Secret Oyster - "Secret Oyster" Review

Artist/ Band: Secret Oyster
Title: Secret Oyster
Label: The Laser's Edge
Year of Release: 1973/2007
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Okay finally we get the debut from Secret Oyster, available for the first time on CD thanks to The Lasers Edge. Formed from the ashes of Burnin' Red Ivanhoe, Secret Oyster was comprised of Karsten Vogel (sax, organ), Claus Bohling (guitar), Kenneth Knudsen (electric piano), Bo Thrige Andersen (drums), and Mads Vinding (bass). The debut (also known as Furtive Pearls), treads more on the rock side rather than the more jazz-fusion side the band became more known for. There are amazing guitar solos, keyboard action and drumming that would appeal to 70's fusion fans as well as rock fans.

Even though there’s more of a rock sound on this album, hints of the band going in the same league as The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Return to Forever to name a few are evident here. This is a genre I’m least familiar with but I will say a very enjoyable one to explore. I’d easily recommend this debut to anyone into the 70's prog and fusion. A plus side, the reissue features a nice little essay from Vogel, and two live bonus tracks recorded in Copenhagen back in 1973. A great way to experience the band in a live setting, especially for those of us that have yet to see them live.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on December 8th, 2007

Tracks:

1. Dampenpressen

2. Fire & Water

3. Vive La Quelle

4. Blazing Lace

5. Public Oyster

6. Mis Fortune

7. Ova-X

Bonus tracks:

8. Dampexpressen (ive)

9. Orlavær (ive)

Reviewed Discography

Here are other reviews by this artist at ProgNaut.com.