"A Quest for Prog" is a series of 50
Progressive Rock reviews to be written over a year. The band selection is taken from the book in
the first post on this blog. And the
albums I am reviewing is based on the highest user ratings for each band on
Progarchives.com.
Happy The Man - Crafty Hands (1978)
Produced by Ken Scott
Stanley Whitaker – Guitars & Vocals
Frank Wyatt – Pianos, Harpsichord, Saxes & Flute
Kit Watkins – Pianos, Harpsichord, Moog, Clavinet &
Recorder
Rick Kennell – Bass
Ron Riddle – Drums & Percussion
Track listing:
Side One:
01. Service with a Smile (2:44)
02. Morning Sun (4:05)
03. Ibby It Is (7:50)
04. Steaming Pipes (5:30)
Side Two:
01. Wind Up Doll Day Wind (7:06)
02. Open Book (4:53)
03. I Forgot to Push It (3:08)
04. The Moon, I Sing (Nossuri) (6:16)
Released in 1978 “Crafty Hands” is the second album by American
band Happy The Man. The band formed in Harrisonburg,
Virginia in 1973 but it was early 1974 when the line-up completed. The bands early repertoire included Genesis,
King Crimson and Van Der Graaf Generator covers as the band wrote original
songs. The band rehearsed with Peter
Gabriel in 1976 with the possibility of backing him on solo material but even
though didn’t hire the band they were offered a record detail with Arista as a
result of it. The band released a self
titled album in 1977 before Crafty Hands was released in 1978 at which time
their contract with Arista was dissolved.
The band carried on but could not secure another record deal so
disbanded not long after.
The album begins with the upbeat “Service with a Smile”. This track has a really nice drum groove and
really great guitar playing. The track
has the feel of a film theme mixed with King Crimson. I really liked this tune and it's a great start to the album.
“Morning Sun” begins with a nice keyboard intro which
reminded me of stadium era Pink Floyd. The
Floyd feel continues when the verses arrive sound in particular like “Wish You
Were Here”. As the song continues it reminded
of Super Mario Sunshine and the music played at Delfino Plaza. The track is a little too much like wallpaper
for me though.
Next up is “Ibby It Is” which picks up the pace a
bit. Musically it sounds like the kind
of music guitar players like Joe Satriani or Steve Vai would shred over. The track has some nice keyboards but seems
to lack a pulse and I didn’t really connect with this tune.
Following on is “Steaming Pipes”, which is almost a
Progressive Oompah Band tune. The tune
is upbeat and has a nice groove to it.
Unfortunately the track doesn't really go anywhere and would have been
better served with a vocal melody over top.
Interesting playing but ultimately a fairly boring tune.
Side two begins with “Wind Up Doll Day Wind”. The backing track is quite playful and goes
from quite stark passages to being quite lush in other places. The vocals a bit much on this track but the
track would likely be worse for from not having them. The track reminded me of early Genesis. Again a bit long and the track doesn’t flow
that well so it is hard to keep interest over 7 minutes.
Next is “Open Book” and almost Ambient tune crossed
Midevil and Rock. The guitars and Flute
work really well together on this track.
Unlike other tunes this track you get a feeling from the music. Nice tune.
“I Forgot To Push It” is next and is quite an interesting
tune. A nice mix of guitars with what
sounds like a Saxophone. The playing
intricate and thankfully the track is short so it doesn't overstay it’s
welcome. Nice tune but slightly
frivolous.
The album ends with “The Moon, I Sing (Nossuri)”. This tune is quite atmospheric and has some
really nice guitar picking. The does
plod along and doesn’t seem to really have a path. Some nice playing but it doesn’t really go anywhere.
There are parts of this album that I really liked but it
suffer greatly by songs being extended to far.
The song for the most part lack direction but there are certainly a few
track to take away from this album like “Service with a Smile” and “Open Book”.
3/10
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