HAPPY THE MAN - Crafty Hands [full album]

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
  • Artist: Happy The Man
    Album: "Crafty Hands" 1978
    Genre: Eclectic Progressive Rock
    Label: Arista
    Country: US
    1. Service With A Smile (0:00)
    2. Morning Sun (2:38)
    3. Ibby It Is (6:40)
    4. Steaming Pipes (14:27)
    5. Wind Up Doll Day Wind (19:44)
    6. Open Book (27:00)
    7. I Forgot To Push It (31:51)
    8. The Moon, I Sing (Nossuri) (34:55)
    Stanley Whitaker - 6 and 12 string guitars, vocals
    Frank Wyatt - piano, harpsichord, saxophone, flute, voice
    Kit Watkins - piano, harpsichord, Moog, fake strings, clavinet
    Rick Kennell - bass
    Ron Riddle - drums, percussion
    Album available directly from:
    www.musearecords.com/boutique/...
    or
    www.amazon.com/Crafty-Hands-Ha...
    www.happytheman.com/
    www.myspace.com/happythemanmys...
    / 235802999767422
  • เพลง

ความคิดเห็น • 545

  • @ganazby
    @ganazby ปีที่แล้ว +60

    This is a sensational piece of art, expertly composed and brilliantly played by master musicians. It has a haunting quality that’s hard to shake.

    • @kisawisa1769
      @kisawisa1769 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Haunting is one of the best ways to describe their music, it is weirdly chilling in a way.

    • @bonneman66
      @bonneman66 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Pleasantly unfamiliar chord progressions...lyrical melodic phrasing

  • @paulborkman2520
    @paulborkman2520 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Long live Happy The Man. What an amazing band. Saw them in 79 at the Cellar Door in Georgetown. Best show I've ever seen. I was 15 years old. That show opened the world of music to me. Amazing.

  • @kentchopper
    @kentchopper 11 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    I might add that Ken Scott, engineer for the Beatles' White Album, Supertramp's Crime of the Century album, did this as well. Thanks for the upload. Very appreciated.

    • @mhiraldo
      @mhiraldo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      And Dixie Dreg's What If (my favorite from them, and their most 'progressive')

    • @TMANSTRANGE171986
      @TMANSTRANGE171986 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeh this is beautiful 🙏

    • @WocklessGamingforAnimeMoms
      @WocklessGamingforAnimeMoms 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Beatles if they were good.

    • @urniurl
      @urniurl 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Pawn Hearts by vdgg also.

    • @dhalgrentv7157
      @dhalgrentv7157 26 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      He also worked on the first Jan Hammer/JH Group releases AND produced some classic glam-era Bowie albums. Ken Scott is in a league by himself!

  • @Four4For4
    @Four4For4 5 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Kit Watkins an underappreciated musical genius

    • @lashedbutnotleashed1984
      @lashedbutnotleashed1984 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Good keyboardist, but hardly a musical genius. His compositions are somewhat scarce in the recorded music world. When he was with Camel, he didn't even write a single song.

    • @ze1054
      @ze1054 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@lashedbutnotleashed1984 Plus forgot to mention Docks from Camel Nude which is basically Mount St Helens by Kit. Andy Lats and Kit Co wrote Docks..

    • @davidadams2478
      @davidadams2478 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Kit is an amazing musician and composer..I only met him once or twice but I just knew he had it..but what I could really tell about him..that he was a fine person..pure..

    • @lmp9726
      @lmp9726 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I think you meant not a compositional genius. I would counter that he is a keyboard genius despite perhaps not having compositional chops.@@lashedbutnotleashed1984

    • @kenren110
      @kenren110 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ...and...?
      All were very talented (and getting better) but here's one thing that Kit Watkins nailed (along with others): Synth tones that still sound good and timeless. There were some truly annoying synth flavors by fine prog players in the day (not naming anyone....)

  • @donaldmoore4412
    @donaldmoore4412 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    My first time listening to this band. This is a gem.

    • @ronniewall1481
      @ronniewall1481 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      LOOK ON MY PLAYLIST I HAVE TONS OF LESSOR KNOWN GROUPS.
      TRY DICE THE FOUR HORSEMEN.

    • @donaldmoore4412
      @donaldmoore4412 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Will do!!! Thank you

    • @BucketHeadianHagg
      @BucketHeadianHagg ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My first time right now..
      Happy 2023 from Las Vegas

    • @BucketHeadianHagg
      @BucketHeadianHagg ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ronniewall1481 I will do that! Thank you

    • @BucketHeadianHagg
      @BucketHeadianHagg ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ronniewall1481 I subbed your channel. Thank you so much!

  • @aarontussing608
    @aarontussing608 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    One of my favorites! Ibby it is is a masterpiece!

