MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Progressive Music Reviews

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7/04/2025

Prog Rock Review: Jethro Tull - Still Living In The Past (5 CD/BR/BOOK)

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Label: Chrysalis

Steven Wilson’s remasters of the Jethro Tull catalog have reinvigorated the sound of the music and brought further attention to their entire catalog.

Still Living In The Past is a comprehensive package that includes five CDs, featuring Steven Wilson remixes in 24/96 PCM stereo and DTS 5.1 surround, a flat transfer of the original album, and bonus unreleased original mixes. These unreleased mixes, which offer a fresh perspective on the band's classic tracks, are a treasure trove for Jethro Tull fans. It is also available in a 2 LP set.

Additionally, it includes the Live at Carnegie Hall 2025 remix in 24/96 PCM and DTS 5.1 surround, as well as four promotional films. It is all presented in a book format, containing a wealth of information about the band’s recording sessions and live shows. For those interested in the lyrics, they are included.

The mixes on CD1 and CD2 are clean and vibrant, showcasing the exceptional performances by the band members. Martin Barre’s guitar, consistently brilliant during his years with the band, also shines on CDs 4 and 5, offering a faithful representation of his talents. Having seen Jethro Tull perform live several times during his time there, I can attest that he was the perfect fit for Ian’s songs.

Other highlights are some superb flute playing from Ian, and his voice was powerful. The entire band was a well-oiled machine consistently. John Evans had some moments of his own on the keyboards, notably on CD4 “With You There To Help Me / By Kind Permission Of.” The opener on that CD, “Nothing Is Easy,” was terrific as well. The bottom end was spot on, per usual, and Barre just took off in the live setting.

Throughout the live tracks, you will hear many moments when the band had more room to stretch out and improvise, adding an element of excitement and spontaneity. At the height of their success, they were a great live band, capable of cutting loose on extended jams and delivering impressive improvisations.

Classic JT, such as “Teacher,” “Living In The Past,” ‘The Witch’s Promise, " and “Bourée,” are always a treat. Then “Dharma For One (Live)” explodes with instrumentation; it's one of the best cuts. And “My God,” where Ian informs the audience on the intro, “for those who use God to lean on, it is not my cup of tea.” People familiar with the band and Ian's beliefs, both religious and political, understand him and can set those aside to enjoy the music. I always have myself. I realize he's an intellectual, and his lyrics can be profound and cerebral, but that's what makes the music so much better; it prompts you to reflect and think more deeply. You can think of it as music and beyond, making for a unique combination that has entertained millions of music lovers worldwide.

Still Living In The Past is an extraordinary addition to the remasters series and a must-have for those who want to hear rare demos and live material from the band at its peak, when it was becoming world-renowned.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Progressive Music Reviews Founder

July 2, 2025

Full tracklisting

5CD/BR

CD ONE:

ORIGINAL MIXES, REMIXES, EDITS & DEMOS 1968-1971

1. A Song For Jeffrey (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

2. Love Story (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

3. A Christmas Song (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

4. Living In The Past (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

5. Driving Song (Remixed at Morgan Studios in April 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

6. Sweet Dream (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

7. Singing All Day (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

8. Teacher (US Album Version) (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

9. Inside (Andy Johns Mix) (Mixed at Olympic Studios on 18th September 1969 by Andy Johns)

10. My God (Early Version) (Mixed at Morgan Studios on 12th April 1970)

11. Just Trying To Be (Mixed at Morgan Studios on 12th April 1970)

12. Wond’ring Aloud Again (Demo)** (Recorded on 2-track at Morgan Studios in June 1970)

13. Wond’ring Again (Mixed at Morgan Studios in June 1970)

14. Lick Your Fingers Clean (1970 Mix) (Mixed at Island Studios on 31st December 1970. Working Mix #4)

15. Locomotive Breath (DJ Single Edit) (Mixed at Island Studios in February 1971, edited for US Radio in March 1971)

16. Life Is A Long Song (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

17. Up The ’Pool (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

18. From Later (Alternative Master Mix) (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971. Unused master mix)

19. Life Is A Long Song (Alternative Master Mix) (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971. Unused master mix)

**Mono recording

CD TWO:

LIVING IN THE PAST (Part One)

The Steven Wilson Stereo Remixes [Sides 1 & 2] except+

1. A Song For Jeffrey (2025 Remix)

2. One For John Gee (2025 AI remix from mono master)

3. Love Story (2025 Remix)

4. A Christmas Song (2018 Remix. Previously released on This Was 50th Anniversary Edition book set)

5. Living In The Past (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)

6. Driving Song (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)

7. Bourée (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)

8. Fat Man (2016 Remix. Previously released on Stand Up Elevated Edition book set)

9. Singing All Day (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)

10. Sweet Dream (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)

11. 17 (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set. Edited in 2024)

