Checkers' Rhapsody is Bandcamp Exclusive Digital Only Bonus Track
Checkers' Rhapsody was originally composed for a piano back in 1975-1976 when Ellsworth was 17/18 years old. It is Ellsworth's first composition to be over 11 minutes and was originally performed at his piano recitals back in 1976. Always hearing the composition "bigger" in his head will full orchestra, Ellsworth realized that potential orchestrating this new version (with orchestral sounds courtesy of Philharmonik Miroslav).
"Rhapsody" means "songs stitched together" which is appropriate for this composition, one of a series named after his childhood beagle. Various themes are stated and recapitulated over the course of the piece with the opening thematic statement recurring several times throughout. It mixes classical, pop and jazz elements with shifting key signatures and time signatures, a favorite approach of Ellsworth's to this day with his progressive rock compositions.
supported by 6 fans who also own “Checkers' Rhapsody (Digital Only Bonus Track )”
After purchasing two releases from Brazilian neo-prog band "Ars Pro Vita", which both reminded me quite a bit of ancient "Genesis" treasures, I was suffering from an acute obstinate GRMS (Genesis Retro-Mood Syndrome), in turn triggering memories of this EP, which was buried somewhere deep in my wishlist. Well, my opinion about this three-track release is somewhat split, to be honest: It starts splendid with the 15-minute title track, then becomes so-so with the second track titled "Believe In Somebody", but finally crashes violently on the hard ground of uninspired nothingness with "Janice". The title track, however, is a real killer and the sole reason why I bought this oddly heterogenous EP in the first place. "(Second) Home By The Sea"... er... nah, "...In Your Thoughts", of course, undoubtedly draws on "Genesis" heritage, but in a very charming way. While many 15-minute epics attempted by others run dry after half of the running time, this one takes an excellent instrumental turn after the incredibly catchy first half. That's how a long-track should sound like! Sven B. Schreiber (sbs)
supported by 5 fans who also own “Checkers' Rhapsody (Digital Only Bonus Track )”
This is one of the best interpretations I've heard of Genesis music, Pete would have made an excellent replacement vocalist for the band itself, he has a lovely feel for the songs, and a perfect voice for the material Colman Jones
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