Flash — Flash 1972 (UK, Progressive Rock)
The debut album by the London band, formed in 1971 by guitarist Peter Banks, who had left Yes. Singer Colin Carter, bassist Ray Bennett, and drummer Mike Hough responded to an advert he placed in Melody Maker for the new band. Keyboardist Tony Kaye, also from Yes, joined them mid-rehearsal. The new band's self-titled album was released in 1972 on the American label Cleopatra Records. The album reached #33 on the US Billboard 200.This is an album clearly made in the shadow of that great progressive rock band Yes. However, unlike Starcastle and other such followers, Flash have a genuine excuse. The band was founded by Peter Banks and Tony Kaye, both of whom were unceremoniously ditched by Yes despite also being founder members of that esteemed group. While it's hard to dispute the fact that both Banks and Kaye were replaced by superior musicians (Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman respectively), neither deserved to be treated with such disrespect, and this album is an excellent riposte to their critics.
Flash preserves that sound of 60s Yes which somewhat ironically reached its zenith on 1971's The Yes Album. Small Beginnings in particular is an epic track which could have slipped quite comfortably onto that masterful album. It has all the hallmarks, with storming riffs (with some of Banks's best ever playing), an inventive rhythm section (bassist Ray Bennett and drummer Mike Hough), and even a nice organ solo from Kaye, while vocalist Colin Carter sounds very much like Yes frontman Jon Anderson.
Tracks:
01. Small Beginnings - 0:00
02. Morning Haze - 9:20
03. Children Of The Universe - 13:56
04. Dreams Of Heaven - 22:54
05. The Time It Takes - 35:49
Bonus:
06. Small Beginnings (Single A-Side, 1972) - 41:35
Personnel:
Colin Carter – lead vocals, incidental percussion
Peter Banks (Peter William Brockbanks) – electric & acoustic guitars, Spanish guitar, hooter, ARP synthesizer, backing vocals
Ray Bennett – bass guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals (02), acoustic rhythm guitar (02)
Mike Hough - drums, cymbals, percussion, badinage
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Tony Kaye – organ, piano, ARP synthesizer
Derek Lawrence - producer
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