Cressida, one of the pioneers of progressive rock music made two classic albums in 1970 and then disappeared into obscurity, only to re-form in 2010 to play a memorable one-off gig for the band's many fans who travelled to London from around the world to see this legendary band. Cressida was an excellent band of early British symphonic progressive scene. Their sound is mostly dominated by the most beautiful and symphonic Hammond organ (dirty, and mellow), piano, bass, guitar, and drums. The instrumental sections are equally good, and tend to be typical of early 70s English prog rock. Thanks to the captivating atmospheres and the technical ability of the musicians. Similar bands include Fantasy, Beggars' Opera, Cirkus, Gracious and Spring.
Both albums are excellent and very rare now (both were original Vertigo "Swirls"). Their self-titled debut is an early seventies forgotton classic with delicate vocals, gobs of organ and acoustic guitar. Cressida's second "Asylum" is the best. The combinations of instruments used for this album featuring the flute and different keyboard configurations accompanied by acoustic guitar works. This album, though, was by far the better one, with long instrumental passages and more elaborate arrangements. Members: Angus Cullen - lead vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion (1968-1970) Kevin McCarthy - bass (1968-1970) Iain Clark - drums, percussion (1968-1970) John Heyworth - guitars, vocals (1968-70) Lol Coker - organ (1968-69) Peter Jennings - organ, piano (1969-70) John Culley - guitars (1970) Roger Niven - guitars (2011- present)
The Aerovons was formed in 1966 in St Louis, Missouri by Tom Hartman. A 1967 demo record was heard by a representative of Capitol Records. In spite of an offer to record in Los Angeles, the group held out hope that they could record in London, the recording home of their heroes, The Beatles. In 1968 they travelled to London twice, receiving offers from both EMI and Decca. In 1969, the band returned to London and recorded an album at Abbey Road studio. Guitarist Bob Frank, a longtime member of the group, left the group just before they went to London to record, due to personal issues. Despite blogs and rumors to the contrary, Bob was never "let go" and was always missed, according to leader Tom Hartman. Only once in England did the band realize that his replacement, Phil Edholm, and the group had differences that proved insurmountable. He left shortly after they began recording. Once the album was finished, the band returned to St. Louis where more personal problems between a group member and his family caused the group to splinter. EMI decided not to release the album. EMI invited Tom Hartman to come to England and reload, so to speak, but Hartman felt moving to England was too great a step at his age, and the partnership with EMI was dissolved. The album was not released until a CD release in 2003 by RPM. Members: Tom Hartman - piano, guitar Bob "Ferd" Frank - guitar Phil Edholm - guitar Mike Lombardo - drums Bill Lombardo - bass Resurrection (full album): https://youtu.be/eOXfmHxI1N4
Discography: - Resurrection (1969) Source: wikipedia
