Raw Material - Time Is?


Year of Release: 2001
Label: Akarma Records
Catalog Number: AK 153
Format: LP
Total Time: 00:00:00

Raw Material was born in the college days of Colin Catt (vocals, keyboards) and Phil Gunn (bass, acoustic guitar). In 1970 Dave Greene (guitars), Paul Young (percussion) and Michael Fletcher (saxophone, flute & vocals) would join them to complete the lineup. In 1971 the LP Time Is... was released. The LP comes complete with the original gatefold sleeves and a good black and white shot of the entire band.

I had to listen to this album a few times before I could ingest it all. For the time period in which it was recorded, it's startlingly progressive. I don't use that word progressive lightly. They were right at the cutting edge of the new sound that was spawned from sixties psychedelic music. The combination of guitars, keyboards, flute, and some perfectly placed percussion made their music an intense experience. The classical influence was evident in their arrangements. Suites dominated a large portion of this LP, thus giving the nod to the classical genre. I also heard essentials of jazz weaved in their song crafting. This album is unquestionably a fine example of early prog-fusion rock. The sound quality is excellent and it really brings out the very best of the original master tapes.

What ever happened to Raw Material and groups like them? I do know that if the timing and marketing were right that they could have easily been as popular as other groups that were in the middle of creating the same sound during that time.

Originally released in 1971 (RCA Neon, NE8); reissued on CD in 1994 by Repertoire (REP4469-WP)


Tracklisting:
Side One: Ice Queen / Empty Houses / Insolent Lady / Bye The Way / Small Thief / Insolent Lady

Side Two: Miracle Worker / Religion / Sun God / Awakening / Realization / Worship

Musicians:
Colin Catt - vocals, keyboards
Phil Gunn - bass, acoustic guitar
Dave Greene -guitars
Paul Young - percussion
Michael Fletcher - saxophone, flute & vocals
Cliff Harewood - lead guitar

Discography:
Raw Material (1970)
Time Is (1971/2001/2004)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: October 13th 2001
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck

Artist website:
Hits: 2406
Language: english

  

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