12. Teacher (UK Single Version) (2025 Remix)

13. The Witch’s Promise+ (Remixed at Morgan Studios in October 1971 for the Living In The Past album)

14. Teacher (US Album Version) (2025 Remix)

15. Inside (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)

16. Alive And Well And Living In (2013 Remix. Previously released on Benefit Enhanced Edition book set)

17. Just Trying To Be (2011 Remix. Previously released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

+Remastered by Steven Wilson, 2025

CD THREE:

LIVING IN THE PAST (Part Two)

The Steven Wilson Stereo Remixes [Sides 3 & 4] except+

1. By Kind Permission Of (Live) (2025 Remix)

2. Dharma For One (Live) (2025 Remix)

3. Wond’ring Aloud (Early Version) (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

4. Wond’ring Again (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

5. Lick Your Fingers Clean (2025 Remix)

6. Up To Me (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

7. Hymn 43 (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

8. Locomotive Breath (2025 Remix)

9. Life Is A Long Song (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

10. Up The ’Pool (2011 Remix. Released on Aqualung Adapted Edition book set)

11. Dr. Bogenbroom+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

12. From Later+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

13. Nursie+ (Mixed at Sound Techniques Studios in June 1971)

BONUS TRACK

14. Locomotive Breath (Unplugged Mix) (2025 Remix)

+Remastered by Steven Wilson, 2025

CD FOUR:

LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL, NOVEMBER 4, 1970

Part 1: 2025 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix

(Recorded on 16-track by Fedco Audio Labs at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY

on November 4, 1970. Engineered by Kim King, assisted by Vin Leary and Dave Palmer)

1. Introduction to Nothing Is Easy

2. Nothing Is Easy

3. Introduction to My God

4. My God (including flute solo)

5. Introduction to With You There To Help Me

6. With You There To Help Me / By Kind Permission Of

7. Introduction to A Song For Jeffrey

8. A Song For Jeffrey

9. Introduction to To Cry You A Song

10. To Cry You A Song

CD FIVE:

LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL, NOVEMBER 4, 1970

Part 2: 2025 Steven Wilson Stereo Remix

(Recorded on 16-track by Fedco Audio Labs at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY

on November 4, 1970. Engineered by Kim King, assisted by Vin Leary and Dave Palmer)

1. Introduction to Sossity; You’re A Woman

2. Sossity; You’re A Woman / Reasons For Waiting

3. Introduction to Dharma For One

4. Dharma For One (including drum solo)

5. Introduction to We Used To Know

6. We Used To Know

7. Guitar instrumental

8. For A Thousand Mothers

CD1: Tracks 9, 10, 12, 14, 18 & 19, CD2: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12 & 14,

CD3: 1, 2, 5, 8 & 14, CD4 & CD5 Previously Unreleased

DISC 6: BLU-RAY AUDIO

Steven Wilson studio remixes in 24/96 PCM stereo

(and Steven Wilson studio remasters in 24/96 PCM stereo)

Steven Wilson studio remixes in DTS 5.1 surround

Steven Wilson remixes [sides 1 & 2]

Steven Wilson remixes [sides 3 & 4]

Flat stereo 24/96 transfer of original

Living in the Past studio album reels (UK & US versions combined)

Flat stereo 24/96 transfer of bonus unreleased original mixes

Live Carnegie Hall 1970, 2025 remix in 24/96 PCM stereo

Steven Wilson Live Carnegie Hall 1970, 2025 remix in DTS 5.1 surround

BLU-RAY AUDIO/VIDEO

The Witch’s Promise (March 1970 Promo Film)

Teacher (UK Single Version, March 1970 Promo Film)

Teacher (US Album Version, March 1970 Promo Film)

Life Is A Long Song (September 1971 Promo Film)

BD RUNNING TIME: Approx 355 minutes. REGIONS: A, B & C. VIDEO: BD50 - Aspect Ratio: 1080i59.94 / 1080p23.976

AUDIO: 96/24 PCM Stereo and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. EXEMPT FROM CLASSIFICATION

6/22/2025

Instrumental Ambient Progressive Rock Review and Interview: Bioscope (Steve Rothery and Thorsten Quaeschning) - Gento

Release Date: August 22, 2025

Label: earMUSIC

Website

Bioscope comes from the Greek bios (life) and skopeein (to look). Before cinema, it meant "a view or survey of life." This is the new project of Steve Rothery (Marillion) and Thorsten Quaeschning (Tangerine Dream) titled Gento.

