Review found at www.progressiveworld.net
Happy The Man - The Muse Awakens
Some of the best prog acts of the 70s toiled in near obscurity, appreciated by only a small cult of followers. An example is Happy The Man, who, based on their first two classic albums Happy The Man and Crafty Hands, deserved at least the respect garnered by Gentle Giant, if not the fame and fortune accorded to big acts like Yes and Genesis. Now these intrepid players have embarked on another chapter in their distinguished careers with the new album, The Muse Awakens, a terrific example of 70s-style prog brought into the new millennium. Along the way, the band has lost most of their quirkiness (which is unfortunate), but have gained an assurance and adroitness that places them near the top of the modern prog heap. The Muse Awakens confidently mixes modern jazz instrumentals with the complex playing that was a staple earlier in the band's career. Myself, I'd prefer that the band stuck with the proggier stuff throughout, but there's no denying that this is one quality release. Highly recommended.
www.happytheman.com
Rating: 4/5
Happy The Man - The Muse Awakens
Some of the best prog acts of the 70s toiled in near obscurity, appreciated by only a small cult of followers. An example is Happy The Man, who, based on their first two classic albums Happy The Man and Crafty Hands, deserved at least the respect garnered by Gentle Giant, if not the fame and fortune accorded to big acts like Yes and Genesis. Now these intrepid players have embarked on another chapter in their distinguished careers with the new album, The Muse Awakens, a terrific example of 70s-style prog brought into the new millennium. Along the way, the band has lost most of their quirkiness (which is unfortunate), but have gained an assurance and adroitness that places them near the top of the modern prog heap. The Muse Awakens confidently mixes modern jazz instrumentals with the complex playing that was a staple earlier in the band's career. Myself, I'd prefer that the band stuck with the proggier stuff throughout, but there's no denying that this is one quality release. Highly recommended.
www.happytheman.com
Rating: 4/5