too short of being a proper homage.  But since it is my blog, and since I abhor "Best Of" compilations and lists, I'll compromise on a quick rundown of the year that was and some sporadic holiday music randomly mixed in...

There isn't enough time and I dislike redundancy; and really there is no need to look at everything I reviewed over the course of the past twelve months...it's already there for your pleasure.  Hopefully you've read, listened, enjoyed, and made your purchases by now anyway...

However; I will revisit one review I wrote in February..."minor Masterpiece," an absolutely brilliant album from Colin Tench.  The world can be cruel though, as Colin passed through the veil just a few months prior to its release.  I like to think I am objective when writing reviews and capable of focusing on the music I am listening to at the moment.  Having said that I will admit openly and honestly this is still one of my favorite releases of 2018...and the music really is amazing.  I hope Colin is stompin' up a progressive storm in that prog garden in the sky...

There were many new releases from new friends and  follow up albums from old friends as well.  The best part of this journey--actually just one of the best parts (there are many)--is building relationships with artists and bands that would otherwise have been missed.  Servants of Science, Circu5, Zombie Picnic, Mile Marker Zero, I Am The Morning, and Silas Neptune are just a sampling of the treasures the search for all things prog discovered for the first time.

A brief interlude...first song for the holidays this year is something from Chris Squire's Swiss Choir; "Silent Night-Night of Silence."  I have always been a fan of Chris; his work with Yes, solo projects, and his collaborations with other artists.  This one just caresses your mind and your heart ever so gently...

                       

For returning favorites, Scarlet INside, Bent Knee, Hats Off Gentlemen It's Adequate, the Aaron Clift Experiment, and  Seconds Before Landing all had new releases and continued success.  Gregorian Rock even released a Christmas album!  Another favorite part of commanding the Closet Concert Arena is the front row seat to witnessing bands grow and expand not only their catalog but their abilities as artists.  When the the prog garden grows we all win...

One other aspect of the prog garden is big names coming together to form a new band and groups that have been together for many years--decades even--continuing to produce quality music appreciated by an astute audience.

The prog garden is home to much acreage producing so many vast and varied sounds; metal, ambient, classic, alternative and symphonic barely scratch the surface of what lies under the umbrella of progressive rock.  I have been fortunate to review so much great music and meet so many wonderful people; the prog world is a very close knit community I have come to realize and appreciate.

Next song on the holiday playlist is a cut from Andy Mackay and Phil Manzanera; "We Three Kings."  A prog twist on a Christmas classic while paying homage to the traditions of the season.  Phil has done many a collaboration with too many artists to list here.  Andy has also played with several bands and on several projects--not to mention solo works.  Two fine musicians offering a lovely rendition of a holiday favorite...

                       

Now that 2018 is making her way through the final turn and fading to black, I want to thank everyone who helped make this year one the most successful for The Closet Concert Arena.  The lights will fade for a few weeks as I prepare for 2019; more reviews, some close-ups, interviews, rewinds, and perhaps a couple of surprises.  So to everyone reading and listening a sincere thank you and hope for an even better 2019.

I chose this last Christmas song as a sort of tribute to one of my favorites artists, John Wetton.  John played in many bands and was a major part of King Crimson--without John I don't think  "Red" would have been the classic it is.  He also played with Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Asia, District 97, Steve Hackett...the list is as long as it is incredible.  Yet somehow he tends to be overlooked when a discussion of great bass players or vocalists is in progress...one of the reasons I detest the annual "best of" lists that fly about.  It's Christmas, so just enjoy...       


                    

The search for all things prog will continue on as 2019 awakens...so as the journey moves forward I wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season however you choose to celebrate, and a safe and amazing New Year!  Until next time...

The Tangent "Proxy"

A very chilly hello fellow progheads!  We have reached the final few weeks of 2018; the harvest for the 2018 prog garden season is just about in the barn.  Of course that means lots to look forward to in 2019, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Rather, let us savor what 2018 still has to offer...

...which can only mean the search for all things prog takes a quick "final for the year" trip to England as we visit with The Tangent.  The band has released studio album number ten recently, called "Proxy."  The Closet Concert Arena has been a faithful fan of The Tangent for quite some time, and while they do have quite a loyal following it is safe to say Andy Tillison and company have flown low under the radar for more than a decade.  Time to shine some bright light on this corner of the prog garden...

Opening with the title cut (of course).  The music is centered around Andy's keyboard playing with a strong jazz/funk rhythm going on throughout--much to the surprise of no one who follows the band.  There are subtle top notes are of Yes in their Fragile days and Weather Report when Jaco Pastorius roamed the stage; the ornate overflow of sound and emotion splatters across the inner lining of your ear walls.  As the song progresses into an anti-war rebellion all the while keeping the listener mesmerized, you realize The Tangent hasn't missed a beat...

Next song to pulsate through the headphones, "Supper's Off."  If I close my eyes I almost sense Rush pouring into my auditory canals; a very high energy uptempo piece.  The narrative lyrics get your adrenaline pumping while guitar and drums lay the foundation for silky keyboards to glide across like Michelle Kwan on ice.  There is an ELO/UK vibe running through this song, as if Eddie Jobson and Jeff Lynne were involved in a musical one upmanship benefiting all with the good fortune to purchase the album...stay for the credits...

Liner Notes...The Tangent hails from Northern England and is led by the epitome of individualism, Andy Tillison.  Andy is the lead vocalist, keyboardist, lyricist, and composer; in short Andy is The Tangent.  Not that the surrounding cast is a random collection of newbies--far from it.  Brilliance surrounds itself with brilliance...Luke Machin on guitar, Jonas Reingold on bass, Theo Travis on sax and flute, and Steve Roberts on drums.  Special guest Goran Edman also lays down some  vocal tracks.

"Proxy" was released November 16th on InsideOut Music, increasing the band's catalog count to ten.  While The Tangent has staked out their place in the prog garden, "Proxy" is about cementing their legacy.  This album wanders in many directions but never gets lost.  Instead it expands boundaries--as if Andy hasn't pushed and pulled in every direction already.

Learn more about The Tangent and purchase "Proxy" as well as the rest of the band's catalog at
The Tangent.  You can also visit Insideout Music for other bands recording on the label.  Follow The Tangent on Twitter @thetangentmusic and Facebook.



My final selection for review is "The Melting Andalusian Skies."  Andy seems to be channeling his inner Chick Corea on this instrumental extravaganza while Luke captures the essence of Al DiMeola...a winding piece that travels so many tributaries it's best to just lie back and let the music wash over your entire being...never has intensity felt so soothing...

Your teaser for the week is "The Adulthood Lie."  One of the traits of The Tangent is the band's ability to redefine themselves from song to song--or perhaps they defy definition.  No matter the method used; the prog garden is tilled, the acreage turned, and the bounty is beyond expectation.  The canvas is not simply splayed with color--it comes alive and leaps right at you.  As I savor this morsel, I am intrigued by what The Tangent could possibly do next... 

                


So as we witness 2018 begin her final descent, I can think of no better band that captures the meaning of prog today than The Tangent.  While they invite comparison, they defy categorization.  Capturing the essence of progressive rock, they steer clear of repetition.  Not exactly the new kids in town and while they fly low under the radar, they have justifiably earned the respect of peers and fans across the planet.  Playing like Weather Report one minute while emitting top notes of ELP and Genesis the next, The Tangent walk a fine line in extremely large shoes.

Of course the journey continues on as the search for all things prog moves closer to folding the calendar shut on what has proved to be a most incredulous year.  The Closet Concert Arena looks forward excitedly and with much anticipation...until next time...