If you are familiar with the artists, you may be speculating about what the song will sound like before you hear it. It is instrumental, ambient progressive music from start to finish, albeit with a few vocals. It certainly conforms to the instrumental heading.

This may be quite an auditory journey if you are passionate about music without words. In the same instance, you may be open to exploring something entirely different, which is also good.

Rothery made the choice well. Quaeschning performs synthesizers, vocals, guitar, and drums on the recording. The guitar parts give it the progressive rock elements, so it’s not too far out on the ambient side. With many years of experience playing guitar for Marillion and other projects, he was a good fit to complement all the keys and synths.

Every track segues into the next, making it sound like a vast, ever-changing composition with five proper tracks. Two contain three parts, one contains two parts, and the whole comprises 10 parts.

One way to briefly explain what you hear is atmospheric ambient layers of keys and synths with additional key guitar parts and very few vocals. It is primarily and purposefully instrumental to focus on the dual talents of these two gentlemen.

It is not even close to being Marillion, but it can mirror what Tangerine Dream sounds like in the more ambient textured layers. Layers is the descriptive word here; many parts meshed into each other. It is an incredible challenge to listen to what is going on. And I say that in the most positive and supportive way for this amazing musical project.

You will hear spacey parts and changing tempos, and in some instances, I could imagine the music being used in a film or documentary. The epic sound, tempo, and rhythm shifts make this a listen you will be glued to until it's over.

The most challenging aspect of this type of music is keeping a listener interested and energized with anticipation. Remember, this is not background music; these are bona fide compositions of musical excellence.

While Bioscope has not broken new ground with Gento, it is a giant leap for the artist to step out of the familiarity of their main bandmates and comfort zones.

Steve Rothery and Thorsten Quaeschning have created a marvelous musical journey with Gento. Fans of their respective bands will enjoy this extensive collection of compositions. This is as progressive as it gets for such a project outside the realm where they usually reside.

Keith “MuziMan” Hannaleck- Progressive Music Reviews Reviews Founder

June 19, 2025

Tracks:

1. Vanishing Point (Pt. 1, 2 & 3)

2. Gentō

3. Kinetoscope (Pt. 1 & 2)

4. Bioscope (Pt. 1, 2 & 3)

5. Kaleidoscope

12/07/2023

Rock-Progressive Review: 6 Turning 4 Burning-6T4B

Release Date: August 26, 2023

Label: Bomber Records

Website

Those Hellraisers From Cleveland, Ohio, 6 Turning 4 Burning, have released a rock album for all true music lovers to give a spin or to blare from your vehicle while cruising down the roads of America. Listen to 6T4B, and I will tell you why track by track.

Indicative of the cover art, they will appeal to those who believe in the freedom of the U.S. and the open roads to travel anywhere. Their music is very eclectic, bordering or launching into full-on progressive.

"Crazy Peace" is an instant satisfying rocker, and the lyrics are a riot! It is about the lady friend or wife, as it may, having their crazy "time of the month." It is a great way to kick off the album. Also, you will hear some exemplary musicianship on the recording. It is bound to click when you assemble a group of seasoned players. The second track, which clocks in at 7:02, is a tribute to their all-around talents and a tight band exhibiting all their skills within one track. It is a killer track featuring all aspects of the band at each position. Notably, the vocals are outstanding.

"So Deep" was a famous track that got thousands of views. It is a rocking love song, a slow cooker, and a tremendous vocal performance. It serves as another dimension of the band to be admired and appreciated.

"Help Me Through This" differs significantly from the previous tracks for 8:29. The guitar playing is bluesy, which fits the lyrics nicely. I am getting more impressed the further I get into the album. The diversification is quite impressive. And because of that, it keeps things interesting. Also, with extensive songs, it is essential not to lose the listener. That never happens because of all the changes. This one is a progressive rocker.

"Something's Wrong" keeps up with the pattern of change. The track starts with a soft acoustic guitar as the bass and drums come in. The vocals are heartfelt and expressing the lyrics beautifully. If you like blues-country tracks, this one is a nice change from the previous track. They sound like a different band on this one.

