Exposé Online banner

Exposé Online

Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
Covering music from the fringes since 1993.

Reviews

Ezra Winston — Ancient Afternoons
(Rock Symphony RSLN 053, 1990/2000, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2001-03-01

Ancient Afternoons Cover art

The late 80s and early 90s: the darkest of times for Italian prog. Most of what was available were Italian bands aping the neo-prog then the rage in Britain (Arcansiel, Edith, Leviathan), or bands trying with only moderate success to pull off an early-70s sound (Malibran, Men of Lake), but without the compositional skill to keep it interesting. Ezra Winston, like a bright light in an otherwise dark cavern, seemed to be one of the only bands at the time carrying the torch: a classic symphonic progressive sound playing lengthy multi-part suites that offered a solid romantic classicism and rich melodic intensity punctuated by tasty vocal passages. The four-piece of keys / vocals, woodwinds, electric and acoustic guitars, and drums is joined by none other than Aldo Tagliapietra of Le Orme on bass and additional vocals. Add to that a long roster of guest musicians adding trumpets, trombones, tuba, and oboe. Their sound on this, their second album, captures the pastoral feeling of early PFM mixed with the compositional complexity and fire of Trespass-to-Foxtrot era Genesis, with an uncommon level of originality. Of special note is the amazing 26-minute nine-part title track. Originally released on LP only, a reissue of this minor masterpiece has been long overdue. This CD reissue includes a previously unreleased four-minute bonus track and an eight-fold booklet and lyric sheet. My highest recommendation — this one is a must-have.

Filed under: Reissues, Issue 21, 2000 releases, 1990 recordings

Related artist(s): Ezra Winston

 

What's new

These are the most recent changes made to artists, releases, and articles.