56 Are there different categories of progressive music? part3
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This article is from the Progressive Music FAQ, by Phil Kime(Philip@kime.org.uk) with numerous contributions by others.
56 Are there different categories of progressive music? part3
Space Fusion
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A rough term given specifically to the superb band Gong for their
unique blend of jazz fusion and extended sweeping ambience. Often
very energetic and concentrating on long jams of psychadelic tinged
soloing. Generally a high level of musicianship in tight restraint to
give a clean, atmosphere of bright and effervescent fusion. "Swooshy"
is a perfect adjective.
*Examples:* Gong, Ozric Tentacles, Neo, Carpe Diem, some Djam Karet
Space Rock
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Like the above but without the jazz edge, more of a straight forward
type of space rock. Hawkwind were almost the be all and end all of
this genre and were the innovators.
*Examples:* Hawkwind, Amon Düül (the English line-up)
Symphonic Progressive
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Characterized by rich keys/synths and very melodic vocals and often
structured like a piece of classical music, arranged for an extended
rock instrumentation. Very much stretching the limits of the rock
format. If someone derides progressive music, this is almost always
the sort of thing they are talking about. You will often hear this
genre mistakenly used as a synonym for the entirety of progressive
music and called "pretentious" or "overblown". Criticisms that
completely miss the point and often belie some misguided idea that
all good music must either display a certain feature or must be
simple and "direct".
*Examples:* Yes (early), Genesis (early), Camel, Atoll, Mirthrandir,
Änglagård
Zeuhl
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One of the truly unique and little-known areas of music typified
and largely due to the incredible French band Magma. It is a term
used to refer to a particular brand of jazz fusion, sometimes with
heavy Coltrane influences but adopting a grandiosity and harmonic
language from certain classical works, particularly Stravinsky's
"Les Noces". Unlike anything else and a personal favourite of the
present FAQ maintainer. Often powerful beyond words.
*Examples:* Magma, Weidorje, Zao, Shub-Niggurath, Honeyelk, Musique
Noise
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