line-up 1 (1979)

- Mark Blumenfeld -- lead guitar

- David Lamb -- vocals

- Tom Maxwell -- drums, percussion

- Nigel Redmon -- keyboards, synthesizer

- John Ugarte -- bass

  supporting musicians:

- Denny Cambell -- percussion

- Gold Coast (John Ugarte)

Genre: progressive

Rating: 3 stars ***

Title:  Chakra

Company: Brother Studio

Catalog: BS15
Year: 1979

Country/State: Redondo Beach, California

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: includes lyric insert

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 5855

Price: $250.00

This was another album I picked up for the cheap '70s styled sci-fi cover (shades of Michael James' "Runaway World") not knowing anything about the group.  Turns out Chakra was another one of those rarities that Hans Pokora had championed (though I forget which volume of his Record Collector Dreams series it appears in).  Unfortunately, that reference along with a brief write-up in the Acid Archives reference book seems to be the extent of public acknowledgement on this obscure and their small recording catalog.

Formed in Redondo Beach, California the band featured the talents of lead guitarist Mark Blumenfeld, drummer Tom Maxwell, keyboard player Nigel Redmon and bass player John Ugarte.  Apparently their sole release, 1979's "Chakra" was released by the small Brother Studio label with production by Keith Johnston. Featuring a set of eight group-written originals, to my ears material like "Newborn" and "Loose Ends" sounded like they were worshipping at the altar of English progressive bands such as Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant.  It was subtle, but the difference from many of their contemporaries seems to be material like the title track and "The Teacher Return" included non-secular themes.  Mind you this wasn't a slice of in-your-face-Jesus rock and a casual listener was unlikely to notice their paeans to faith.  Musically these guys were surprisingly accomplished with produced Johnston giving them a clean, bright mix.  The focus was largely on Redmon's arsenal of keyboards, but the Maxwell-Ugarte's rhythm section were consistent impressive.  While he didn't get a lot of spotlight time, on tracks like the jazzy "Jer'Makers" Blumenfeld showed himself to be a gifted guitarist.  Finally lead singer Lamb had a sweet, commercial voice that's always reminded me of a mash-up of Ambrosia's David Pack and Yes' Jon Anderson.  

So what to make of the project?  It was highly derivative and uneven. How you feel about non-secular themes may influence.  Since none of their beliefs come off as blatant, or preachyt, maybe not.   Your view of early British progressive bands will also color your opinion.  If you like Gentle Giant, Genesis and above all Yes, then this will probably strike a chord with you.  Otherwise, this islikely to be a high-priced pass.

"Chakra" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Key To the Kingdom (Chakra) - 5:14 rating: *** stars

Opening up with some bouncy Nigel Redmon synthesizers, when the group vocals kicked in the band's deep affection for Yes and other '70s British progressive bands became clear. Given progressive tunes tend to be "serious" enterprises, it was interesting to note the opening segment off "Key To the Kingdom" sported a light, almost playful feel.  It didn't last forever with the song morphing into a heavier progressive direction with each member getting a little spotlight time.

2.) Miles Before You (Chakra) - 5:39 rating: *** stars

The first portion of "Miles Before" showcased David Lamb's sweet voice on a conventional ballad.  And then we were off to the world of shifting melodies and time signatures.  Once again Redmon's cheesy '70s synthesizers got a lot of spotlight time.  I like cheesy '70s synthesizers so that wasn't a problem for me.

3.) The Teacher Returns (Chakra) - 2:52 rating: *** stars

With a herky-jerky rhythm, I actually enjoyed "The Teacher Comes"

4.) Newborn (Chakra) - 7:11 rating: **** stars

The album's most symphonic sounding performance, "Newborn" was also one of the album's standout numbers.  Recalling early Genesis, the tune was built on a series of sweeping melodic passages, the track trotted out the full arsenal of progressive ingredients, but managed to sound fresh and entertaining through it's seven minutes of twists and turns.

(side 2)
1.) Loose Ends (Chakra) - 6:58 rating: *** stars

So guys, why don't we let Redmon run roughshod over the opening of "Loose End" ...  One of the album's more complex song structures, complete with Maxwell's martial drumming, Lamb's vocals (including a spoken word section) gave this one a distinctive Yes flavor.  The lyrics were interesting enough.

2.) Jer'Makers (instrumental) (Chakra) - 3:04 rating: *** stars

Opening up with guest musician Denny Cambell's Latin percussion and Blumenfeld's guitar, "Jer'Makers" had an odd, but enjoyable Latin-Jazz feel.  

3.) Captain America (Chakra) - 5:57 rating: ** stars

"Captain America" was another Redmon spotlight (this time displaying his prowess on piano).  Admittedly, the abrupt shifts in rhythm and melody didn't do a great deal for me.  In spite of the lyric "the message is clear", it wasn't clear to me. For anyone interested, the track included a short nod to The Nice's "America".  

4.) Finally (Chakra) - 3:02 rating: *** stars

With a dark, ominous sound and Lamb's treated vocals, "Finally" almost sounded like a different band.  This one would not have sounded out of place on the soundtrack to a slasher flick,

Lamb and Redmon are all still involved in music.

Here's something Lamb posted on YouTube a couple of years ago: "Wrote and produced several children's projects Hanna Barbera, Rhino, Nick...wrote several musicals and shi\*t like that....Don't sing anymore ..."

Redmon runs a small audio firm - EarLevel Engineering: https://www.earlevel.com/main/ 

©  Scott R. Blackerby December 2023