"It's Over" starts with a funky bass line accompanied by a driving guitar line, then it changes into a slower pace to emphasize the lyrics about the abuse of drugs and all the struggles it can bring. It doesn't sound like any fun, and it should discourage those wanting to take drugs. I think that was the point. As the song lumbers along, the words hit you like a brick wall at 90 mph, saying, "Cocaine's got me down, rest in peace." About halfway through, the song turns into the fast line as the bottom end pushes it along. The guitar plays some fat chords and nice cutting lines to show off their chops. It is another excellent track with 8:44 of fantastic changes and music to keep you wondering what is coming next. Then, at the end, you can hear someone snorting coke.

"Karma" is another long one coming in at 9:34, so I am amazed at how they can keep pumping out all these impressive tracks with such length and complexities. It starts with some definitive chicken pickin', rapid drumming, and a big bass sound. It all changes as it goes back and forth with different paces and styles of playing. It's like a country-fried rocker with hints of the blues for extra color. You may wonder when the vocals will come in, but they finally arrive well into 3+ minutes. And in this case, that is a good thing, as I enjoyed the long instrumental intro. The vocals add their sentiments with lines like "Karma speaks to you all alone." Those words change how we can relate to and experience karma. Which, of course, works if you believe in it. I believe in it without question, so I found the lyrics relatable.

"Take a Hike" is their magnum opus, dialing in at 11:24. I did not know what to expect with a track this long; it had to be progressive. At least, that was my first thought. It starts epically with a hard-driving metallic power; then they start reciting lines from the bible to help save them from the dark master himself, the Devil. It is an incredible track with magnificent music. It is reflective, opaque, and anticipatory. This one convinced me what a superior group of players this band is. Fans of Black Sabbath would love this one for sure. It is most certainly a hike to the darker side of life. In typical fashion, at 4+ minutes, it completes changes in pace and sound. This bass is prolific here. The vocals reminded me of Ian Gillan of Deep Purple. It is so soulful and passionate, and if anyone wants to know how good this band can play, it should be your first track. It's a must! And remember what they say in the song "Don't listen to Devil!" "Take a hike, Devil, disappear!" All instruments are superb throughout the run of the song.

So, if all of that wasn't enough, they test their abilities by covering the ELP classic 'Lucky Man" within 10:07. Could they once again prove themselves as a legitimate force in music? It starts differently than the original, then changes to the more familiar melody you are used to hearing in 2+ minutes. The vocals are excellent, and the music from start to finish is outstanding. It was risky to close out such a superior recording like that, but they pulled it off like the five-star band they are.

6T4B is a title that may give people a different idea of what this band is all about, including the cover art. Trust me on this one; you are in for a treat for the senses with 6 Turning 4 Burning. Every track is entertaining and well-played, and you will be sorry it all ends, so play it again.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

December 6, 2023

Tracks:

1. Crazy Peace 5:26

2. Release Me 7:02

3. So Deep 5:28

4. Help Me Through This 8:29

5. Something's Wrong 4:25

6. It's Over 8:44

7. Karma 9:34

8. Take a Hike 11:24

9. Lucky Man 10:07

4/04/2014

Progressive Folk Review: John Bassett-Unearth

Release Date: 31^stMarch 2014

Label: Code 7 Stereohead Records

Website

John Bassett is not a name that is uppermost in many people’s minds in progressive music circles, unless you are aware of his involvement in KingBathmat, a progressive band with 7 albums under their belt, but I believe all of that is about to change with the release of Unearth, his debut solo album.

John is a multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and producer and is, as already mentioned, predominantly known for writing the music and producing the albums for his band, KingBathmat, since 2003.

Unearth is essentially an acoustic album and seems to have garnered a variety of comments about how best to describe the music, but the press release suggests that the album is a combination of progressive rock and psychedelic folk. It certainly is not overtly progressive if you view the genre as containing complex time signatures and the omnipresence of the mighty moog/mellotron, but the music does show unusual song structures, meter changes and deep, meaningful, powerful lyrics.

The album, Unearth, is certainly a solo album in almost every sense of the word, with John providing vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards and theramin, as well as sharing the drum stool with Nathan A Summers. Indeed, not content with that, John also recorded, produced, mixed and mastered the album.

Unearth is a 10 track album with a total playing time of around 45 minutes and the shortest track on show is the final track, “The Comedian,” clocking in at 3:31 minutes with the penultimate track, “Something That’s More Worthwhile” the longest on the album at 7:43 minutes.

