Zakarrias - Zakarrias (1971) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

Excellent, ultra rare UK Deram psych / prog monster from 1971. One of the more interesting albums on the label with powerful distinctive male vocals, heavy guitar, bass, keyboards and string arrangements. Zakarrias has a rather enigmatic approach to rockin': he does it without the typical lead guitar breaks, or loud, crunchy electric rhythm guitar one would normally find on a rock LP of this era. Instead, his approach is all about the tension and release built by using his reedy vocals together with keyboards and guitar, and an excellent rhythm section. The electric guitar and Hammond organ are both used but are mixed in subtly. I describe these things because they constitute a novel approach to arranging a rock LP of this era.
The song writing style is bluesy yet also progressive and jazzy, since he incorporates many tempo changes within a given track. Furthermore, he also uses horns subtly with no blaring solos. His compositions don't burn, they smoulder. Zakarrias is a master of rhythm and mood on this his first and only LP. Highly recommended!
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Track listing:

01. Country Out of Reach
02. Who Gave You Love
03. Never Reachin’
04. The Unknown Years

05. Sunny Side
06. Spring of Fate
07. Let Us Change
08. Don’t Cry
09. Cosmic Bride

Personnel:

Zakarrias: Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Kazoo
Martin Harrison: Drums
Peter Robinson: Keyboards
Geoff Leigh: Sax and Flute
Don Gould: String arrangements
Piano on ‘Spring of Fate’
Produced by Roger Watson