Search - Quiet Sun :: Mainstream

Perhaps the peak fusion of progressive music ideas

Gary Gomes | New Bedford, Massachusetts | 03/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Quiet Sun was Phil Manzanera's pre-Roxy Music endeavor. (Few people realize that he was originally Roxy Music's sound person. He joined Roxy Music when their original guitarist--David O'List, formerly of the Nice--was not working out.). Quiet Sun came perilously close to gaining their own record contract in 1971, but their complexity and radical style did not gel with the appetites of the record execs they auditioned for. They broke up in 1972, and when Manzanera had money and studio time, they reformed. Roughly speaking, this CD is a blend of Tony Williams' Lifetime, Soft Machine (Manzanera's main influence was Soft Machine organist Mike Ratledge), and perhaps 1973-1974 King Crimson (with some instrumental Velvets thrown in). It is a shame that the album was a one-shot deal--they apparently have other material from the sessions--as the playing and intensity are awe-inspiring. You'll never look at Phil Manzanera the same way again; I guarantee it. Of all of the musicians on this CD, only Charles Hayward has continued in a progressive artistic bent (through This Heat, Camberwell Now, solo efforts, and recently Massacre--an amazing player.) If you like aggressive, thoughtful, impressive playing (think a rockier Soft Machine with comparable instrumental chops) you'll love this! Get it!Gary Gomes"

White hot fusionesque rock!

Paul Minot | Waterville, ME United States | 10/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Soft Machine influence is obvious, but in execution Quiet Sun created something completely different. Phil Manzanera simply sears on guitar here, leading a Canterbury-style jazz-rock band with all the edge of "Red"-era King Crimson, AND the Latin passion of Santana. The production and mastering on this disc are amazingly hot, the compositions interesting and diverse, and the performance is brimming with spontaneity and band chemistry.



As a fan of the edgier sorts of progrock, this CD qualifies as one of my prize possessions. A magical album, too bad they didn't do another--but it's doubtful they could have topped THIS sizzling slab of raw beauty."

Classic

William R. Nicholas | Mahwah, NJ USA | 10/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the best "underground" albums of the 1970s. Basically, Quiet Sun is what was then Roxy Music, minus Brian Ferry and plus some fantastic jazz players.'



That "Underground" is in qoutes because it is a quick way to describe this album. The music is too quirky to be consideredr straight fussion, but has excellent jazz qualities. The guitar work is excellent, as is the bass playing.



And the strange little noises, voices, and oddies Eno inserts make Mainstreem truely eccentric.



All the chops of a fussion record, riffs that just slam you, and a funkiness you can't rival. Its all self contained, but never hommoginized



Essential."