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Symphonic Metamorphosis

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Symphonic Metamorphosis

                 



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Format: LP Gatefold     Want this on CD also?

Condition: VG+ COVER / VG+ LP (cover/media)    More Info
Label: London PS 573
Country: Us
Released: 1970
Genre: horn-rock
Num In Set: 1
Quantity: 1 in stock

gatefold sleeve
In 1970 Thomas Bacon, Robert Cowart, Donald Haas, Arthur Krehbiel, Ervin Monroe, Robert Pangborn, Dennis Smith and Sam Tundo were all members of The Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The eight were apparently all bitten by the rock and roll bug, deciding to form their own band.   The result was Symphonic Metamorphosis.   Signed by London Records, the band was teamed producer Don Griffith, resulting in the release of 1970's "Symphonic Metamorphosis".   Blowing their own horns, the album liner notes crowed "The Symphonic Metamorphosis have heron given birth to a new musical idiom Fusion Rock."
Having listened to this album dozens of times, I'm not sure the fusion rock definition is apt.   The seven original compositions certainly offered up a variety of musical genres including classical, pop moves, jazz-rock horns, conventional rock arrangements and Latin percussion (frequently in one performance). In fact, if I were forced to bin the album into a musical genre I'd tagged it as horn-rock.   The performances were all pretty energetic though it was interesting to note that with the exception of the opening of 'Good Things' and their adaptation of Bach's 'Sarabande' the classical influences were rare. Instead, their biggest influences appeared to be horn-rock bands like BS&T and Chicago. Ervin Monroe was responsible for most of the material and also served as lead guitarist and prime vocalist. Monroe wasn't a great singer, but his raw performances were energetic (check out the opener 'Reach Out!' and 'I've Decided To Get You').   His solo performances were certainly better than the tunes like 'Good Things' and 'Creation' that featured "group" vocals.   I won't try to convince anyone this was a great album, but I can tell you that song-for-song it was better than some of the album's better known horn bands have released.
Craig Braun's cover art was kind of cool.
"Symphonic Metamorphosis" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Reach Out! (Erwin Monroe) - Thomas Bacon arranger - 4:06 rating: *** stars
I have to admit to being surprised 'Reach Out' was as rock and roll as it was.   The band name and their backgrounds left me with the impression this was going to be - well symphonic.   Instead it was a weird as hell blend of Monroe's rugged voice, Cowart's hard rock guitar, BS&T-styled horns and a bit of symphonic orchestration on the top. Kind of a musical free for all, but worth hearing.
2.) Good Things (Lilly - Erwin Monroe - Robert Cowart arranger) - 5:27   rating: *** stars
Opening up with a Baroque horn arrangement, 'Good Things' suddenly warped into a jazzy BS&T arrangement with a pop section, a Santana-styled Latin percussion breakdown and a Chicago-styled closing segment.   The main problem with this one is it underscored the band's lack of a strong singer.   As on most of the collection, the band resorted to "group" vocals that just weren't very good.
3.) I Can See Your Face (Erwin Monroe - Robert Cowart arranger) - 5:06  rating: **** stars
The combination of Monroe's treated vocals and Thomas Bacon's organ gave the ballad 'I Can See Your Face' an ominous, slightly lysergic vibe.   The horns were almost an afterthought on this one, making it one of the album's strongest performances.
4.) Little Lisa (Erwin Monroe - Robert Cowart arranger) - 3:30   rating: *** stars
Back to group vocals, 'Little Lisa' has always struck me as Chicago trying to return to garage rock roots.   Unfortunately they couldn't ditch the horns.
(side 2)
1.) I've Decided To Get You (Erwin Monroe - Symphonic Metamorphosis arranger - 4:09   rating: *** stars
Characterized by Monroe's urgent vocals, 'I've Decided To Get You' also spotlighted his guitar playing.   Kind of a Terry Kath vibe in his solos
2.) Creation (Erwin Monroe - Robert Cowart arranger) - 3:09   rating: *** stars
The album's most commercial offering, 'Creation' showcased uplifting lyrics along with some ragged group vocal

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Tracklist
 
AReach Out4:06
A2Good Things5:27
A3I Can See Your Face5:06
A4Little Lisa3:30
B1I've Decided To Get You4:09
B2Creation3:09
B3Sarabande3:30
B4More Power To Ya7:49


Note
Tracklisting is supplied by a third party and matched by catalogue number. Tracks on the release may differ from what is being sold.
     
Bad Cat Records

Bad Cat Records (Virginia, United States)

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