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THE REVIEW
Classical, spiritual, jazz, psychedelic, etc., etc., in short, there's a bit of everything in the sound orbit of this incredible group from North London. And the keyword is experimentation!
Oriental-flavored prog-rock for these 5 exceptional musicians, including: "Raja Ram" on flute and violin, "Phil Jones" on keyboards, and "Shambu Bambaji" on bass. Between 1969 and 1972, they released four albums, entering the elite market of progressive music by composing songs right on the heels of the "Beatles," hippie, and ethnic experiences, blending everything with long and intricate solos and Indian atmosphere.
This "Universal" best-of compilation is the most comprehensive solution regarding the band since the CDs are hard to find in stores (unless you decide to find them online!). It includes the hits ("Notting Hill Gate", "Move Into The Light", and "Giants") which best summarize the rock framework with gritty guitar solos, endless keyboards, and sweet flute, and others more experimental ( "Prisms", "Twilight Zone", "Dive Deep", "St. Pancreas", and "Manco Capac"), where flute and violins take center stage, with sweet and passionate singing and dark, confusing preludes.
As far as I'm concerned, the last three tracks (colossal, together they sum up to 30 minutes) are more than what experimental London could offer in the '60s: "Dance For The One", "Midnight Mode", and "Hight On Mount Kailash/Burning Bush/Shiva's Chant" are representative tracks of the group and the hippie world.
A truly excellent compilation where love, meditation, rock energy, and spirituality reign! Ancestors of the most intelligent rock, they lived like shadows of other groups such as "Pink Floyd" and "Procol Horum," but they gave the right push to everything that followed in the following years (like new age). Essential like the "Third Ear Band," spectral like "Yatha Sidra," and tough like "Codona"; they created another genre of rock!
The music of the past still wins!
LONG LIVE CELEBRAL MUSIC
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Summary by Bot
Quintessence's Ocean Of Bliss is a comprehensive and essential compilation capturing the band's fusion of prog rock, jazz, spirituality, and Indian sounds. Rarely available on CD, this collection spans their best work from 1969 to 1972, showcasing their experimental spirit and musical virtuosity. Tracks like 'Notting Hill Gate' and 'Dance For The One' highlight their unique blend of intricate solos and meditative themes. The album stands as a testament to their legacy within the progressive rock and psychedelic music scenes of the 60s.
Quintessence
Quintessence are an English psychedelic/progressive band from North London, formed in 1969. They blend Indian-influenced spiritual themes, jazz and prog-rock, and released four albums between 1969 and 1972. Key members mentioned in reviews include Raja Ram (flute/violin), Phil Jones (keyboards) and Shambu Bambaji (bass).01 Reviews