  • @Percopius
    @Percopius ปีที่แล้ว +25

    So happy people are discovering this band, one I have been listening to since they released their first album. They are sublime, iconic, unforgettable.

    • @ConfiteorUnumBaptisma
      @ConfiteorUnumBaptisma หลายเดือนก่อน

      I discovered it this year, thank to The Prog Corner.

  • @AllMediaReviewsPodcast
    @AllMediaReviewsPodcast ปีที่แล้ว +2

    RIP Frank Wyatt :(..never forget 22+ years ago at Nearfest 2000.

  • @alancarriaga3739
    @alancarriaga3739 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The Keyboardist of "The Cars" wrote "Service with a Smile" . .too cool

  • @nicklauria
    @nicklauria 5 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    This album has haunted me for 30 years.

    • @Idyllvice
      @Idyllvice 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      well said: EXACTLY

    • @paulborkman9617
      @paulborkman9617 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Me to. My first concert. I was 15 years old when my older brother got me into the Cellar Door in Georgetown to turn me on to awesome music. Best night ever. Still listening to this day. Long live Happy The Man. Amazing.

  • @mensamoo
    @mensamoo 10 ปีที่แล้ว +161

    Just discovered them... it only took 38 years. Excellent album

    • @geeman1293
      @geeman1293 9 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Me too! Ah, the lost art of composition...

    • @gaugehoughton2403
      @gaugehoughton2403 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It took me 14 years

    • @Ramblin-Man
      @Ramblin-Man 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Great stuff for a followup, but the eponymously titled 1977 album is even better: th-cam.com/video/DuXFp5-qPcI/w-d-xo.html
      And there's more where that came from: murodoclassicrock4.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-man-discografia.html

    • @rtm6986
      @rtm6986 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yep, me too, only took 42 years... so glad I found this, what an amazing album!

    • @joanibacetarivas1638
      @joanibacetarivas1638 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Te entiendo .. Y gracias por subir este tan material

  • @eliottsantos2654
    @eliottsantos2654 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    What an absolutely brilliant piece of art.

  • @thomasknudsen6943
    @thomasknudsen6943 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Saw them live 40 years ago. Kit Watkins - phenomenal

    • @kuujjuaq58
      @kuujjuaq58 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Saw 'em at Towson University. Mid eighties i believe. With Coco Roussel.

    • @Ken-gk9mm
      @Ken-gk9mm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Saw them at the Cellar Door in Washington DC in 1978. They were absolutely wonderful.

    • @Darrylizer1
      @Darrylizer1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Saw them at Goucher College in I think '77, with original drummer Mike Beck, phenomenal, and much later at the State Theater in Falls Church without Kit Watkins. David Rosenthal was the keyboardist then.

    • @jamiepastman5594
      @jamiepastman5594 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      yes. legendary mini moog solos from Kit, they are stunning

    • @w.a.lively3117
      @w.a.lively3117 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Saw them 3 times around DC including with Renaissance at Warner Theater.
      Their live sound matched the studio versions which is my test of a great band.
      My 3 kids grew up listening to HTM, and they love it too.

  • @bogdanolariu5535
    @bogdanolariu5535 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Killer album, elegant arrangements and inventive playing, one of the best prog albums ever

  • @Ozziak
    @Ozziak หลายเดือนก่อน

    Świetna płyta ❤

  • @xedasxedas
    @xedasxedas 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That first song is iconic....one could build an entire movie around this album.

  • @Claytone-Records
    @Claytone-Records 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Wow, without ads. Novel idea. Beautiful music. Thanks.

  • @tomhoyle3660
    @tomhoyle3660 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    After Years if search for this album , in the beginning of the 90:s I found it in a second hand record shop in Stockholm. It cost 50 Swedish crowns ( 5 USD) Mint condition. It made my whole Year.
    I still keep it in a safe place.❤️
    It also became avaliable on CD which is my normal listening source nowadays.
    So glad You posted it here 🙂🥰
    Thanks!!

  • @kostkaguitar
    @kostkaguitar 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Listened to this for the first time today. This album instantly became one of the Best prog albums from this period of time for me, what a hidden gem ❤ love it!!!

  • @brentbuckley798
    @brentbuckley798 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Love this band. I was in a band called Surge that opened for them at Louies Rock City in northern Virginia back in the day.

  • @trishsitt
    @trishsitt ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Followed them like a puppy dog in College. The had a concert on campus as well, and then saw them later at the State Theater in Falls Church. I married a man 9 years younger than me. He did not share the same passion I did for this band...this brings back SO many memories. Love you Happy the Man!

  • @cattybound2011
    @cattybound2011 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I was playing "Service With A Smile" for my girlfriend back in 1992 and within 2 minutes she said that it made her think of the DNA double helix.
    Intelligent music WIN.
    On a side note, I have never heard a jam in 11/8 time have such a perfect swing to it!

