Mendoza, Sweden

Mendoza. 1972 CBS

Despite sporting a cover of a very mean looking mustachioed dude with a dangling cigarette and sunglasses - and who would presumably be the band's namesake - Mendoza are in reality a 6 piece band made up of names like Arne Gustafsson, Lennart Palmefors, and Björn Larsson. The evidence is before the court, and methinks these Swedish lads were cashing in on the Santana concept. Ya think? I guess if they went by LARSSON or OLSON it wouldn't have the same impact now would it? No matter, because if this was the second coming of Abraxas, I could use any rationalization I felt like to justify my praise. But, alas, it's not. Though the opening instrumental is a smoker that held quite a bit of promise. For the most part, Mendoza sound like a typical American band, playing typical early 1970s American roots rock. Naturally enough, the guitar work is the highlight, not surprising given the genre.

Priority: none

9/23/10

Greg Sneddon, Australia

Mind Stroll. 1975 Mushroom

Well done symphonic progressive rock from multi-instrumentalist Sneddon. Nice keyboard work in particular. Reminds me of other Australian artists of the day like Mario Millo (Epic III and leader of Sebastian Hardie) and Chris Neal's Winds of Isis. There's a certain commercial slant found here, which is not uncommon for progressive rock artists operating in Australasia. 

Priority: 3

9/21/10

Masala Dosa, Denmark

Masala Dosa 77. 1977 Kong Pære

Like just about every 1970s Danish band, Masala Dosa maintain a rural rock foundation. The songs on Side 1 are pretty weak, but are saved by some very fine guitar solos. Side 2 is primarily instrumental and considerably the better half. Again, the guitar sections here are nothing short of phenomenal. In this way, Masala Dosa are more a throwback to the early 70s works by Culpeper's Orchard, Midnight Sun, and Day of Phoenix. Despite the Indian name, there's sparse reference to Indian culture save a little sitar. 

Priority: 3

9/20/10

Ananga Ranga, Portugal

Regresso Às Origens. 1979 Metro-Som
Privado. 1980 Metro-Som

Jazz rock ensemble that reminds me some of Tantra, but perhaps more influenced by the bigger names of the day like Passport and Weather Report. First album has violin which definitely adds points. Privado begins to introduce funk, which probably wasn't the best idea. 

Priority: 3

***Both reissued by World Record on LP in 2024

9/19/19

Amish, Canada-Ontario

Amish. 1972 Sussex

Amish were an Ontario based group who recorded their sole album in Detroit, due to the Sussex label having ties to Motown. Amish simply could be described as a hard rock / heavy prog band with Hammond organ and electric guitar providing the solo leads. But where Amish stands out is the superb progressive oriented organ work, and I really like the way they wah-wah-riff the rhythm guitar parts. There's even some strange throwback psychedelic era interludes that recall bands such as Stone Circus or even Strawberry Alarm Clock. They also cover Traffic's 'Dear Mr. Fantasy', a very interesting choice (though probably the weakest of the album). Every track is a winner, with 'Wise Man' being a highlight. If looking for comparisons, I'd offer up debut album era Uriah Heep, along with obscurities like fellow Ontario based Warpig and New York's Micah. Bassist Mike Gingrich later became a member of the progressive rock group Nightwinds. Strong album that comes recommended.

Priority: 2

9/17/10

Patrice Meyer, France

Racines Croisees. 1983 Music'Al
Dromadaire Viennois. 1986 FMR

Two solid instrumental albums from guitarist Patrice Meyer, who recruited some famous Canterbury names like Pip Pyle, Hugh Hopper, and Didier Malherbe (from Gong) to participate on the latter solo effort. Dromadaire Viennois has some Zeuhl bass and is the more interesting of the two albums. When Meyer plugs in, he can be quite kinetic. Both albums are rooted in jazz, and possess a tranquil side to offset the more energetic pieces. Not essential, but very good for the era, especially the latter album.

Priority: 3

9/15/10

Strongbow, USA-Ohio ***REISSUED***

Strongbow. 1975 Southwind

***Reissued by ProgAOR Jun 2024

I didn't get a chance to feature this fine hard rock / AOR album. The CD doesn't include neither track from their excellent 1973 single, but does have three other bonus tracks.

Priority: 3

7/1/24 (complete)