A compilation of accessible English progressive rock 'singles' for those new to the music of Rory Ridley-Duff (of Protos).

12 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Progressive Rock, ROCK: Classic Rock



Details:
This album contains a carefully selected set of tracks that reveals each aspect of Rory Ridley-Duff as a musician, from his days as a composer/keyboard player in the band Protos, to maturity as a solo artist producing art rock and classical music.

The album opens with a symphonic prelude ("Space") before launching into an upbeat jazz/rock number ("Passing Decades"). The third track is based on film music that depicts a night time scene in London. The first piano offering ("Renaissance") is a bright up-tempo celebration of Rory's first meeting with his future wife, Caroline. This is followed by a virtuoso duet ("Suite") for jazz percussionist Martin Pyne (now of Dangerous Kitchen), and classical pianist Sarah Walker (former "Young Musician of the Year" presenter for the BBC).

The second half of the album features Rory's composing/keyboard playing for Protos. Marquee Magazine (Japan, 1991) concluded that Protos were "the best progressive rock group...since 1977)". On this album, we scale the heights of melodic prog rock ("The Fugitive"), tongue-in-cheek instrumental rock ("The Flea") and strong keyboard leads that offset Steve Anscombe's delicate guitar playing ("Thing of Beauty").

The album concludes with some live music. First, Rory pounds out a "spaced out Irish Jig" (Lord Chumley) called "Protos". Then we are treated to two crowd pleasers ("A Bit Blue" and "Hunting Extremely Large Animals") that exemplify the musicianship and vituosity of all the band's artists.

The closing track echoes the opening: a further dose of "Space", this time beefed up with rock drumming and full orchestra - a symphonic rock classic for the twenty-first century.