  • @itkojecockot
    @itkojecockot 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    the production is so ahead of its time......

  • @JoelBryant1960
    @JoelBryant1960 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Good God, these guys are way beyond anything that has ever been done before.

  • @bagbyhallam8094
    @bagbyhallam8094 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Most incredible album I've ever heard. As a ROCK MUSICIAN I LIKE ALL KIND OF MUSIC. BUT THEY DAY MY GIRLFRIEND WALKED IN WITH THIS ALBUM I quit for a long long long while listening to KISS AND ACDC TYPE.MUSIC. AT NIGHT ID PUT A BLACK LIGHT ON AND JUST DANCE ALONE BY MYSELF TO THIS ALBUM AND SECOND ALBUM. 50 YEARS LATER AFTER HAVING ALBUM ON CD SO GLAD TO FIND ON TH-cam. GIRLFRIEND LONG GONE LIKE MY BANDS AND THINGS BUT my GOODNESS, IT TAKES ME BACK TO WEEK THIS ALBUM NEVER CAME OFF MY TURNTABLE

    • @siroswaldfortitude5346
      @siroswaldfortitude5346 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You have a cool Girlfriend...a girlfriend of mine introduced me to a group called 'Caravan'. So glad she did

  • @paulbattista6486
    @paulbattista6486 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    One of the greatest albums of all time by the greatest prog rock band of all time

    • @lashedbutnotleashed1984
      @lashedbutnotleashed1984 ปีที่แล้ว

      That would be King Crimson.

    • @mo000on
      @mo000on ปีที่แล้ว +2

      oof that's a bold statement but the comments section of a Happy the Man TH-cam album is probably the safest place to make it.

    • @siroswaldfortitude5346
      @siroswaldfortitude5346 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@lashedbutnotleashed1984 Or 'Yes' ? lol

    • @lashedbutnotleashed1984
      @lashedbutnotleashed1984 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@siroswaldfortitude5346 I would put Yes behind ELP, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, PFM, and Genesis.

    • @siroswaldfortitude5346
      @siroswaldfortitude5346 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@lashedbutnotleashed1984 Ha, I knew someone would post something along those lines..its all a matter of taste...the BIG question is..Can we class Pink Floyd as Prog?

  • @fredywnavas
    @fredywnavas 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    As representative of Microsoft Support, I spoke with one of the members of this band, it was awesome, he told me about it, and I just found it.

  • @gregorallnight371
    @gregorallnight371 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great group of creative artists...excellent musicians,writers,craftsmen and performers..wow!!

  • @uckbee
    @uckbee 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Can remember Greg Stone playing "Steaming Pipes" on his Sunday evenings *Stone Trek* show on KOME FM in San Jose, CA, in the late '70s through the '80s. Those were the days: the finest of prog served up on a silver platter every Sunday eve by the coolest American DJ.

    • @carlsalazar4490
      @carlsalazar4490 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I remember that show. That was the highlight of my Sunday’s. I wish shows like that still existed.

  • @MrAlebarjr
    @MrAlebarjr 9 ปีที่แล้ว +77

    I discovered this band back in the late 70s when I met original drummer Mike Beck who was playing some incredibly nuanced drums for a lounge act in Hilton Head Island (the act included a tall and gorgeous blonde named Iris playing fretless bass; it was she who first caught my eye, before my ears had processed the band's sound). I befriended the band in my week there, and ended up driving back north with them, with different members taking turns riding in my car with me. Mike told me all about HtM and when I got home, I picked up their vinyl, and that was it. Big fan ever since!

    • @machiavellianos
      @machiavellianos 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Alex Barry Probably you were tripping. There has been no female band member.

    • @MrAlebarjr
      @MrAlebarjr 8 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Actually, J King, you're the one tripping. Read my comment again. I referred to the lounge band Mike played with, not HtM.

    • @catkeys6911
      @catkeys6911 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      +Alex Barry Great story, man. I would have loved to have met them personally to tell them how much their music was appreciated. It was, sadly, ahead of its time. It also had the unfortunate situation of being its own genre. Not Rock, not jazz, not disco (now fortunately a dead genre), not classical. It was Happy The Man music. Before the internet, if you couldn't fit neatly into one of the those categories, you wouldn't sell. Very sad, but the material that they did provide can live on forever.

    • @rosskstar
      @rosskstar 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You need to get your money back from that speed reading course.

    • @jimwalker4673
      @jimwalker4673 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      It was simply progressive rock or PROG as they say nowadays. There were many bands that made money from PROG back then. Am I being a badger? Well, like many proggy bands in the US, managers here didn't know how to book them. HTM did some horrible openers and eventually got sacked for some other wild reasons.

