The Band TOUCH - (from the Review by Christopher Evans/Allmusic) : " [Their] only album briefly enjoyed legendary status during its recording and again shortly after its release, but all too rapidly entered the realm of the well-kept secret. It may or may not be the very first progressive rock album, but what is indisputable is that few bands engineered a more satisfying collision of rock, jazz, psychedelia, and classical music during the genre's heyday. Much of the album's effectiveness stems from the soaring imagination of the band's leader, keyboard player, and principal composer, Don Gallucci, incredibly just 19 years old. Throughout, he plays only piano, clavinet, and what sounds like a cheesy old theater organ -- no Mellotron, no synths -- yet he does so with a virtuosity tempered by the kind of restraint that would become all too rare among bands like ELP, Yes, and other behemoths of the prog era."
(cleverly designed cover opened down the middle to a full fold-out. Rear image had these hands connected to the 5 band members tastefully unclothed, apparently flying!)
TOUCH released only one album in their very short career in the late 60's and changed my idea of music forever. Before anyone had heard of King Crimson, Yes or Genesis, this was the standard I had set for an original prog rock band. So shortly after meeting the members of Spott Farm I knew I'd entered into a group that had a chance of performing this music. I made a special trip to Collingwood (a long hitch-hike from Harrison) to "borrow" the only copy of this record I knew of - It was never available in any record stores I searched - and we set about learning note-for-note versions of 2 songs: "We Feel Fine" and "75" Which we used as a show stopping finale for the entire first incarnation of the band (with John Lowrie guitar)
This youtube link also has tracks from the legendary 'unreleased' 2nd Touch album.
The TOUCH album on Youtube
Its a fabulous trip for those who remember the psychedelic era or for anyone looking for something different than the music which is being offered today. A reminder that fame is no criterion for excellence
(cleverly designed cover opened down the middle to a full fold-out. Rear image had these hands connected to the 5 band members tastefully unclothed, apparently flying!)
TOUCH released only one album in their very short career in the late 60's and changed my idea of music forever. Before anyone had heard of King Crimson, Yes or Genesis, this was the standard I had set for an original prog rock band. So shortly after meeting the members of Spott Farm I knew I'd entered into a group that had a chance of performing this music. I made a special trip to Collingwood (a long hitch-hike from Harrison) to "borrow" the only copy of this record I knew of - It was never available in any record stores I searched - and we set about learning note-for-note versions of 2 songs: "We Feel Fine" and "75" Which we used as a show stopping finale for the entire first incarnation of the band (with John Lowrie guitar)
This youtube link also has tracks from the legendary 'unreleased' 2nd Touch album.
The TOUCH album on Youtube
Its a fabulous trip for those who remember the psychedelic era or for anyone looking for something different than the music which is being offered today. A reminder that fame is no criterion for excellence
