Ventis Secundis, Tene Cursum which in Latin translates roughly as "Go with the flow" or 'The winds being favorable, hold the course' is the latest compilation from the U.K. heritage label Angel Air Records. Handpicked by author / reviewer James McCarraher the aim of this collection is to give the listener an overview of some of the best tracks from the progressive rock artists that have been featured on the label over the years.
While I have my doubts as to whether some of the music on this disc really qualifies as progressive rock, I have to say that this sixteen track anthology does a pretty good job at summing up what Angel Air has been up to for the past fourteen years. Some of the names here should be familiar to the serious rock fan, regardless of whether or not he or she has come across any of the diverse cross section of albums released by the label. In addition to The Ian Gillan Band (a rather ill advised version of "Child In Time" I might add), Atomic Rooster, Greenslade and Stray, we also get a taste of some of the more obscure artists on their roster as well. This is best exemplified by the inclusion of Rococo's "Ultrastar", the classic rock stomp of Nick Simper's post Purple outfit Warhorse ("No Chance"), the prog rock / jazz sounds of Running Man ("Running Man") and Mouse ("Ashen Besher"), along with the vastly underrated Zzebra, who successfully combined fusion and world music to create their own unique sound. They also included the title track from Story's member Rob Thompson excellent solo debut, which underscores their commitment to continue supporting new and upcoming artists as well.
Think of Ventis Secundis, Tene Cursum (say that one ten times as fast as you can) as a well rounded sampler, because that's exactly what it is. If you've purchased any of Angel Air's releases in the past then you might able to take a pass on this one, however if you're new to the label then this will be a great primer to set you down the path to discovering some great music, both past and present.
Track Listing
1) Zzebra – Procession Of The Zzebra
2) Carmen - Bulerias
3) Third Ear Band – I The Key
4) Consortium - Where
5) Running Man – Running Man
6) Mo Foster - Achill Island
7) Rococo - Ultrastar
8) Greenslade – Bedside Manners Are Extra (Live)
9) Mouse – Ashen Besher
10) Warhorse – No Chance
11) Stray – Mister Wind (Live)
12) Affinity – Three Sisters
13) Rob Thompson - Dust
14) Zzebra – Amuso Fi (Single Version)
15) Atomic Rooster – I Can't Take More
16) The Ian Gillan Band – Child In Time
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
