...SIŁA I PIĘKNO MUZYKI TKWIĄ W JEJ RÓŻNORODNOŚCI.



..::OPIS::..

A real hidden gem this one, which is generally much more progressive than Curved Air's previous albums.

With Daryl Way and Francis Monkman no longer in the band, Sonja Kristina, whose distinctive voice is one of the band's strongest trademarks, was the only original member left. She continued however to surround herself with highly competent musicians, including the multi-talented Eddie Jobson. The other Curved Air trademark, the violin of Way was mainly replaced by keyboards, with Jobson only reverting to violin on a couple of tracks.

"Purple speed queen" is a storming opener, with a great synthesiser solo in the Rick Wakeman vein. "Elfin Boy" follows on much more softly, Kristina's voice never sounded more haunting than it does here. The track is a real weepy, with beautifully sympathetic violin accompaniment. "Graceful his fingers, they waltz on the strings, gentle the song that he sings", as the lyrics go.

The third track "Metamorphosis", is in my opinion Curved Air's best ever track. Starting with almost classical piano, the track builds and softens, quickens and slows. Sonja's vocals vary from the almost child like, to seductive temptress. They combine with some really infectious themes and great instrumental work for over 10 minutes, to make for a real prog classic.

Kristina takes something of a back seat on side 2, with an instrumental track, and a rare (for Curved Air) male vocal lead on "Two three two". The feature track on side 2 is however the longer final song, "Easy". For want of a better description, this is a prog power ballad. Once again, the track has superb keyboards including an excellent instrumental break, and Kristina on top form vocally.

If all Curved Air means to you is the full frontal nudity of the cover of their first album, plus variations on "Vivaldi", this album will open up a whole new dimension for you.

Undoubtedly their best, but criminally very difficult to track down on CD. Nice painting of the then current line up on the rear cover too.

2006 update - The album has finally been released on CD. The remastering is superb, bringing out the full majesty of this wonderful album.

Easy Livin



Exit Francis Monkman and Darryl Way, enter Eddie Jobson. This is Curved Air's 4th album, and one I consider a true masterpiece. 'Air Cut' sports a crisp and lively production, the compositions are tighter, and the addition of the talented Jobson (on Electric Violin and Keyboards) adds multi-coloured textures and vibrance to the music. Jobson's selection of Keyboards is that of Monkman's - Hammond, Mellotron, VCS 3 Synth, Harpsichord, Piano, Electric-Piano and he utilises them thoughtfully to breathe ever more life into the songs on this album, not to mention that his violin playing is extraordinary - whilst Way played with strong classical leanings, EJ was more 'rock', which is one possible reason why this album is so appealing and entertaining. Sonja Kristina's vocals are superb (almost a cross between the beautifully trained voice of Annie Haslam with the hard-rockin' spirit of Suzi Quatro) and future CARAVAN bassist Mike Wedgewood sounding more confident with his instrument. Two unknowns ; Kirby on Guitars and Jim Russell on Drums complete this version of the band. Of the 8 tracks, what I think are 'lesser' ones - an acoustic, folky little ditty by the name of 'World', and a stripped-down hard-rock tune 'Two-Three-Two', whilst not as engaging as the remaining 6 pieces, they serve as a light refreshment after (or before, depending on how you look at it) the elaborate and dynamic Prog arrangements around them. Fellow reviewer 'Salmacis' has previously submitted a masterful track-by-track analysis of this album, and nailed it, spot on. I still insist on this being a 5 star record.

Tom Ozric



..::TRACK-LIST::..

1. The Purple Speed Queen (1:32)
2. Elfin Boy (4:13)
3. Metamorphosis (10:38)
4. World (3:43)
5. Armin (3:42)
6. U.H.F. (5:07)
7. Two-Three-Two (4:10)
8. Easy (6:40)



..::OBSADA::..

Sonja Kristina - lead (1,3,4,6,8) & backing vocals, acoustic guitar (2)
Kirby Gregory - guitar, bass (4), vocals
Eddie Jobson - grand piano (3,8), piano (4,6,7), electric piano (8), organ (1-3,7,8), VCS3 synth (1-3,8), harpsichord (2), Mellotron (6), electric violin (4-6), vocals
Mike Wedgwood - bass, acoustic guitar (4), lead (7) & backing vocals
Jim Russell - drums, percussion




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAsfzWnysXw



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