Solution - Cordon Bleu - 1975 (24/96 Vinyl Rip)

Cordon Bleu is the third album by the Dutch symphonic rock group Solution. It was released in 1975 on Elton John's label Rocket Records.
Produced by Elton John's producer Gus Dudgeon. Enjoy one of their best albums with melodic Jazz/Sympho-rock (great recording with a firm soundstage).

Note > This album has tracks that overflow in each other; gapless burning is essential to hear seamless the album.
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Review:

What a great fusion album! This fusion band from the Netherlands have a seriously developed sense of catchy & addictive rhythm: they produce very accessible (although not simple), melodic, lively & slightly romantic sax-oriented jazz-rock compositions. The omnipresent melodies and harmonies coming from keyboards and multiple saxes proudly stand on "solid as a rock" foot beating rhythms provided by the drums, the bass and sometimes low pitched keyboards.

The omnipresent keyboards occupy a very important place in the music: catchy & jazzy piano, floating organ, joyful clavinet, tender Fender Rhodes and some other more modern floating keyboards. The bass, very rhythmic and complex, is quite loud and full of bottom. The impressively elaborated & varied drums have the Phil Collins' style of the mid 70's. Shall we mention the presence of some very good male lead & backing vocals. There are very rare acoustic and electric guitars, but they are so discreet that the album sounds like no guitars are present.

The final last track has a beautiful flute part, contrasting with all the previous sax marathon! The overall sound is ABSOLUTELY pleasant, fresh and clean! All the tracks are excellent! The sax parts and vocals sound a bit like the ones on the Passport's Earthborn album (Klaus Doldinger's band); the "Cordon bleu" sound is however less modern.
The least I can do is to Highly Recommended you this album!

Review by Greenback @progarchives.com


Track List:

01 Chappaqua
02 Third Line Part 1
03 Part 2
04 A Song for You

05 Whirligig
06 Last Detail Part 1
07 Part 2
08 Black Pearl Part 1
09 Part 2

Personnel:

Tom Barlage - alto sax, soprano sax, flute, percussion
Willem Ennes - electric piano, acoustic piano, organ, Elka Rhapsody
Guus Willemse - bass guitar, lead vocals, electric guitar
Hans Waterman - drums

All backing vocals by Tom, Guus and Frankie Fish.
Michiel Pos - additional tenor saxophone on "Third Line" and "Whirligig" and acoustic guitar on "Last Detail"