Great Bear — Great Bear 1971 (USA, Psychedelic-Progressive Rock)

Great Bear — Great Bear 1971 (USA, Psychedelic-Progressive Rock)


The only album by this band from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania—a group previously known as "Whazoos." The band’s primary songwriter was keyboardist/vocalist Michael Bobak.GREAT BEAR is not strictly speaking a progressive rock band, but a formation of heavy psychedelic pop that to expand its areas of influence tapped the edge of progressive as many American groups at the time: SPIRIT, NAZZ, VANILLA FUDGE ...Progressive rock is to England what psychedelic rock is America. But we must still remember that the progressive movement has its origins in psychedelic music...

Obscure group, GREAT BEAR recorded this single eponymous album in total anonymity in New York on behalf of Scepter Records. Consists of twelve songs, this disc contains three times, including "Almost Grown" by Chuck Berry. The other pieces are to be credited with organist Michael BOBAK.

Despite an average of three minutes per title, the songs are trying to break the structures of rock with an excellent use of the song, which varies between soul and melancholy, and a good use of the guitar but also and especially moog synth organ especially in "Summation" where it in a wonderful final, attempts a beautiful flight. Far from being revolutionary, yet a balance seems to impose a security to another for a smooth tuned. In short, a nice and catchy hard for progressive rock fans who want to take an interest in psychedelic rock. Become a vinyl ultra rare side so well, we can only regret the absence of an official CD reissue.

Tracks:

01. I Took It Too Long — 0:00

02. Headin’ Closer To Home — 3:42

03. All Of Her Best — 7:32

04. Poor Rich Man — 10:43

05. I’m Gonna Build A Mountain — 13:21

06. Hand Me To The Lord — 16:03

07. Almost Grown — 22:30

08. Cinderella — 26:03

09. The Last Page Came Too Soon — 28:43

10. Going Away — 32:05

11. The Singer Left Before His Song — 34:49

12. Summation — 39:38


Personnel:

John Gonska — guitar
Bob Gryziec — bass
Michael Bobak — keyboards, lead vocals
Paul Metzger — drums, timpani, percussion, lead vocals (09)
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Norman Letinski, The Chimes — backing vocals
Michael Wright — producer, engineer

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