Nektar – Sounds Like Swiss (Beyond Before, 2021)
Nektar, the British progressive rock band that was initially based in Germany, has put together a triple disc live set with material from 1973. At the time, Nektar was at its prime and they played their finest material at a live concert in Switzerland.
Although Nektar was a pioneering British progressive rock band, their sound was unique at the time. It was an enthralling mix of dreamy progressive psychedelia, jam rock and blues featuring innovative guitar and organ sounds.
Sounds Like Swiss includes two audio CDs and a DVD. The DVD contains a one-hour concert videotaped for Swiss TV’s Kaléidospop that is released for the first time since its original broadcast. The two CDs include the audio part of the TV show plus a complete show soundboard audio recording from the Pavilion des Sports in Lausanne performance in Switzerland in May 1973.
Nekyar’s bassist and cofounder Derek “Mo” Moore says: “I have known of its existence since we did this concert in 1973 and have never been able to find it. To have this unearthed after all these years is fantastic and takes me immediately back to that time. It was great to be allowed to contribute what was needed to bring this about. Roger Houdaille of ‘Think Like a Key’ did a great job in putting this together.”
The lineup includes Roye Albrighton on guitar and lead vocals; Derek “Mo” Moore on bass and vocals; Allan “Taff” Freeman on piano, organ and vocals; Ron Howden on drums and percussion; and Mick Brockett on special effects.
The physical set is stored in an attractive 4-panel digipak with stunning psychedelic artwork.