Window — The Empyreal Ballet 1978 (USA, Progressive Rock)

Window — The Empyreal Ballet 1978 (USA, Progressive Rock)

The only album by a band from San Francisco, California, released on Cottage Records in 1978. Interestingly, the band plays the kind of progressive rock that was prevalent in the Midwest at the time, especially in the vocal sections. The complex blend of progressive rock, piano-driven jazz-rock, and AOR only reinforces this comparison. Excellent electric and acoustic guitars, flute, drums with horns and complex rhythms—all of this is what you'll find on "The Empyreal Ballet." Curiously, for a band of this type, there are almost no keyboards (except for piano, of course). The latter, however, isn't entirely true, as the band's core lineup of Douglas Lichterman (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals), Joseph Jacobs (guitars, flute, piano, vocals), Stephen O'Hara (bass, vocals), and David Pinsky (drums, percussion, vibes, vocals) were assisted by a fair number of guest musicians and performers during the recording of the album, although keyboards are present. The resulting album is actually quite cheerful, reminiscent of "Chicago," "Blood, Sweat & Tears," and even a bit of "Steely Dan" in style—a blend of pop-rock and jazz, but with a noticeable prog influence. Overall, the music is quite jazzy, with plenty of subtle brass and string arrangements. Enjoy!

Tracks:

01. The News – 0:00

02. Dance Through A Storm – 3:13

03. Phantom – 11:43

04. The Empyreal Ballet – 19:18

05. Nightwatch – 24:39

06. Peter Gunn On Mars – 28:40

07. Blue Space – 35:57

08. Like It Or Not – 39:54


Personnel:

Douglas Lichterman – lead guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
David Pinsky - drums, percussion, vibes, vocals
Joseph Jacobs - guitars, flute, piano, vocals
Stephen O'Hara- bass, vocals
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Greg Malacos – Fender Rhodes, synthesizer, piano
Rafael Ramirez - congas, percussion
Peggy Gorham - Fender Rhodes
Jeffrey Shade - harmony vocals
Dick Brite - Violin
David Martin
Michael Lewis - cello
Ernie Mansfield - flute, sax
Marc Russo - sax
Danny Noe - trombone
Betsy Johnsmiller - choir
Susan Hoffman - choir
Cathy Braby
Denise Hargleroad - choir
Phil Hoffman - choir
Jay Krohnangold – choir

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