Progressive "Prog" Rock
Progressive rock was for me, the definitive 70's rock signature. It redefined rock music as I had come to know it. In 1970, the term "prog rock" hadn't yet existed; they were just known as "bands". Some of these bands were just more powerful and far more talented than others and offered interesting variations on the standard "hard rock" theme. In these pages are my recollections, interpretations, and feelings of how this wonderful era, and the birth of the finest music in the world changed my life.
"Prog" was a secret world, an unknown universe. It was challenging. Parents who thought they knew them only as "longhairs" hadn't a clue as to the true talents of these band members. The styles were changing; songs were getting longer. So were the titles. One of the newest innovations was a new and different naming convention much akin to classical music. Here's an example by Genesis from the "Foxtrot" album:
"Supper's Ready"
- I. "Lover's Leap"
- II. "The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man"
- III. "Ikhnaton and Itsacon and Their Band of Merry Men"
- IV. "How Dare I Be So Beautiful?"
- V. "Willow Farm"
- VI. "Apocalypse in 9/8 (Co-Starring the Delicious Talents of Gabble Ratchet)"
- VII. "As Sure As Eggs Is Eggs (Aching Men's Feet)"
This gave the music a more sophisticated feel, knowing that these marvelous musical structures were well thought out, deliberate, and intended to be more of an epic than a mere rock song. These bands wanted to give us a presentation. And that, they did. Half the fun was just trying to figure out what was going through their heads at the time. Was there chemical intervention, or did a simple note on a synthesizer strike a mental chord? In any event, this is just one of the finer points of prog that made the music so fantastic, and so life-lasting.
Also referred to as "Theatre Rock" Prog took on new dimensions, twisted them inside out, and spewed forth powerful, gifted musicians. In the end, these players created a tapestry of some of the most intricate musical stitchings the world of rock and roll would ever know. "Prog" was rock and roll all grown up. And for those of us who were fortunate enough to have grown with it, in that period, and actually see the birth of such excellence, we have been left happily scarred, never to be the same again.
Warriors on the Edge of Time
Prog rock bands were like warriors armed with guitars, drums, and keyboards. They traveled strange lands and took us along for the ride. They soared the universe in odd flying machines equipped with mellotrons and synthesizers. They took us across galaxies unknown with inspired works and lengthy overtures lain upon a multi-colored wasteland. Echoes of willowing tides and silver machines filled our minds and our ears. Crimson kings, hawks on the wind and floyds of the pink variety were largely responsible for my newer, and more profound musical education.
Though many of these bands would never lay claim to the title of being a "prog" band, the moniker applies simply because that's what these groups were. They were progressive, concept-driven miniature orchestras that created walls of sound with layers of varying forms of instrumentation. It was the way they used these instruments that made the difference. true proggers weren't afraid to experiment and try new things and new instruments. They sculpted their sound, bent the rules, created new divisions of sound and composing techniques until ultimately, many of these bands were recognized as being serious contributors to the musical industry.
