Skin Alley - To Pagham And Beyond?


Year of Release: 2003
Label: Akarma Records
Catalog Number: AK-275
Format: CD
Total Time: 39:45:00

Skin Alley's second album To Pagham and Beyond? (1970) is a continuation of the progressive-rock-jazz-fusion brilliance of their first release Skin Alley (1969). Long complex intricate compositions with fluid musicianship, fueled by unique vocals, were their modus operandi. Bob James (guitar, saxophone), Thomas Grimble (bass, keyboards, vocals), Nick Graham (bass, flute, keyboards, vocals), Krzysztof Henryk Justkiewicz (keyboards) and Alvin Pope (drums) were Skin Alley.

It is apparent to me that this band has not received the accolades due them because their time together was much too short. They would release two more albums and disband in 1973. Even though their journey was brief, the music they made is certainly a viable measurement of importance. The validity of their advanced artistry speaks for itself, including them as a generous and important contributor to the development of a genre.

There is not one track under five minutes, which is a signal that nothing is cut and dried with any of the compositions offered up on this fine platter. Oh yes, this is 180-gram virgin vinyl LP by the way, and it sounds wonderful. For music 34 years old, it sounds new and fresh. This is truly amazing progressive-rock-jazz-fusion and enthusiasts of these particular genres are on official alert, this is a must have classic.


Tracklisting:
Side One: Big Brother Is Watching You (6:52) / Take Me To Your Leader's Daughter (8:55) / Walking In The Park (6:51)

Side Two: The Queen Of Bad Intentions (6:54) / Sweaty Betty (8:11) / Easy To Lie (5:22)

Musicians:
Thomas Crimble - bass, keyboards, vocals
Nick Graham - bass, flute, keyboards, vocals
Bob James - guitar, saxophone
Krzysztof Henryk Justkiewicz - keyboards
Alvin Pope - drums

Discography:
Skin Alley (1969)
To Pagham and Beyond? (1970/2003)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin VA

Added: May 2nd 2004
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website:
Hits: 1874
Language: english

  

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