Proteus - 1981 - Infinite Change

Proteus

1981

Infinite Change

01. Mandala 4:24

02. Dance Of The Moonchildren 5:46

03. Afternoon Affirmation 6:16

04. Steppin Out 5:07

05. Inner City 8:10

06. Song For Dave 5:05

Bass – Grant Austin

Drums – Sergio Nespola

Guitar – Ole Riise

Keyboards – Brian Zercher

Alto Saxophone – Jimmy Ellis (tracks: 6)

Congas – Kewu Oya (tracks: 2)

Rhythm Guitar – Herb Walker (tracks: 4)

Saxophone – Terry Ogolini (tracks: 4)

Trombone – Mike Fello (tracks: 4)

Trumpet – Mark Ohlsen (tracks: 4)

Proteus are a Chicago based fusion group, The highlight is the constant and fiery guitar work, and the compositions are more geared towards progressive rock than slick fusion. Side 1 is flat out awesome, whereas the other side begins to add the dreaded funky chicken components that were all too common for the era. Still, we're never too far away from another blazing guitar solo, and all is right again. An excellent album that is a must for fusion and instrumental progressive rock fans.

Who actually knew that this unknown Chicago-based Jazz Rock act featured a former drummer of Panna Fredda? Yes, Sergio Nespola was born in Rome, Italy and was a self-taught drummer, making his career baby steps with Panna Fredda, before going on tour with the American Soul/Pop band The Four Kents.Even if having met with several members of New Trolls, Goblin, Balletto Di Bronzo, Formula 3, Rovescio Della Medaglia and Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso, Nespola decided that the best for him was to move to the USA in mid-70's, landing in New York and later relocating to Chicago.His first band there was Treeborn and upon their disbanding he and bassist Grand Austin formed Proteus (around 1978), recruiting keyboardist Brian Zercher, who brought along his friend Ole Riise on guitars.Proteus released a private album in 1981 titled ''Infinite change'', featuring a bunch of guests on sax, trumpet, congas and trombone.

Proteus played a technically efficient Jazz Fusion with some very good bass lines and several connections to the classic sound of RETURN TO FOREVER, these were the tropical tunes, airy interplays and synth-based atmospheres, while the 80's secured the addition of a strong Funk flavor in their music.They were not good enough to compete with their idols, but at least they performed a passionate and intelligent Jazz Rock/electric Fusion, not becoming extremely slick or ending up to be cheap immitators of RETURN TO FOREVER.They showcase a mood for neurotic blends of edgy synthesizers with fast guitar soloing, propably some of the best moments of the album are based on these characteristics.But they also offer more laid-back and conventional tunes, pretty radio-friendy, in order to have some decent local airplay.Even these tracks are pretty nice with breaks and tempo variations, Riise prooves to be a great guitarist and keyboardist Brian Zercher was quite a talent, maybe the use of synths becomes a bit excessive throughout and I would prefer a little more electric piano pinches, but you can't have it all.The virtuosic stuff is great, beautiful instrumental interactions and some lovely tunes in the process, I just dislike some of the funkier material on the B-side.

The album was pressed in 1000 copies, sold at local stores, and the band was a frequent visitor of the local radio speakers.Nespola found himself alone in the line-up shortly after the album's release, but decided to keep Proteus alive with new members and Jazz veterans entering the line-up.The band dissolved finally in 1985, after performing live at the local Chicago Fest.

Interesting Jazz Rock, I wish all period bands of the style could adapt the 80's fashion in the same way Proteus did.Solid executions, some great synths and fantastic guitar and bass work. Recommended.