Space Circus - 1978 - Funky Caravan

Space Circus

1978 

Funky Caravan

01. Alibaba

02. Network

03. African Reggae

04. Funky Caravan

05. The Way We Were

06. Spring Wave

Okano Hajime - bass

Yamagiwa Kizuku - keyboard

Ogawa Yoshikazu - drums

Sano Yukinao - guitar

Studio: Asahi Sound Studio 501st

Date: 19. Nov - 11. Dec 1977

One has to wonder how this group went over in the far east. The music is straight out of the Mahavhishnu/RTF mold - precise musicianship, tight riffs, clean sound. The melodies are harmonius and engaging on each song, I particularly like how the stylistic shifts play out on the sequencing.

The opener, Alibaba, hits right off the bat with a thick bass line, shuffling drums and hazy synths. 30 seconds in the riffs start. Funky and tight! A winner right from the get go, somewhat reminiscent of Jeff Beck in his fusion period. 3 and a half in, the mood shifts somewhat to an almost canterbury feel. Excellent track.

Second is Network, a pedestrian effort that could be Bob James.

African Reggae is the third song, it has neither an African nor reggae feel. In fact, this wouldn't sound out of place a Steely Dan album or the soundtrack to Bosom Buddies. A somewhat bluesy, jazzy soundtrack feel to this one, very polished and clean just like Steely Dan and the guitar in the middle is reminiscent' of Skunk Baxter.

The second side opens with the monster title track, a tour de force through funk, fusion, middle eastern raga, and everywhere in between. A triumph for the band and a bona fide classic.

The way we were is a slow guitar guitar jam that speeds it up a bit halfway through. Another song with a soundtrack feel.

Spring Wave is the closer, reminiscent of Sea Level to my ears. Happy, rollicking with lots of piano. Some Dixie Dregs thrown in for good measure. This is a great song and a fine way to end an uneven, yet very interesting album for those of us that can't get enough fusion.

I'd say this is three stars for most progsters, I happen to really like Steely Dan and Bob James and find the filler to give the record a certain charm in my collection. It's a nice record to have, surprising nobody's reviewed it. I've owned it for some time now.

On this album you will find fantastic musicianship, catchy melodies, some of the funkiest bass playing ever recorded, and most notable TALKBOX GUITAR SOLOS ("Spring Wave")! After all, there's never a dull moment on the Funky Caravan