(1st Wave) - The MOODY BLUES
The MOODY BLUES - England (1964)
SYMPHONIC PROGRESSIVE ROCK
IMITATION…INNOVATION…SENSATION…!
For some experts, The MOODY BLUES are credited as the pioneers of what we now call “Proto-Prog” - a subgenre that blends psychedelic-era and pop rock done in a classical style. Their music was influenced by American music (Motown and blues) and Eastern influences (e.g., use of the sitar), but their roots were in the rhythm & blues combos of the British invasion. They are consequently respected as one of the most innovative and long-lasting groups to emerge during the 1960s. The MOODY BLUES created one of the first concept albums for an orchestral/psychedelic format, incorporating their union of melodic guitar, pioneering percussion, rolling bass, and the haunting Mellotron (which was new to rock at the time). They captured the imagination of music fans around the world with the landmark album, “Days Of Future Passed” - one of the earliest “classical rock” records, featuring the London Festival Orchestra as musical accompanists. To my mind, this album works as well as The BEATLES’ “Sgt. Pepper” and early PINK FLOYD offerings.
During the years 1967-1974, The MOODY BLUES recorded seven very successful albums, all of which went “gold,” including “On The Threshold Of A Dream” and “A Question Of Balance.” During this period, their music was ambitious, pastoral and philosophical, with songwriting contributions from all five members (Justin Hayward (guitar/vocals), John Lodge (bass/vocals), Mike Pinder (keyboards/vocals), Ray Thomas (flute/harmonica/vocals), Graham Edge (drums/percussion). Hibernation of a sort followed in the mid-70s, as each member of the band released solo albums (Hayward and Lodge having the most success with their effort, BLUE JAYS).
The band regrouped in the 80s and picked up where they left off (commercially, anyway) with “Long Distance Voyager.” Though the 90s found the band less a commercial force than a cult band, the group still tours and releases albums on occasion (including 1999’s “Strange Time”).
DISCOGRAPHY:
SYMPHONIC PROGRESSIVE ROCK
IMITATION…INNOVATION…SENSATION…!
For some experts, The MOODY BLUES are credited as the pioneers of what we now call “Proto-Prog” - a subgenre that blends psychedelic-era and pop rock done in a classical style. Their music was influenced by American music (Motown and blues) and Eastern influences (e.g., use of the sitar), but their roots were in the rhythm & blues combos of the British invasion. They are consequently respected as one of the most innovative and long-lasting groups to emerge during the 1960s. The MOODY BLUES created one of the first concept albums for an orchestral/psychedelic format, incorporating their union of melodic guitar, pioneering percussion, rolling bass, and the haunting Mellotron (which was new to rock at the time). They captured the imagination of music fans around the world with the landmark album, “Days Of Future Passed” - one of the earliest “classical rock” records, featuring the London Festival Orchestra as musical accompanists. To my mind, this album works as well as The BEATLES’ “Sgt. Pepper” and early PINK FLOYD offerings.
During the years 1967-1974, The MOODY BLUES recorded seven very successful albums, all of which went “gold,” including “On The Threshold Of A Dream” and “A Question Of Balance.” During this period, their music was ambitious, pastoral and philosophical, with songwriting contributions from all five members (Justin Hayward (guitar/vocals), John Lodge (bass/vocals), Mike Pinder (keyboards/vocals), Ray Thomas (flute/harmonica/vocals), Graham Edge (drums/percussion). Hibernation of a sort followed in the mid-70s, as each member of the band released solo albums (Hayward and Lodge having the most success with their effort, BLUE JAYS).
The band regrouped in the 80s and picked up where they left off (commercially, anyway) with “Long Distance Voyager.” Though the 90s found the band less a commercial force than a cult band, the group still tours and releases albums on occasion (including 1999’s “Strange Time”).
DISCOGRAPHY:
Go Now! (1965) / The Magnificent Moodies (1966) / Days Of Future Passed (1967) / In Search Of The Lost Chord (1968) / On The Threshold Of A Dream (1969) / To Our Children's Children's Children (1970) / Question Of Balance (1970) / Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (1971) / Seventh Sojourn (1972) / This Is The Moody Blues (1974) / Caught Live + 5 (1977) / Octave (1978) / Long Distance Voyager (1981) / The Present (1983) / Voices In The Sky / The Best Of The Moody Blues (1985) / The Other Side Of Life (1986) / Prelude (1987) / Sur La Mer (1988) / The Magnificient Moodies (1988) / The Moody Blues' Greatest Hits (1989) / Keys Of The Kingdom (1991) / A Night At Red Rocks With The Colorado Symphonic Orchestra (1993) / Time Traveller (1994) / True Story (1996) / The Best Of Moody Blues (1997) / The Moody Blues Anthology (1998) / Strange Times (1999) / Hall Of Fame - Live At The Royal Albert Hall 2000 (2000) / The Best Of Moody Blues - 20th Century Master (2000) / Journey Into Amazing Caves O.S.T. (2001) / December (2003) / Ballads (2003) / Say It With Love (2003)
BEST ALBUMS:
Days Of Future Passed (67), In Search Of The Lost Chord (68), On The Threshold Of A Dream (69), To Our Children’s Children’s Children (70)
BEST ALBUMS:
Days Of Future Passed (67), In Search Of The Lost Chord (68), On The Threshold Of A Dream (69), To Our Children’s Children’s Children (70)
posted by ProgLucky @ 5:56 PM
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