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Reviews for "Trilogy":

Christmas came early for fans of this fabled progressive jazz-rock band. Issued in June 2003, this three-CD (hence the Trilogy title) set includes re-releases of Manifest Destiny (1996) and Xcommunication (1992), both of which were out of print until this time frame. These sessions depict guitarist John Goodsall, bassist Percy Jones, vibist Marc Wagnon (Manifest Destiny only), and drummer Frank Katz at the top of their game. Here, the listener will receive strong doses of the musicians' ferocious chops, amid pieces tinged with whispery melodies and difficult-to-navigate time signatures. But the real surprise emanates from disc three, which is a previously unreleased live date recorded in New York City on September 27, 1979. This set features longtime members Goodsall and Jones performing with drummer/vocalist Phil Collins, who of course proceeded to enjoy fame and fortune as a pop crooner, with and without Genesis. One of the more noticeable treats pertains to the dual electric keyboard attack of Robin Lumley and Peter Robinson, consisting of layered passages, fluent soloing, and airy, Moog synth-based riffs. The musicians' insightful melding of jazz-rock motifs with hardcore technical veracity hits the mark in a rather prolific way. Moreover, Collins and Lumley bestow a bit of humorous commentary to the undeniably revved-up audience. And while Collins is noted for his radio-friendly pop singing, fans of early Genesis and Brand X will again be reminded of what a superb drummer he was. Recommended listening. — Glenn Astarita

The music is reminiscent of The Lonely Bears and Jeff Berlin and some of the newer prog sounds of the Magna Carta label, without resorting to loud rock. Often it is closer to freestyle jazz with an electric guitar fronting and bass and drums following close behind. Fusion? Yes, but these 3 50 minute cds are probably aimed more at the pop/rock heads that have been listening to Spock's Beard and 20 years of the few Yes instrumentals out there.

For those of you wanting to hear a retro mood, go straight for the 3rd cd and hear Robin

Lumely's dated keyboard work that will keep you Very interested. It's a class act, performed very ably, and produced from a soundboard (thank God). I don't know if this is a previously unreleased cd, but in terms of prog history, it is a welcome addition to the genre. Ben Ohmart MusicDish

Brand X needs no introduction. A seminal band from the mid-70s, featuring such stars as Phil Collins (great drummer but horrible pop star!) and bassist Percy Jones. While the band do not exist anymore, this Trilogy has the reissue of the bands last two studio albums (Manifest Destiny - 1997, and X Communication - 1992) which are out of print, and an unreleased concert from NYC 1979. There is a great write up on the bands previous works and history at http://www.gepr.net/bi.html (Scroll down to Brand X). For those who have no idea who this band is, they are a mainly instrumental heavy jazz rock fusion group with top notch players. The fretless bass playing of Percy Jones has inspired a lot of players. I won't describe the previously released albums but focus on the unreleased live concert. The CD features 10 tracks of which only 5 are songs. The rest is sometimes funny chat by the band with the audience. I can't tell you how different it is to this release but the tracks are nearly the same. The CD begins with a jamming 7 minute track ("Algon") which mainly focuses on the synthesizer and guitar interplay. After a band introduction the band kick into "Dance Of The Illegal Aliens". This song focuses on the piano playing and has some great drums and bass. "Don't Make Waves" is clearly the bands attempt to have some commercial success and or a hit at the time. Phil Collins sings and this is a pretty weak song. I prefer the instrumental stuff. Next is the track "Malaga Vergen". It features Percy very prominently. "And So To F" closes the CD. If you are a fan of the 1979 era Brand X and don't own the other two releases, this is very much worth picking up! Scott Heller Aural Innovations

Buckyball's latest and greatest release up to date has to be Brand X "Trilogy". It's a 3-CD release that consists of Brand X‚s two 1990‚s studio albums "Manifest Destiny" and "X communication" together with a previously unreleased live recording, recorded live in New York City, September 27, 1979.
Brand X was formed in 1975 and they‚re one of the big names within the genre that ranges between jazz-rock and progressive rock. Their music can be compared with bands such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return To Forever and Weather Report. The line-up has changed through the years and they have explored various sub-genres.
"Manifest Destiny" and "X communication" is without doubt some of the best albums that have ever been released within this genre with marvelous musicianship and great compositions. But the real goodie here are of course the live CD with songs mainly from their splendid LP "Product" from 1979.
This 3 CD set, and especially the live CD will haunt my CD-player for a long time onward. Be sure to invest some well-spent money on this magnificent release. Highly recommended! Greger Rönnqvist