54 Are there different categories of progressive music? part1
Description
This article is from the Progressive Music FAQ, by Phil Kime(Philip@kime.org.uk) with numerous contributions by others.
54 Are there different categories of progressive music? part1
(Answer contributed in part from from Mike McLatchey)
Conventionally, yes. There are many sub-genres, and crossover
genres. Here is a brief and necessarily incomplete listing of the
genres frequently discussed on r.m.p (some text is taken from the
*GEPR* (see FAQ 5, FAQ 7 and below)).
Ambient
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As the name suggests, a form concentrating on ambience rather than
normal characteristics such as melody, harmony and rhythm.
*Examples:* Some Eno, Laraaji, much new age music.
Art Rock
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A name that is used to refer to early explorative work that had
roots in pop. Quite often a display of attitude in addition to any
musical features. It is an abused term that seems to refer as much
to appearence as to music in its more common coinage.
*Examples:* Be Bop Deluxe, early Eno, Roxy Music
Canterbury
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A region in England where a unique style originated. The region's
name has now become the label for the style of music. One of the
earliest forms recognised as progressive, Canterbury music emphasises
laconic complexity and usually sounds identifiably English. The ideas
resulting from this form of music were very original. Often quite
jazzy in a light and airy sort of way, integrating jazz influences
in unique ways.
*Examples:* Caravan, Soft Machine, Hatfield The North, National
Health
Classical Rock
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More accessibly related, bands starting with The Nice that attempted
to fuse classical music with rock structures. Often felt to be
quite pompous yet were quite successful in their time. Often a
three man format.
*Examples:* The Nice, ELP, Le Orme, Ekseption, Trace, The Trip
Electronic Progressive
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Often mis-categorized by being as "new age", much of this music was
around far before that abused term was coined. Very explorative,
this is a wide open field and is typified by the use of almost
all electronic equipment, hence the name. There is often a
concentration on sonority and texture over and above other musical
attributes. Often very spacious and ethereal. Sometimes quite darkly
powerful but not in the way that ambient industrial material tends
to be. The sorts of sounds explored tend to be within the less
extreme synthesiser range.
*Examples:* 70's Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Steve Roach,
some Popol Vuh, later Kit Watkins, Jean-Michel Jarre
Experimental/Industrial
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Often hard core experiemental material. The fringes of music
where almost anything can happen. Almost always difficult for the
newcomer. Considerable use of noise, found objects, music concrete
and sometimes even power tools. Generally focusing on texture and
sonority to the expense of all else. A fascinating area for the
adventurous.
*Examples:* Einstürzende Neubauten, Nurse With Wound, Hafler Trio,
Main, Coil
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