Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Matrix - "Matrix IX" 1976

Matrix is a jazz fusion group that started in 1974. Their sound is noted for it's tight brass arrangements and very complex musical themes.  The closest mainstream group I would compare them to would be the early "Weather Report" recordings.  This album was a bit obscure even in it's day, and I dusted this original copy that I have had and gave it a listen. I was surprised by the dynamics and punch that these recordings could still deliver.  The titles and music on this LP are innovative and very engaging and have listed the full titles below.  My favorite is Track 1: "Earth And The Overlords"
BTW, they have a website where other works are available directly from Matrix this LP though is not available.
 Hope you enjoy this rare gem!

Track Listing
1.  Earth And The Overlords - Inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction novel Childhoods End
2.  Catalpa Complex
3.  Blue Snow
4.  Dark Riders - Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy Lord Of The Rings
5.  Clea - Inspired by Lawrence Durrell's literary creation Clea
6.  Geese
7.  The Last Generation -Also inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End


12 comments:

  1. I went to school with these guys at Lawrence University in the 70's. I have this on vinyl. Great record!

    Mike Sonnenfeld

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  2. I went to Lawrence after they'd started recording, and I met them after a gig in Appleton. All great guys and great musicians. "Clea" is one of my all-time favorite jazz tracks. I think they were ahead of their time with their combination of vocals, brass & literary allusions. Thanks for posting about them.

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  3. There's a story behind the lyrics for Catalpa Complex. John Harmon's son's name is Jason. The lyrics "sag a si nosaj" is "Jason is a gas" backwards.

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  4. Awesome i have been looking for this album for a long time now. Hey you would happen to by chance have their next album Wizard from 1978 would ya.

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  5. I saw these guys at the Reno Jazz Festival in 1976.
    I bought the album then and I still have it.

    I always thought the lyrics were,

    "Sta-sta-sta no starch, no starch, no starch.", like it was a song about laundry.

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  6. LINK PLEASE , THE OLD ONE IS BROKEN

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  7. Fresh Download Link:
    https://my.pcloud.com/publink/show?code=XZpkmy7ZcrSOmdbFYMhm7SEdvY8bwQCbTfmX
    PW=HammondB3

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  8. Another overlooked record by Matrix! How can I possibly thank you?

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