Aunt Mary (prog rock / Norway)

Aunt Mary was/is a prog rock band formed in Fredrikstad, Østfold in Norway in the early 70's. Signed a contract with Polydor in Denmark to release Aunt Mary in 1970. The group gradually moved towards progressive rock with the records Loaded in 1972 and Janus in 73. The group was disestablished in 1973 but has been reunited for several concerts since 1978.


Years active: 1970–1973, several reunions since 1978

One of the early and by many considered to be one of Norways definitely best prog bands. Their music is a mix of heavy hard-rocking tunes, combined with clear influences from the symphonic genre. The more symphonic sound however didn't appeared until their third, and last studio album, "Janus", a great concept-album.
The album  "Loaded" saw the arrival of (keyboardist) Bengt Jenssen, who brought in some classically balanced organ to counterbalance the others.


Musicians:

Jan Groth - Vocals, keyboards, guitar
Bjørn Kristiansen - Guitar, vocals
Svein Gundersen -Bass, piano, vocals
Ketil Stensvik - Drums, vocals
Bengt Jenssen - Keyboards
Eirikur Hauksson - Bass
Per Ivar Fure - Flute, sax, vocals
Ivan Lauritzen - Drums

Øystein Selenius Olsen - Bass

Fire of my Lifetime: http://youtu.be/pplf9NrN1wQ

  


Discography:

1970 - Aunt Mary (Polydor LP)
1972 - Loaded (Philips LP)
1973 - Janus (Vertigo LP)
1974 - Whispering Farewell (Karussell RE AV 1.LP)
1974 - Best Of Vol. 1 (comp.) (Philips LP)
1975 - Best Of Vol. 2 (comp.) (Philips LP)
1977 - Janus (Philips RE - LP)
1981 - Live Reunion (Philips LP)

1992 - Bluesprints (Sonet CD)