70’s Part Three Art Rock, Jazz Rock

Art Rock of the 70’s The Rock Opera, and the more classically oriented art rock of the 60’s began to die out in the 70’s. What remained was groups such as Yes and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. It gradually changed to what was to become Progressive Rock. The Progressive rock groups of the 70’s were not only from England and the U.S. but from several other European countries as well. As with Art Rock, it is very hard to define stylistically.

Pink Floyd Formed in 65’ from remnants of other bands, London. Reportedly presented England with the first concert with light shows. Began to get famous in the U.S. Syd Barret, the group’s leader became increasingly affected by psychological problems reportedly intensified by drug abuse; he left the band in 68’.

Dark Side Pink Floyd produced a series of moderately successful albums through the 70’s. Their live performances utilized elaborate state-of-the-art sound systems, props, and lights (60ft octopus) The turning point came in 73’ with The Dark Side of the Moon. Became progressive rock superstars, the album was called the “Sgt. Pepper” of the 70’s. Money This album would become the longest running chart album in history, remaining on the charts for 741 weeks; that is over fourteen years. Roger Waters left and tried to sue for the Pink Floyd name. Pink Floyd continued, Waters went on to a solo career. Amused To Death

The Wall They continued to have success through the 70’s. The tour that promoted The Wall had such a huge stage show that only three performances took place. They then toured for 7 years with a watered down version. They continued to tour despite lawsuits and personnel changes (Roger Waters). Last album was P.U.L.S.E. in 95’. Goodbye Blue Sky The Endless River

King Crimson A ‘super group’ of ever changing English progressive rockers. Their first album “In the Court of the Crimson King” achieved both critical acclaim and financial success. Elephant Talk Achieved great popularity in England and Europe, had a cult following in the U.S. One of the most ‘progressive’ of the progressive rock groups. Now

Jethro Tull Based around the leadership of Ian Anderson (flute, sax, guitar, and vocals) moved the band from blues to progressive rock. Achieved greater success in U.S. then England Biggest album was “Thick as a Brick” Bouree

Other British Prog/Rock Some others included: Electric Light Orchestra, Soft Machine, and Gentle Giant. Evil Woman One of the Biggest was Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells Made it big when the music was used for the move “The Exorcist” The 70’s saw several German and Eastern European progressive rock groups gain popularity as well.

Jazz Rock The 60’s jazz rock, started by Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Chicago, Bill Chase transformed into a new style: Fusion. The movement was started by such jazz giants as: Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Nennie Maupin, and Joe Zawinul. They took their earlier music and added electric instruments, experimental chord progressions, avant guard concepts. The leader of this movement was Miles Davis, and his album “Bitches Brew” Freddie Freeloader Critically acclaimed, lost the general audience. Long and complicated songs, seemingly without direction.

John McLaughlin Considered the Premier guitarist of the 1970’s Took Davis’s concepts, made them more publicly recognizable. Moved between jazz and rock, later recorded with the London Symphony. Guardian Angel Meeting of the Spirits

Weather Report Following after Davis and McLaughlin, Weather Report focused on Fusion Leaned more towards Jazz then the other groups. The Bass player, Jaco Pastorious, emerged as one of the greatest players of all time. Died tragically assisted by drugs and mental illness. Birdland

Herbie/Chuck/Chick Herbie Hancock, keyboard player, first popular Breakdance tune, still performing Watermelon Man Rockit Chuck Mangione, played flugelhorn. Land of Make Believe Chick Corea, Premier classical piano player, worked with several major artists. Spain Blues Connotation

Santana Started in the 60’s as a blues focused group. Born in Mexico, Carlos Santana moved to San Francisco in 62’. Performed in Woodstock, their first album “Santana” rose to number 4. Black Magic Woman His music began to be called “Latin Rock” after this. He moved towards more jazz oriented rock, remained popular by doing “duet” albums. The most recent was “Supernatural” Smooth, feat. Matchbox 20

Jeff Beck/Steely Dan Finishing up the Jazz Rockers of the 70’s, Jeff Beck, a former member of the Yardbirds formed his own group in 67. Had a reputation as one of rocks premier guitarists, signed with George Martin, began playing fusion. Freeway Jam Leaning more towards rock, Steely Dan made it as a mainstream group before venturing into fusion. Back Jack Do it Again