  • @markobarrows
    @markobarrows 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This record has something magical. Not just another "fusion" trope...this is a classic record with some of Watkins best playing.

  • @septoberenergy6542
    @septoberenergy6542 5 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    Probably the best American prog album ever.

    • @gianbuzetti3701
      @gianbuzetti3701 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Americano?? en sudamérica tambien hay disos prog... deberias revisarlos. Un saludo

    • @mikereiss4216
      @mikereiss4216 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      It's one of them. I would say the light by Spock's Beard and Leftoverture by Kansas are up there too.

    • @joesantianna121
      @joesantianna121 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      and yezda urfa sacred baboon, love that one too.

    • @davidryan7386
      @davidryan7386 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      beat me to it. ditto.

    • @leoderecho8648
      @leoderecho8648 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@gianbuzetti3701 American lamentablemente es como se les dice,no existe estado unidense en ingles es american por lo que su comentario esta bien.

  • @xsamitt
    @xsamitt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I feel so many things hearing this album.........I feel alive! I feel inquisitive! I feel Wonderment! I FEEL New!

  • @ckmiller81
    @ckmiller81 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "Service With A Smile," cut one, was the opener for every soccer game I announced at our local high school for about 4 years! Short, powerful and only about 2 and half minutes!

    • @lmp9726
      @lmp9726 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It has an explosive quality when the sky rocket burst start after the first four measures.

  • @beammeupscotty1955
    @beammeupscotty1955 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I thought I had heard every prog band from this Era but clearly I was wrong. Really stunning work.

    • @RonaldWall-yw3hx
      @RonaldWall-yw3hx 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I probably could show you a lot of lessor known groups

  • @Alcar1612
    @Alcar1612 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    L'intro de "Service with a smile" était le générique d'une émission de radio de musique in the eighties et j'adorais ce truc. Tujours aussi bon aujourd'hui.

  • @tangentfish
    @tangentfish 10 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    I absolutely adore this album, but I wanted to mention what a fantastic job you did on the video - Track titles all displayed with modifications of the original album art. Really great job, well done.

    • @xsamitt
      @xsamitt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I second that .....thank you!

    • @cattybound2011
      @cattybound2011 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      YES!! And after that, yes again.

  • @barbararichman5887
    @barbararichman5887 9 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Great Band! Remember them from growing up in Northern Virginia.

    • @davidryan7386
      @davidryan7386 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      same. got to meet coco when he came to some mates band to hear a student who drummed for 'em.
      what a thing they were and are.
      i recall hearing kit's sad spring 1980 as I heard they had broken up.
      that song still puts northern virgina fall/winter into a musical bottle for me.

  • @RICHGREENNOW
    @RICHGREENNOW 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    John, they were. I was very involved with them, Kit Watkins the keyboardist was my keys teacher and many times I helped them out into their clapped out cars in the freezing cold just because they were in my heart and felt that they got screwed by Arista records. That was when the punk era was making waves, money, and me throw up. Anyone that wants to be blown away by talent not known by man. Listen here....

  • @StanRichard
    @StanRichard 10 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    bought this when it came out in '78 and loved it ever since, one of my top 10 of all time.

    • @61guitbox
      @61guitbox 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Stan Richard same here ! discovered Crafty Hands then discovered the first album self titled Happy the Man ... back in 78' I had started hanging out with a drummer from my home town ...he introduced me to this whole new genre of music I had no idea existed ...at the time I was into classic rock which I loved and still do but I started listening to groups like HTM and it changed me literally ! from that point I totally immersed myself into Jazz fusion , prog and modern jazz ...I probably would've discovered these genres eventually but I'm so glad that my bud got me into this music when it was just coming and still very fresh !!

    • @edwardgivenscomposer
      @edwardgivenscomposer 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      me too. on vinyl on the cut-out bin. I miss album covers.

  • @ozriccc2448
    @ozriccc2448 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

    "steaming pipes" blows my mind, seriously

  • @geeman1293
    @geeman1293 9 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Wish I could "thumbs-up" a million times! Sublime album! Created in a relatively brief era when compositional deftness ruled.

    • @mo000on
      @mo000on ปีที่แล้ว

      You can - just make a million youtube/google accounts. This post is 8 years old and the video only has 5k likes. Your commitment is underwhelming.

  • @sk8joey1
    @sk8joey1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I saw them at Goucher college in Maryland in 1978.Best live act i ever have seen.Have the ticket stubs to all the concerts i have seen just to prove that i was at them

  • @seanarthurjoyce7366
    @seanarthurjoyce7366 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Superb album. Can't believe I'd never heard of it before in 45 years of listening to music.

  • @davidryan7386
    @davidryan7386 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    the peak of american prog - this album

  • @seanschmidt8408
    @seanschmidt8408 10 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I have a ton of great prog albums in my collection, but this one is Top 5 of all time. Will always remember the Kit and Coco show at the Cellar Door back in 1980 where Kit played pretty much of his first album and the rest HTM..

