National Health, from 1978, the first album by National Health, one of the last bands to represent the Canterbury scene.
An album recorded in 1977 that still sounds great, mostly instrumental, and characterized by the musicians' great technical ability, which is simply superb.
There's more jazz than rock, and there are many excellent solos. The album is characterized by long, complex, and predominantly instrumental compositions.
National Health existed between 1975 and 1982, and this was their first studio album. Unfortunately, they've been largely forgotten. I don't think they sold many records, and you'll rarely find them mentioned among the bands that made rock history, unfortunately.
This album is a masterpiece of progressive rock, sophisticated and characterized by complex compositions and a fusion of improvisation and songwriting, with beautiful instrumental passages, often ethereal and jazzy, and a magnificent harmony between the musicians.
One of the finest examples of the Canterbury progressive rock scene, featuring a stellar lineup.
The band included Phil Miller (guitar), Dave Stewart (keyboards), Neil Murray (bass), and Pip Pyle (drums).
The music was written by Dave Stewart and Alan Gowen. Miller, Stewart, and Pyle all played in the Canterbury band Hatfield and the North. Neil Murray is best known for his work with Whitesnake, the Brian May Band, Black Sabbath, and Gary Moore. Amanda Parsons and Pip Pyle's drums make a remarkable contribution to this album.
Some notes on the tracks:
- "Tenemos Roads," at over 14 minutes, is a complex piece that highlights the band's great skill and songwriting quality.
- "Elephants," of the same length, is one of the TOP tracks, a sophisticated instrumental rock piece.
- "Brujo," also an instrumental piece, shorter but no less complex, is one of my favorites.
The songs evoke multiple atmospheres and emotions, thanks to extended, multi-part tracks that create a sense of fluidity but require careful listening.
A must-have for fans of instrumental and Canterbury-style music.
Tracklist
1. Tenemos Roads (14:32)
2. Brujo (10:13)
3. Borogoves (excerpt from part two) (4:12)
4. Borogoves (part one) (6:29)
5. Elephants (14:32)
Running Time: 49:58
LineUp
- Phil Miller - guitars
- Dave Stewart - acoustic and electric pianos, organ, clavinet (3,4)
- Neil Murray - bass
- Pip Pyle - drums, gong, tambourine, glockenspiel (2,5), finger cymbals, shaker, bells, pixiphone (5)
Featuring:
- Amanda Parsons - vocals
- Alan Gowen - Moog, acoustic and electric pianos
- Jimmy Hastings - flute, bass clarinet (1), clarinet (3,4)
- John Mitchell - percussion (1), temple blocks, Guava (2), Congas (3,4)
- Nick Levitt - Effects with EMS Synthi Hi-Fli (5)
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.
