*)Greenslade “A Musical Progressive Odyssey”

*)Greenslade “A Musical Progressive Odyssey”

Despite being little talked about or remembered among the giants of progressive rock—perhaps more due to a lack of awareness of the band’s full body of work than to the promotion of its albums—this is one of the bands that has produced some of the most complex and beautiful sounds in the entire history of prog. Formed primarily by the virtuoso keyboardist Dave Greenslade, the sonic structure is heavily built on a Bachian counterpoint over a foundation of jazz-like percussion. Incidentally, the drummer Andrew McCulloch (who also plays on King Crimson’s album *Lizard*, also from 1970) is an impressive percussive machine, which gives the group a distinctive sound, drawing attention through the intricate beauty of its music. What impresses me most when listening to their sound are the keyboard arrangements, which at the time had to be recorded on separate channels and then layered, something that today can be done all at once via MIDI or computer. The classical and baroque arrangements stand out to the ear at first, with a Fender piano base, then often layered with Hammond organ, enriched with harpsichord, ARP strings, Mellotron, and Moog. Greenslade’s precise technique places him above groups like Triumvirat and closer in stature to Trace than, for example, Keith Emerson. The precision and integration of the keyboards with the drummer is overwhelmingly enjoyable and impressive! The music as a whole does not use guitars, which appear only occasionally on some records. In fact, the basic format is a keyboard-oriented power trio. I must also mention the magnificent album covers, which are works of art in their own right, designed by major artists. I cite here Roger Dean (Yes), who created the logo for the first album, followed by Patrick Woodroffe (who made the wonderful 1979 album *Pentateuch of Cosmogony*). In fact, listening is mandatory for lovers of drums and keyboards, and also for admirers of classical music, especially from the Baroque period, on which the cited work is based, particularly J.S. Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. I had to enshrine this article, as I still lacked the memory of having properly done so years ago, which would have been a great sin on my part and an injustice to progressive ears. Friends, dive headfirst into this wonderful group, which will grant you unforgettable moments! Recommended albums: Greenslade, *Time and Tide*, *Spyglass Guest*, *Cactus Choir*, *Besides Manners Are Extra*, *Pentateuch of Cosmogony* (1979 double album with 47 pages illustrated by Patrick Woodroffe).

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