  • @jennifergonzalez6696
    @jennifergonzalez6696 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm never going to get tired of this.

  • @leesystems
    @leesystems 10 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    I was introduced to Rick in August 1978 by another student bassist. I ended up taking bass lessons from Rick until I left for college in August 1979. At first I did not understand the music. But soon it became my favorite music. I wore out several tracks of the first album, such as Carousel. Several of these tunes were actually written when they were in college because I have one tape of them in college from 1975 playing knee bitten nymphs in limbo. So, to compare them to Pink Floyd or others is not an accurate comparison. They were forging their own path that was years ahead of the music market. So after this album, which went over budget at around $80,000 and didn't sell well Arista Records dropped them. They were actually more popular in Europe at the time, but, didn't get the support from Arista to travel there to tour and sell albums. Personally, I really enjoyed the bass lessons that Rick gave me. And, once in awhile I got to play his #7 Paul Reed Smith Bass. It was the seventh hand made instrument that Paul Reed Smith made for anyone. Later on he also obtained #11. It was a dream to play #7 because the neck was totally effortless to fit my short fingers around. At the time they lived in a house in Reston Virginia and the basement was the band's practice room. All of what you see on stage was stuffed into this basement.

    • @Four4For4
      @Four4For4 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      love the musical history you shared, thanks

    • @williamgavalier1960
      @williamgavalier1960 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rick K is from Fort Wayne, Indiana. I sold him my 67 EBO in 1969. He still has it. Great guy. Great band

    • @Freeway_Rollercoaster
      @Freeway_Rollercoaster ปีที่แล้ว +1

      People compared them to Pink Floyd? Lol … no way, they had a unique sound. If anything dashes of Genesis, Yes and Return To Forever

    • @Brad-mx9uy
      @Brad-mx9uy ปีที่แล้ว

      very cool info! I heard Happy Dah Man on WHFS when they ere in Bethesda Maryland

  • @hatchetinhead
    @hatchetinhead ปีที่แล้ว +1

    R.I.P. Frank Wyatt

  • @ElectricGypsy
    @ElectricGypsy 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Pure magic... Morning sun ❤️☺️

  • @junkiecosmonaut5050
    @junkiecosmonaut5050 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Crafty Hands, in my opinion was their finest work!

    • @roberts6099
      @roberts6099 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Check out Happy the Man 3rd "Better Late..."

    • @cattybound2011
      @cattybound2011 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I absolutely agree with you

  • @martialbessou6743
    @martialbessou6743 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Absolument sublime

  • @Crafty_Spirit
    @Crafty_Spirit 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The cover really fits the music 🎧

  • @designerhell
    @designerhell 9 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Big Prog head the time this was issued. Worked in retail records and tapes and didnt hear this. So much Prog was swept under the rug during this time. This album, i like.

  • @lakito90214
    @lakito90214 ปีที่แล้ว

    Happy the man's first album was the only thing that the Angels would listen to . God bless Happy The Man. 😊

  • @worldcitizengrendel
    @worldcitizengrendel 7 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Impressive though such underrated band (Peter Gabriel´s favourite).

  • @StephanieSante
    @StephanieSante 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One of my favorite Progressive Rock albums of all time. Fantastic in every sense.

    • @61guitbox
      @61guitbox 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Stephanie Sante totally agree !! so many a nights spent chillin with this album back in the 70’s/80’s along with all the fine Columbian that was flowing around the area at the time ✌🏻🇨🇦☮️

  • @myoig8957
    @myoig8957 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mr Kit Watkins....
    Labyrinth album is gonna enchanted you guys

  • @runkrunkus2315
    @runkrunkus2315 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This music is beyond most people. Even accomplished musicians. Melodies and harmonies and key changes, chord changes, rhythm changes and playful antics only heard in the heavenly realm. For advanced music lovers only. Kit and Stanley channeling God, is the closest I can come to describing it's glory.

  • @jamiepastman5594
    @jamiepastman5594 8 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    kit watkins, the great mini moog soloist of the 70's after Jan Hammer

    • @jerryvivanco4352
      @jerryvivanco4352 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good call!

    • @franciscofernandez4159
      @franciscofernandez4159 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Sorry, but I prefer the sound and the elegance of Kit and his compositions way.

    • @snuppssynthchannel
      @snuppssynthchannel 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@franciscofernandez4159 Kit has referenced Hammer as an influence alongside Norwegian fusion guitarist Terje Rypdal.

    • @jitkafarina3841
      @jitkafarina3841 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'd rank Jamie Pastman from the band Apprentice right up there on the top of that list also.

