Search - Explorers (Jazz), the (Phil Manzanera Explorers :: Live at the Palace

Roxy minus Ferry equals Explorers

paolibulldog | Kenner, LA USA | 02/12/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"When Roxy Music dissolved for the second time following the release of "Avalon," guitarist Phil Manzanera and saxophonist/oboeist Andy Mackay teamed with Ferry soundalike James Wraith to form The Explorers. The results were of interest to devoted Roxy fans but converted few new fans. The group's first set of beautifully decorated singles were eventually fused into a single self-titled album, representing the best of this group's efforts. (A second Manzanera-Mackay-Wraith project was released under the moniker "Manzanera-Mackay" and is less satisfying.)The first Explorers effort seems to be out of print, so this live recording is now the best available entree into the group's works. It features many of the tracks that made the first album the definitive work as well as an uncredited knockoff of "Out of the Blue."Unfortunately trading Bryan Ferry for James Wraith is a one-sided exchange. Roxy fans probably have the studio tracks of "Live" on vinyl or CD. Newbies would be better advised to buy everything that Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry released, or the wonderful 1976 recording of "801 Live" (featuring Manzanera and Eno as well as a host of buddies), before delving into this obscure, though enjoyable, disc."