Nice Things To Say To A Sister Third Ear Band (UK) - Alchemy / Elements, 1969/1970 (Indo / Raga Rock)

ntal ensemble performing contemporary compositional work. For one thing, they didn't use electric instruments, or even guitars, instead employing violin, viola, oboe, cello, and hand percussion. More important, they didn't play conventional rock 'songs.' They featured extended instrumental pieces that often built up from a drone, or hypnotic pattern, to a dense, raga-like crescendo, somewhat in the manner of some of Terry Riley's work. Their 'progressive rock' tag probably arose because they recorded for Harvest Records, Britain's leading art rock label, which was home to Pink Floyd, Kevin Ayers, Pete Brown, Edgar Broughton, and many other progressive acts. The group was founded by drummer Glen Sweeney, who had roots in Britain's free jazz scene, and had played with an avant-garde ensemble, the Sun Trolley. Described Sweeney Third Ear's music as "electric acid raga," although the electricity shut off WAS They Shortly after forming, WAS When Their electronic equipment stolen. Simply Sweeney molded Third Ear Into an acoustic ensemble, with the Addition of oboe, violin / viola, and cello. The personnel (with the exception of Sweeney) Would rotate over the next FEW years; Were Their early albums produced by Andrew King, Who Had helper manage Pink Floyd in Their early days.
Commercial success, or events Widespread underground success, Was Never in the offing for Third Ear Band, and one gets the feeling That Was Not Ever to consideration. Their albums Were too somber and experimental for the rock audience, and in the U.S., They Are Still Known only to a very FEW. Their