  • @andrewg.1377
    @andrewg.1377 9 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Very interesting sound and great guitar work. Can't believe I just discovered this.

  • @katemurphy1915
    @katemurphy1915 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Perfect music for learning about space exploration!!!.

  • @The4thDensity
    @The4thDensity 9 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Oh My God.
    I'm only now discovering this band. I've missed out on years of unimaginable musical bliss.
    Thank you so much 'Prog Line' for this upload.
    HAPPY THE MAN are my new favourite band.
    I feel like crying.

    • @snuppssynthchannel
      @snuppssynthchannel 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      now go buy the album! ;)

    • @The4thDensity
      @The4thDensity 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      1st two album's already bought.
      cheers.

    • @snuppssynthchannel
      @snuppssynthchannel 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The4thDensity Thats nice to hear ;)

    • @progfellow
      @progfellow 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The4thDensity That's awesome and exactly how I felt when I discovered them.

    • @alexrinaldi3257
      @alexrinaldi3257 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The4thDensity i completely understand i felt the same way when i started listening to the moody blues and saga very different bands by the way

  • @pillettadoinswartsh4974
    @pillettadoinswartsh4974 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Always fun to find a way to make 11/8 sound natural.

  • @patriciodiazruiz2485
    @patriciodiazruiz2485 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Maravilloso trabajo de mi adolescencia en mi biblioteca del rock saludos de stgo Chile

  • @parasitesundinism
    @parasitesundinism 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I hung out with original synthesizer player in the 1980s iin my home near nevada, nebraska. i probably was tripping but we played a old timey spaced out ting with bag pipes and whatever else
    went to mcdonalds wit him one time after it and then....? never saw him again but i always remember this album like i did
    ah the old days.... it takes me back to hear this gem of progressivo italiano etc...
    thanks

  • @ProgLine
    @ProgLine  9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

  • @robinscouse4840
    @robinscouse4840 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great music, appreciated and pleased I have found this band I never knew about.

    • @minochervania2179
      @minochervania2179 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Came from living in Europe in 1975. This band from Harrisonburg, VA had a small devout following in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

  • @rickmartin5132
    @rickmartin5132 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    What!...another brilliant masterpiece! Inspired music, thanks Prog Line.

  • @AGSBraintoast
    @AGSBraintoast 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Legendary

  • @andrewpearce4588
    @andrewpearce4588 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Service with a smile and Open Book are my favs.. I had an experience with Open Book on LSD that is indescribable

  • @orestohluk154
    @orestohluk154 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    brilliant work !!! thanks , O

  • @donaldstrump911
    @donaldstrump911 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Cold trade in the laughter
    Cool Jade in the night
    We barter images on the matrix
    Fine strands of reality, dream and vision
    Wind up doll day begins
    Whirlwind display of whims
    Splashing across the street into the box
    My box, your box
    Dollhouse robbed of fantasy
    Stacks of office blocks waiting for the wind
    Blow me over into the starlight, wind
    Crash down these weights upon me
    Drive me across the world's scorching lies
    From someplace that I might see them
    To that place that I do
    Draw down the dollhouse blocks
    Into the whimsical streets
    Web of the real laid close beside dream
    Each the barter for the other
    Twisting together, like worms in their holes
    Quietly strangling the vision
    Wind up doll day traded
    For dream chants on whispering winds
    Wind up doll day begins
    Wind up doll day begins
    Wind up doll day begins
    Wind up doll day begins
    It seems to me there’s cold trade in all the laughter
    There’s the cool gleaming Jade
    Greed in our minds

  • @xpump876
    @xpump876 10 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    i used to catch every show at the Cellar door when I lived in the DC area in the late 70's - Service with a Smile is hands down #1 in my top 10 favorite music of all time as well as Crafty Hands one of my fav albums - this music is great and overlooked.

  • @danielknight7831
    @danielknight7831 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I used to listen to this back in the 70's and thought it was great then and I just rediscovered it and wow it still great music , it sounds to me like a little of Pink Floyd, and Genesis,

  • @michaelqualkenbush1391
    @michaelqualkenbush1391 9 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Service With A Smile has to be one of the greatest opening tracks of any album out there. Oblivion Sun has a great opener in "Fanfare" in 2007 and "Deckard" off of The High Places album.

    • @djgamecock8516
      @djgamecock8516 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I totally agree with (and LOVED reading) your first sentence! I actually opened my professional radio career with that tune here in Charleston, SC at 95-SX (100,000 Watt FM rock station WSSX-FM). This station once had a weekend special show called "Sittin' In" where each week they'd pick one lucky listener to play DJ and pick songs (on radio carts) of their choice for one hour. I had begged the Program Director to let me use vinyl tracks instead of just songs already on carts in the studio. I explained I had the perfect opening tune and would pre-plan my show to make sure it was the best one EVER! He balked at first, but then agreed to let me do it. To start my show, I introduced myself and just before playing "Service With A Smile" I announced "I'm going to give you an EARGASM!". LOL That opening HTM tune went into "Atomic Punk" off the first Van Halen album with its opening song lyric "Turn Your Radios On!". As a result, I got hired on the spot and was the last guy to ever do that show. I always wanted producer Ken Scott (& the band) to learn about my story and, hopefully, get a kick out of it.

