Mandalaband Om Mani Padme Hum - 1975
From the first notes/tones you can hear that this is NOT an ordinairy album. a wonderfull theme arises...and the superb vocals of David Durant (who he?) soars abowe the fantastic song that is the first theme into:"Om Mani Padme Hum" a suite in 4 movements (build over the Tibetan national anthem)....as a matter of fact you feel quite uplifted after hearing this. Second movement...begins with a piano intro, that could be out of an ELP record. It soon slides into time changes...a la..(yes ..right you are.. ELP)...jazzy but stilll prog ...this is an amazing achievement...blending soft melodys (song) and outbursts of brilliant music....this has to be the most fabulous thing since (before??) The Enid !!?? As the music.....instrumental that is, is rather close to that of (R.J.Godfreys)Enid!! Who came first?? As i remember Robert John Godfrey were conducting/arranging string music for Barclay James Harvest at that time!!?? Enuff already...this is by far the most interesting.....piece of music from that era.. sadly long forgotten...but now...its here....all you prog freaks out there. This is a G E M ...and it is not to be ignored!!! Do yourself a favour...find this......you wont regret it!!!! Five stars? OOhhh YES !!!