The opening track to any album has a tremendous weight on its shoulders as it is responsible for the immediate gut reaction to the album. “Stay Away From The Dark” (4:08), which also has a stunning video to check out, is a superb introduction to the album, with an echoing piano and a guitar that sounds double tracked. The lyrics, which are intense and hard hitting throughout, tell the story of a decision that requires to be made while the beautifully played acoustic guitar parts accentuate the melancholic nature that the music aurally paints. With lines such as “with your certificate, you’re qualified to shovel dirt” and “now don’t lose your spark, stay away from the dark,” the horns of a dilemma scenario is set out.

“Survival Rate” (4:47), “Nothing Sacred” (3:35) and the title track, “Unearth” (3:42) continue onward through this superbly intense musical journey. “Survival Rate” has little encounters with mellotron, keyboards and theramin, while “Nothing Sacred” is a more upbeat track with a stunning bass line and Hammond organ and “Unearth” has a rich sound, with superb acoustic guitars and the haunting line “you dig up the past and make things worse, and then you will see what you unearth.”

Another “soft” track in the form of “Pantomime” (5:42) follows with a sparse keyboard against acoustic guitars, drum and bass before there is a gentle, almost unobtrusive synth passage which seems to ebb and flow. This leads on to “Kylerhea” (4:41), an instrumental which has an insistent drumbeat with the acoustic guitar replacing John’s voice and also one of the most abrupt endings to a song I have heard. Everything fades to leave the insistent drum again, but it seems to stop before you expect it to.

“TV is God” (3:44) and “Keep Dear” (4:04) are very different tracks with the former showing drums, bass and a slightly discordant guitar which then sweeps into guitar passages interwoven with more subdued keyboards. “Keep Dear” sets up an almost countryside scenario with birdsong leading into some more superb acoustic guitar work. You become aware that there are two guitar parts and more unobtrusive keyboards as the song flows and returns to let the birdsong take the track out.

The penultimate track, “Something That’s More Worthwhile” (7:43) is an extended example of the music that has gone before. The keyboards simmer away behind that very pleasing acoustic guitar and the song moves along with some double tracking (?) of the vocals which get very close to becoming dissonant, but manage to neatly sidestep the trap. The sound builds with the electric guitar pushing the track along and there seem to be several cyclical guitar passages, each trying to reach the spotlight as the track ends.

The final track, “Comedian” (3:31) commences with another soundscape, this time using an alarm clock, singing birds and just the hint of a city wakening up. Subdued piano behind the voice and acoustic guitar set the scene for a relatively short track to bring the album to a close, returning to the bird song merging again into the alarm clock/bell.

Unearth is a gem of an album and seems to get it right on many different levels. The music is mesmerizing, melancholic, rich and flows effortlessly along, drawing the listener in; the voice has a characteristic uniqueness to it, in the way that Roger Chapman (Family), Peter Hammill (Van der Graaf Generator) and Mike Kershaw voices possess, and the lyrics are deep thoughtful and incisive. Subtle hooks, little riffs, passages, lines of lyrics, all quickly embed themselves in the mind after only one play, then get stronger with every consecutive listen.

Both the stickers, “One to Buy” and “The Experience will last Forever” are emblazoned on this album and no-one should miss out on this release, so clear a space on your CD shelf/rack for John Bassett. This is yet another contender when the albums of the year start getting talked about.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Stay Away From the Dark, Unearth, Something That’s More Worthwhile

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

April 4, 2014

Tracks:
Stay Away From The Dark
Survival Rate
Nothing Sacred
Unearth
Pantomime
Kylerhea
Tv Is God
Keep Dear
Something That’s More Worthwhile
Comedian

Progressive Folk Review: John Bassett-Unearth

Release Date: 31^stMarch 2014

Label: Code 7 Stereohead Records

Website

John is a multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and producer and is, as already mentioned, predominantly known for writing the music and producing the albums for his band, KingBathmat, since 2003.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Stay Away From the Dark, Unearth, Something That’s More Worthwhile

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

April 4, 2014

Tracks:
Stay Away From The Dark
Survival Rate
Nothing Sacred
Unearth
Pantomime
Kylerhea
Tv Is God
Keep Dear
Something That’s More Worthwhile
Comedian

Pages

7/04/2025

Prog Rock Review: Jethro Tull - Still Living In The Past (5 CD/BR/BOOK)

6/22/2025

Instrumental Ambient Progressive Rock Review and Interview: Bioscope (Steve Rothery and Thorsten Quaeschning) - Gento

12/07/2023

Rock-Progressive Review: 6 Turning 4 Burning-6T4B

4/04/2014

Progressive Folk Review: John Bassett-Unearth

Progressive Folk Review: John Bassett-Unearth