  • @FlyingAce1016
    @FlyingAce1016 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This albums opening track rules.

  • @davidryan7386
    @davidryan7386 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was lucky enough to grow up in th eprog ghetto that was 7o's/8o's northern virgina.
    these folks were the kings of rivendell valley elven guild.
    still are.

  • @pasthomas
    @pasthomas 10 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    one of the best unknown prog bands in history along with yezda urfa, both american of course!

    • @andxmenx
      @andxmenx 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have been listening to yezda urfa ... Thanks !!!

    • @originaluddite
      @originaluddite 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was surprised to read they were American, assuming most of such music was British. This has a feel all its own, warmer and more cinematic than a lot of other progressive albums.

    • @Claytone-Records
      @Claytone-Records 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      originaluddite, See Starcastle.

    • @Darrylizer1
      @Darrylizer1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Never heard of Yezda Urfa, I'll check them out.

  • @ivantorres7661
    @ivantorres7661 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for sharing this great music

  • @trevwignallmusic
    @trevwignallmusic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    SO beautiful. Stunning.

  • @oscargerardogalindomarquez5615
    @oscargerardogalindomarquez5615 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Exquisita banda. Les agradezco me envíen estás goyas musicales. Les saludo desde México.

  • @geeman1293
    @geeman1293 9 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    I was turned on to HtM 4 months ago, and all I'm listening to is this and their self-titled (1st?) album. I'm sure someone mentioned the band back in '77, when I was 20, but there was so much amazing prog/fusion going on that one could afford to be picky. Seems like the rest of my life is spent mining for the gems I missed, and HtM is a MASSIVE DIAMOND. I'm pretty sure the band's name put me off; it sounded trite, and the weak album art belied the magnitude of the music (hate to say this, but a book IS judged by its cover-especially when stacked next to Yes' covers). Not only do they have musicianship chops, but serious compositional chops. They compete with and, in ways, surpass some of the prog bands I've held so highly all these years; such a revelation! While it's a travesty to discover them almost 40 years later, it's a delight for this jaded, cynical music snob!

    • @fargonetravels
      @fargonetravels 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Their third (unreleased until 1983, in a very small indie printing; then again in about 1999), titled: _3rd: Better late..._ is much better than their first LP. The debut--and this, from a serious HTM fanatic--upon relistening two nights ago, has quite a few duds. Sorry guys! The highlights are: "Stumpy Meets the Firecracker in Stencil Forest"; "New York Dream's Suite" (tho I'll say now that the last 1:00 is a letdown); "Carousel" and "Hidden Moods"[.]
      _3rd: Better late..._ has no clunkers; "The Falcon" is a bit lite...but I can bear it. (There are two tunes included in the most-recent release, which were not included on the original...been awhile since I listened to the re-release, so there might be a dud amongst those two, but cannot say fer cher). Seven songs that are intriguing and/or kick ass. "While Crome Yellow Shine" and "Labyrinth" are both stone-masterpiece[s]; "At the Edge of This Thought"; "Run Into the Ground" and "Shadow Shaping" (w/ vocals by guitarist Stan Whitaker) are brilliant; "Footwork" is playful and sticks with y', in a fun way.
      Get their 3rd album. Any way you can.

    • @micanut48
      @micanut48 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      +Gee Man I just discovered them now. I feel just as guilty as most of those who missed them. Yes, you are correct in your assessment about the book cover. I think that for most of us, it was also our budget that limited us in our deeper exploration; we went after things we were somewhat sure of. I am actually fanatic about this genre and yet, this band I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF. What a shame (on me)!

    • @funeguy2
      @funeguy2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      me to I missed it somehow. I was in a record store today (buying a Todd Rundgren box set)HTM was playing Crafty Hands.So Refreshing. in a Progress calm way.I Could hear so many influences.just put it on and let it play .anyway best wishes audio friend.Nice! Todd Rundgren people Love AirPocket by Rodger Powel from UTOPIA.worth a listen. Jim audio-file Out...

    • @thomwilkins9097
      @thomwilkins9097 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      My son just turned me on to these guys and they are a Gem!

    • @iantravis6583
      @iantravis6583 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Naming your band after a much sought after recording by Genesis didi't sound trite to me, but apparently the name is a reference to Goethe's Faust, which makes it more high-brown than I would ever have guessed. Thanks to US Muse (whoever is hiding behind that nick) for the inside line.

