Monday 11 September 2017

This Oneness ‎- Surprize (1975)


The one and only album from this Minnesota, USA band.

This Oneness was a quintet with a lineup of woodwinds, piano, bass, drums, synths, percussions, guitars and vocals.

The band was actually Olivia Newton-John's backing band in the mid-1970s. That was during her most famous years who also spawned the big hitting movie and soundtrack Grease with John Travolta.

The band decided to go their own way after a while and ended their cooperation with Olivia. They recorded this album and then disappeared without a trace. Bad career move ?

The band was very influenced by the likes of Return To Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra. That is obvious on this album.... the final half of this album, that is. Side B on an LP, that is.

Side A makes us suffer through some sweet songs with clear references to Olivia Newton-John. It is a pretty bad experience for listeners anno 2017. Side B on the other hand delivers some rather good fusion somewhere in the ballpark of  Return To Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra. The playing is fast and furious at times. And good. Good fusion indeed.

It is difficult to forget their turkey like Side A which really is a test of anyone's patience and will to live. Hence my rating......

2 points

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