Search - Brand X :: The Plot Thins - A History Of Brand X

Jazz Fusion Progressive Classics!

J. E FELL | Carterville, Illinois United States | 03/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brand X was formed by drummer Phil Collins when he wasn't drumming for Genesis. The music is some of the best jazz/rock fusion music of the seventies era. Guitarist John Goodsall sounds a bit like John McLaughlin and is not given the credit he deserves. He can play full shred as in "Nuclear Burn" or more subdued as in "Isis Mourning Part 2". Bassist Percy Jones is excellent as witnessed by the non lp B-side "Pool Room Blues" included here. His highly inventive bass playing proves him to be the equal of more famous fusion players like Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke. Keyboardist Robin Lumley provides added color with his vast array of synthesizers. Percussionist Morris Pert joined later and made the rhythm section even more complex. Goodsall and Jones are the only constant among the tracks. Collins was not able to make all the sessions due to conflicts with his work in Genesis and is capably replaced by Chuck Burghi later of Rainbow and Mike Clarke. Lumley when busy was replaced by Peter Robinson ex-Stanley Clarke Band. Kenwood Dennard on drums and John Giblin on bass also deputized occasionally but are not featured here. Highlights include "Cambodia", "The Poke" and "Disco Suicide" I like all of the tracks and have since purchased the original disks of the band from this time period. The liner notes included by Chris Welch are informative. However, I have two criticisms with this compilation. The first is that the disk is only about 64 minutes long. A number of great songs could have been added to utilize the full time on the disk. Memorable tracks omitted include "Macrocosm", "Nightmare Patrol", "Access To Data" and "Deadly Nightshade" among others. No tracks were included from the last album by the original band "Is There Anything About". Do not let this deter you from the purchase of "A History 1976-1980". This is instrumental jazz rock of the highest quality. This band is becoming addictive the more I listen to it. Overlooked nuances become noticeable with repeated listening especially in the rhythm section. The band is not just all flash because the inclusion of Collins insures that songs like "Nuclear Burn", "Cambodia" and "Isis Mourning Part 2" contain memorable riffs. If you enjoy great musicianship by all band members this is an essential purchase!"

More info on the site would be nice

Kevin A. Cox | O.C. MD | 09/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First let me say that the CD was recieved in good shape, and in good time. But if you're a serious brand X fan all this stuff is available on previous releases. I understand it's hard to find new music from an old band but the interest in unreleased stuff led me to buy this CD. If you're looking for a first brandX CD this would be a nice choice."