East of Eden are an English progressive/jazz-fusion group led by violinist Dave Arbus, formed in 1968 in England's West Country. Reviews highlight their blend of prog, jazz and oriental influences and name Snafu and Mercator Projected as key albums; the instrumental single "Jig-a-Jig" reached the UK Top 10.

Formation year (1968) and West Country origin are stated in reviews. Core lineup on Snafu (as listed in reviews): Dave Arbus (violin, saxophone, flute, bagpipes), Ron Cainess (saxophone, organ), Geoff Nicholson (guitar, vocals), Steve York (bass), Dave Dufont (drums, percussion). Debut album Mercator Projected was issued in 1969 on Deram (review). The album Snafu reached #29 in the sales charts (review). The single "Jig-a-Jig" reached the seventh position in the UK Charts (review). Dave Arbus is credited in reviews as having played violin on The Who's "Baba O'Riley."

East of Eden are presented in reviews as an English progressive/jazz-fusion group led by violinist Dave Arbus. Critics highlight their blend of progressive rock, jazz and oriental influences, with Snafu often singled out as their most courageous work. Their instrumental single "Jig-a-Jig" reached the UK Top 10. Reviews value the band's experimentation and Arbus's violin as a driving force.

For:Fans of 1970s progressive rock, jazz-fusion, experimental and world-influenced music

 One of the subgenres I appreciate the most from the '70s Prog is the so-called "Exotic Progressive", a branch that blends the typical sound of Genesis and Yes with ethnic, especially oriental sounds.

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 An album with two sides, undecided between commercial temptations, oriental influences, and free-jazz experimentation, it is definitely inferior to the subsequent and more courageous "Snafu" which remains the best way to get to know them.

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 The title track captivates with its compelling rhythm, a pleasant electric folk-rock where Arbus's violin reigns supreme; an entirely instrumental piece that reached the seventh position in the UK Charts and represents the absolute peak moment for the band.

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