  • @serferten
    @serferten 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Scratch the surface and look what you find, a near forgotten band from my hometown, like a number of others . . . so close to greatness, so rich, and

  • @richardhowes4831
    @richardhowes4831 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The keyboard solo at 12:56 is sublime. The run at 13:30!

  • @ReubenSound
    @ReubenSound 9 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Happy The Man have a really nice orchestral atmosphere to their compositions. I can hear a bit of them in echolyn, another great American prog band.

  • @blair750
    @blair750 10 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    One of my fav prog bands period. To me these guys are in no way a knock off Genesis alternative in any sense of the word. To my ear they have their own sound as a band. I hear Gentle Giant influences in regard to some of the meter changes and influences from prog of their time period. But they have their own sound. And I feel Kit Watkins is unique among keyboard players with an incredible sense for melody and phrasing that is truly his own. Really like their compositions.

    • @aweso100
      @aweso100 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Yeah it only resembles Genesis a bit because of some the synth sounds honestly, specifically Trick of the Tail and Wind and Wuthering. Otherwise, it's pretty unique (maybe a bit of Yes, Camel, and Gentle Giant influences). Much jazzier than those guys ever got.

    • @drwugong
      @drwugong 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      For me they're more Yes\GG and Gong than Genesis. The production is what makes this unique amongst the "never heard of these" bands - it is superb and up there with the best. Makes you realise that not only were the big bands writing great music but they were well produced. How these never really made it I don't know, mabe just didn't have time to build up a fanbase before prog was on the downward spiral in terms of popularity. Great album, a couple of top 50 all time prog songs on this one!

    • @bastidface
      @bastidface 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Aside from the name "Happy the Man," I hear very little if any resemblance to Genesis. Genesis was more straight forward (standard verse-chorus-bridge) rock fusion with occasional instrumental sections having complex time and key changes. Maybe there's some Genesis influence in the more pastoral sections. If anything, I hear more of a jazz-fusion Brand X influence. Oddly, the second track reminds me of an instrumental in the style of Tony Banks' first solo album "A Curious Feeling," which came after "Crafty Hands."

    • @microkorg1
      @microkorg1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      This album reminds me a bit of SBB, polish progrock /fusion band , albums - Ze Słowem Biegne do Ciebie '76 and Slovenian Girls '77, take a look!!! Great keyboards player - Jozef Skrzek!

    • @cesarincamendozaloyola4407
      @cesarincamendozaloyola4407 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Gentle Giant, the softer side of Canterbury and the most complex side of Camel with synth sounds related to Corea and Hammer's frameworks.

  • @massimomarchesin8708
    @massimomarchesin8708 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ci sento anche qualcosa di MAAVISHNU ORCHESTRA !!!!!!

  • @MC-jv6fs
    @MC-jv6fs ปีที่แล้ว

    Exzellent. Feine Mischung damaliger Avantgardestilrichtungen.Musik mit Liebe zum Detail gemacht.

  • @TheTayedrums
    @TheTayedrums 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    wtf man...this fucking band was great...great musicians,too!....Passport is another jazz fusion band as well...check them out

    • @minochervania2179
      @minochervania2179 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Like Passport, Tangerine Dream and Necktar.

    • @MrAlebarjr
      @MrAlebarjr 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      See if you can find the band Polyphony. Great fusion prog from '72 with some incredible musicians, including guitarist Glenn Palmer Howard.

  • @davidjbrown321
    @davidjbrown321 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I wore the needle out on my turntable with this record when it first came out...still holds up quite well...they set the bar high.

  • @danielottonico
    @danielottonico 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Arte excelente, una banda "prog" para recomendar. Aún hoy.....siempre.

  • @lesclaypool0727
    @lesclaypool0727 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Mourning sun is awesome!

  • @dogus.utoopia
    @dogus.utoopia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @alldorf
    @alldorf ปีที่แล้ว

    Music for the soul. Cathartic.

  • @JohnDavis-lb3js
    @JohnDavis-lb3js 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    In the day, I had soooooooo much respect for this group of players. Compositionally and from the POV of pure technique, I think Happy the Man may, tragically, be one the greatest progressive rock band ever and the most unknown. Aren't they from the DC area? DC has a reputation of producing pure musical diamonds and then hiding them, e.g. Danny G and Eva.

  • @adrianivan1131
    @adrianivan1131 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    First I thought it's a waltz-prog album. Beginning with two 3/3 pieces. Later new combined time signature came up. Good! 😃

  • @katemurphy1915
    @katemurphy1915 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I concur with the previous comment!!!.

  • @leonmatryovsk5637
    @leonmatryovsk5637 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love you

  • @relayerdan
    @relayerdan 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Amazing band I think Crafty Hands is their best !