Greenslade: Live 1973 - 1975

2012 will mark the 40th anniversary of Greenslade, formed out of the ashes of Colosseum by Dave Greenslade (keyboards) and Tony Reeves (bass). It was 28th November 1972 that the band made their live debut at London's Marquee club with the line-up completed by Dave Lawson (keyboards and vocals) and Andrew McCulloch (drums and percussion). A number of Greenslade and Colosseum releases are available via specialist heritage label Angel Air and this set comprises four tracks from 1973 and a further five from 1975, representing the only live performances that exist from the classic period. Liner notes include an interview with Tony Reeves who has clear and fond memories of his time with the band, albeit he was to depart prior to the recording of what would be their final studio album, 1975's Time and Tide.

Musically Greenslade were all about the rich sound of the full array of keyboards playing off each other, prominent bass runs, intricate percussion and sparse vocals; therefore comfortably fitting the classification of quintessential 70's prog. Their elaborate instrumental compositions "Sundance" and "Melange" highlight the individual talents, with the former taking a considerably different direction on the 1975 version and extended to more than thirteen minutes. The classically inspired "Joie De Vivre" (from 1974's Spyglass Guest) is one of their more optimistic pieces, encompassing varying changes of mood and tempo and sounding clear and crisp throughout. Given the age of the source material the quality here is very good with each instrument being much defined.

There is the possibility that Greenslade will return to live performances to mark the 40th anniversary next year when they can be assured of a warm welcome.

Track Listing
1. Sundance
2. Drowning Man
3. Feathered Friends
4. Melange
5. Joi De Vuvre
6. Bedside Manners Are Extra
7. Sundance
8. Red Light
9. Spirit Of Dance

Added: September 10th 2011
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Angel Air
Hits: 2207
Language: english

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