This highly regarded English progressive rock duo have put together another memorable contribution to the art-rock genre. The Noble Pauper's Grave is a concept album with a difference - ideal for dance, drama and theater groups.

13 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Progressive Rock, EASY LISTENING: Soft Rock

Details:
In 1982, Rory Ridley-Duff and Stephen Anscombe released one of progressive rockâs âhidden treasuresâ. Popularised by Japanese, UK and US record collectors in the early 1990s, demand grew until the album was released worldwide through CD Baby. 25 years on, Rory and Stephen have collaborated again in the studio. Aided by performance contributions from Iain Carnegie and Nigel Rippon (Protos members between 1982-1984), the result is unmistakably Protos, and another memorable contribution to the art-rock genre.

The Noble Pauper's Grave tells the story of a man born to privilege who rejects his upbringing. Drawn to the plight of the poor, he helps to organise and rally support for their cause whilst finding love amongst them. A tale of humility, tragedy, courage and affection set to high quality instrumental rock music.

The album opens with Born a Bit Blue, an upbeat blues number depicting the energy of youth. This is followed by Travels, a lilting melodic number in 5/4 time that portrays the noble sailing away to a new life. Next comes The Rally, one of two tracks that exceed 10-minutes in length. This powerful rock track intersperses a march with reflective and melancholic passages. The Final Dawn is a quiet tuneful reprise from danger, communicated through a subtle arrangement for guitar, saxophone, flute, acoustic bass, piano and strings. The fifth track, Outcry, has a dark and moody opening before breaking out into another powerful rock track. The central section depicts a dance that leads to an erotically charged love scene. A finale closes the track, capturing the noble's emotional turmoil as his lover departs. Aftermath, another upbeat rock number, captures the mood of the noble as he faces the retribution of his followers. Departures closes the album with a beautiful portrayal of the noble's funeral and eventual ascent into folk lore.

With 13 tracks (7 instrumental rock, 6 narrative) that join together seamlessly, this unusual concept album has the character of an art-rock ballet. It will appeal strongly to choreographers looking for new music to underpin dance, drama and theatrical productions. For further information, contact the band directly at www.newhorizonsmusic.co.uk.

The retail CD available from this page includes all music, narrative and story-related sound effects.

The digital release (see 'Albums You Will Love') allows you to download just the seven music tracks in an MP3 album.

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