Donald Fagan - the night fly (1982)

Donald Fagen - The Nightfly 
 
Steely Dan's Donald Fagan took a brief departure in 1982 to write a record a superb solo album. Fagan brings along old time friends Randy Brecker and Rick Derringer who help define this jazz rock album. The music of Steely Dan is very much an acquired taste and this album is very much in that vein too with clean jazz elements and storytelling lyrics. The Nightfly album has long been considered one of the holy grails of "sound" having been skillfully and carefully recorded digitally. This album is timeless and although recorded 20 years ago plus it still feels magical.

Astra - The Black Chord (2012)

Astra- The Black Chord

The Black Chord is the second album released 3 years after The Wierding and is another nice bit of progressive rock and a worthy follow up recording. I like the production on this album better than their debut album! Once again we are treated to some great epic tracks with tons of vintage equipment and vintage musical style of the days gone by......the 70's progressive rock movement.

Astra - The Wierding (2009)

Astra - The Wierding

Wow.......this album took me a bit by surprise as I had no ideamitmwas just soooooo vintage progressive rock! Mellotrons, vocal harmonies and nice long tracks with a wide range of themes, emotions and tempos. Too many influences to really narrow it down but I hear YES, Pink Floyd with a mix of Black Mountain and Sabbath. The slow tune "Broken Glass" sounds like John Lennon meets YES all the way. The band is excellent and considering this was the first album it shows a nice deep skill and musical prowess. I like the way these guys don't hide behind their love for progressive vintage 70's rock and play a very convincing album here. They are the real deal