Demonlover (2002) [re Up]

The original lineup of Ariel was a genuine 'supergroup', combining key members from two of Australia's leading progressive bands of the period: Rudd, Putt and Mills hailed from Melbourne's legendary Spectrum, Gaze and Macara from Spectrum's esteemed Sydney peers Tamam Shud. Lead guitarist Tim Gaze, regarded as one of the hottest players on the scene, had also joined Shud at just 16 and by the time he joined Ariel he had also been a member of Kahvas Jute, and played on their only album, the brilliant Wide Open. "A Strange Fantastic Dream in December" (1974) was their excellent first LP. Lovingly re-mastered classic Ariel album on Spectrum’s own Rare Vision label with bonus track "Red Hot Momma"…

Musical Witchcraft's second album is perhaps even a notch above the previous first solo venture by Solaris' Attila Kollár, a bit mellower but still just as replete with Baroque and Renaissance musings. The nearly 20 minute "Utopia Suite" is comprised of four flute driven pieces, the first an acoustic guitar /flute pastoral romp, the second introducing that rippling Zsolt Vámos electric sizzle with brooding keys and solid bass and drum escorts…

This is a good selection of the beautiful music the Dixie Hummingbirds made: tight-knit harmonies, fervent soloing, and songs ranging in mood from tender and peaceful to hand-clapping, shouting joy. This earnest and lovely music demonstrates why they're one of the groups that even unbelievers love, and joining them on at least some cuts are the Angelics. The passionate title track, "Move On Up a Little Higher," kicks things off, and is followed by another intense number – a version of "In the Morning" recorded live at what must've been quite a church service. There are plenty of breathers included, too, such as the a cappella numbers "Beaming from Heaven," the heartbreaking "Young Man" and "Get Away Jordan."