Jordan Oliver - Neptuned (Reissue) (1980/2007)

The New Ages is an american progressive band formed around the multi keyboardist Jordan Oliver, Known back then as Larry Oliver. The band release a single album in 1980 named Neptuned at Stone Mountain Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The album didn't get very much attention back then, is obvious, because release in that period, early '80's when prog music was in decline, this album gone almost unnoticed. Even is less known even today after the re issue on CD couple of years earlir, the album is very strong with some fantastic arrangements by Mr Oliver on keyboards. Helped by some good musicians Mac McNeilly - Drums and Percussion,Kevin Young - Violin and Vocals,Kent Feilds - Bass,Randy Shuford - Electric and Acoustic Guitarsand Mac McNeilly - Drums and Percussion,Paul Malaspina - Sax, Harmonica the album is pretty strong in compositions, two long traks, one of them, the title track an instrumental piece, of the highest calibre, great moments and intelligent songwritting, the rest are ok, nothing really impressive but good for sure with some super violin adden over keys and intristing drum chops. The album sounds more towards english school of prog from the '70's like ELP, Curved Air or UK, then an usual american prog band. So, if you discover this band, go and listen the album is pretty good and totally unknown in prog circles. 3.5 stars, thet means almost an excellent album, vie minor problems, mainly on vocal department, sometimes to dull and without any substance, but instrumental speaking is agreat prog music, just listen to the excellent title piece, instrumental Neptuned. Recommended.