|
CURVED AIR Second Album & Phantasmagoria (WEA) Curved Air can be described as the more psychedelic end of the classical-rock spectrum. Founding members included Sonja Christina (vocals), Francis Monkman (keyboards), Darryl Way (violin), Ian Eyre (bass) [who was replaced by Mike Wedgewood for their third album Phantasmagoria], and Florian Pilkington-Miksa (drums). From their Second Album, the single 'Back Street Luv' became an International hit, and was the first song I ever heard from Curved Air. I was incredibly impressed by both the sexy vocals and powerful bass chords. 'Piece Of Mind' from the same album was soon to become my favourite track. Written by Francis Monkman, this track is a 8 minute protest-epic, and an interplay between Sonja's vocals and Francis' thundering classical chords. Phantasmagoria is more of an interplay between Monkman and Way, and uses Kristina as a foil. You have the dynamic and racing instrumentals 'Cheetah' and 'Ultra-Vivaldi'; both featuring Darryl Way at speed. 'Marie Antoinette' is about the Queen of France, and this song even includes the thundering sub-sonic crash of the guillotine. My personal favourite track off this album is 'Over & Above', and this was way ahead of it's time for 1972. A song about freedom, it takes you on an astral journey, only to conclude their is no escape, or freedom for the flesh, only freedom in the mind. Sonja and various ex-band members are still performing, but not as Curved Air. Francis was one of the founding members of Sky, along with the classical guitarist John Williams. If you take a look at the bigger album covers you'll find that I've included Curved Air's web-page where you can find song lyrics, various album covers and ongoing news. The surrounding photo is of Sonja, and this originally appeared on the inside cover of Curved Air's Second Album.Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
|
