by Brian Andrew Marek #5

I don't know a lot about Jade Warrior except that they purportedly later went on to be very mellow and new-agey, and that an earlier version of the band had released an excellent psych-pop album under the band name of July.

"July" 1968























What I find interesting about their debut album under their better known handle is the fact that despite the lack of a regular kit drummer and the sparse, mostly acoustic instrumentation, it isn't really mellow. There's something about the arrangement and production on this album that makes every musical occurence a recognizable event. Conga drums leap from the speakers to startle you while surprisingly extreme guitar tones (distorted thru the mixing board a la the single version of the Beatles' "Revolution") make brief but memorable appearances, and the stereo image is wide and playful. All in all, a tickle to the ears.

Overall, it kinda brings to mind Tyrannosaurus Rex's "A Beard of Stars" except that there's a flute and the rhythm guitars are jazzier (both in tone and phrasing). Probably a lot more improvisation, as well. When they get bluesy, it suggests "1000 Layers"-era Incredible String Band's treatment of such material. The Asian themes of the cover are integrated into the music in a subtle and tasteful way.

Songwise, there's musically ambitious suites like "Masai Morning" and "Dragonfly Day" alternating with quirky pop like "A Prenormal Day at Brighton" and "Psychiatric Sergeant" and more blissful (but not blissed out) trips like "The Traveller" and "Windweaver". But honestly, this isn't the kind of album that makes you focus on specific tunes; the best way to experience "Jade Warrior" is to slap it on and enjoy the ride.

"Jade Warrior" 1971


/