Issue 10

What's old

Exposé print issues (1993-2011)

Available online from Issue 10

August 1996

72 Pages

Gong megafeature, Progscape II, FMN/Maborishi No Sekai Festival, Yes reunion, Kevin Gilbert, Pip Pyle interview (Gong), Pierre Moerlen interview (Gong), Finisterre, Robert John Godfrey interview, The Enid, Kit Watkins, Octopus, Glass Hammer, Mellow label overview

Showing items 1 to 20 of 188

A Band, a Planet, a Vision —
A Short History of Gong

Gong was, and remains, one of the cornerstones of the genesis of progressive rock. Theirs is a legacy of utter originality, anarchic individuality, and atypically diverse and accomplished musicianship. Throughout the course of their extensive history, they have, in one form or another, recorded over twenty albums over the course of over twenty five years. While many fine musicians have entered and left the fold, the early focal point was clearly Daevid Allen, imported from Australia in search of the perfect vehicle to channel his Beat aspirations (he was an early associate of William Burroughs). After Allen left the band in 1974, French percussionist Pierre Moerlen assumed control of the band, as Allen and wife/collaborator Gilli Smyth went on to produce numerous projects and Gong reunions. For the purpose of brevity, this article will only cover material recorded under the Gong name. The offshoots are just too numerous to mention — certainly a testament to Gong's widespread influence across the European progressive rock scene. » Read more
(Posted by Steve Robey 1996-08-01)

Beyond the Hall of Mirrors —
A History of The Enid to 1996

To put into perspective The Enid's background we need to be acquainted with the soil in which the seeds of their history were sown. This place was called Finchden Manor. Finchden was a very unorthodox, informally structured boys boarding school in England. And it was here, in 1973, where the nucleus of Robert John Godfrey, Francis Lickerish, and Steve Stewart, met and later formed the group. Let's pick up the story a few years earlier in time. » Read more
(Posted by Mike Ezzo 1996-08-01)

From Middle Earth to Perelandra—
A Profile of Glass Hammer 1996

Two years ago, one would have been hard-pressed to find the one out of ten who had even heard of Glass Hammer, let alone actually heard their debut CD, Journey of the Dunadan. This year, with a second release, Perelandra, and solid management behind them, Glass Hammer is becoming widely known among progressive fans, and are fortifying their reputation with numerous live appearances, such as their day-two opener at Progscape in Baltimore. » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 1996-08-01)

Mallets and Gongs —
The Pierre Moerlen Interview 1996

Pierre Moerlen is among the most loved, most creative members of Gong’s family tree. His flawless percussion technique and colorful compositional style led the way during Gong’s mid to late-70s period. I managed to catch him (by phone) in his Washington, DC suite. Pierre has been pursuing interesting new directions lately, and he was eager to tell me about them. Of course, he also had a fair share of old war stories to tell, from the Gong days of yore... » Read more
(Posted by Steve Robey 1996-08-01)

No Necrophiliac Pantomime, Please —
The Pip Pyle Interview 1996

I spoke to Pip Pyle prior to his performance with Gong at the Great America Music Hall on the last part of their first US tour (March 1996). We talked inside a small deli across the street from the infamous Mitchell Brothers (which Pip seemed slightly amused about). I was accompanied by Malcolm Humes during the fifty minute conversation who helped to clarify a few key points. I picked up a spot of espresso for Pip before we started since he appeared in need of caffeine. I’d like to thank Sean Ahern of Pangea Music and Michael Clare for helping to set up the interview. » Read more
(Posted by Jeff Melton 1996-08-01)

Returning to the Well of Creativity —
Yes Live in San Luis Obispo 1996

By now most of you in the progressive rock community have heard about the reunion of the classic Yes line-up. In an attempt to revitalize interest in the band, three live shows were played and recorded in San Luis Obispo in early March to a combination of die-hard fans, band family, and associates. You may ask yourself what this event has to do with the state of progressive rock in 1996. In my opinion: plenty! They came, they saw, they played complex music and it was damn good. » Read more
(Posted by Jeff Melton 1996-08-01)

Sole Man —
A Profile of Kit Watkins

Outside the living room window of Christopher "Kit" Watkins, hummingbirds feed, framed by an expansive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Except for a generous sprinkling of gray in his close-cropped hair, the 42-year-old Watkins looks little different than he did 15 years ago, when he played keyboards and flute at the Cellar Door in Washington, DC with drummer Coco Roussel. The slightly built musician carries himself in a relaxed manner, plopping into an easy chair to engage in coffee and conversation. Quiet, yet animated, his eyes burn with a quiet intensity, and his face freezes into a sparkling smile when he makes a point. » Read more
(Posted by Jim Dorsch 1996-08-01)

Thoughtful Boats and Rocky Oceans —
A Profile of the German Octopus

Not to be confused with the many other bands of the same name, the German Octopus was perhaps the classic Sky-label band. The band was conceived in Frankfurt, Germany in 1973 by bass player Claus Kniemeyer and guitarist Pit Hensel. Kniemeyer was playing in American G.I. clubs with a commercial rock band at the time. However, he had a desire to make a more heavily conceptual music. Upon meeting like-minded Pit Hensel, who had previously been playing jazz, Octopus was born. With powerful singer Jennifer Hensel (no relation, apparently), organist Werner Littau, and drummer Dieter Becke, they made their live debut in February 1974 at the Fachoberschule Frankfurt. » Read more
(Posted by Mike Ohman 1996-08-01)

5uu's - Point of Views

From the beginning, led by drummer Dave Kerman, 5uu's started out as the west-coast answer to the European RIO music of the day. Their first mini-album Bel Marduk & Tiamat echoes...

» Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 1996-08-01)