GREENSLADE 'The Full Edition - Live 2001' SJPCD164 Angel Air (2004) http://www.angelair.co.uk
Former Colosseum member Dave Greenslade gave Greenslde their name and had success with a string of albums in the 70's, before calling it a day in 1976. Greenslade reformed in 2000, released a new studio album 'Large Afternoon' in 2000 and this 2001 gig was recorded at the Rotherham Rocks. Joining Dave Greenslade (keyboards) are fellow Greenslade 70's member bassist Tony Reeves, drummer John Trotter and on vocals/keyboards John Young (Asia/Scorpions/Bonnie Tyler/John Young Band).
This is the first time I've heard any music by the band and was intrigued especially as the line-up has no guitarist! Highlights include 'Cakewalk', very keyboard driven and not unlike Camel; 'Feathered Friends', an up-tempo blues meets jazz workout and the exceptional vocal talents of John Young. (As an aside how this guy is not better known is beyond me as he has a melodic and radio friendly vocal style). Sweeping keys and intricate percussion feature on 'Sundance', a nice relaxing end-of-the-day tune. Big 70's prog belter in 'Spirit of the Dance' (ELP fans will be happy with this one).
Excellent sound production and at times bar the end of song cheers, you'd think this was a studio album. Interesting listen - very laid back sound, with plenty of musical variety mixing jazz, blues, AOR and progressive music well.
Rating ****

AngelAir review - February 2004

LARGE AFTERNOON

"As far as ranking goes, it doesn't match up to what I consider to be their magnum opi (Greenslade, Bedside Manners Are Extra and Time and Tide) but it's a good shot above Spyglass Guest. As I've already mentioned to Mark and Tony, I think that the albums two main weaknesses are (1) no Andrew McCulloch and (2) no Tony Reeves compositions. There's also one particularly bad track: "Lazy Days", which is almost unquestionably the worst song that they've ever done (it sounds like a song that was rejected from Going South).

Aside from that, though, the album's pretty faultless. John is a great replacement for Dave L., a splendid change for a new Greenslade era. He and Dave G. do a magnificent job with the synths and pianos, and Tony is as fantastic as ever, if not always as audible! "Large Afternoon" and "On Suite" are the two masterpieces of the album, in my opinion. Great interplay between Dave and Tony on the former with a brilliant composition to back up their playing. "On Suite" is the albums lengthy track, with superb instrumentation and solos (one of Tony's best solos is on this song). Both are ingeneous Dave G. compositions.

Other highlights of the album are "No Room-But a View" (incredible vocals by John, to say nothing of the instrumentation and chilling lyrics), "May Fair" (great, energetic closer), and "Cakewalk" (the synthesizers are rather over extravagent, but that's certainly not because they're trying to hide an unimaginative Song!). The remaining three tracks are good but disappointing for a band like Greenslade.

Anyway, everyone out there who likes Greenslade should try it out! I really think that the group can do a LOT better than this, butit is nonetheless an outstanding album. The title track alone is worth the few pounds that it will cost you. It even comes with a three-part gatefold cover! (Admittedly, it's basically just the guy from Bedside Manners Are Extra with lighter skin and a photograph of a lush woodland behind him. But still...)

Robert Orme - 20th January 2001