Release Date: 29/10/2012
FIRST EVER UK RELEASE OF REMASTERED EDITION OF THE CLASSIC 1978 ALBUM BY US PROGRESSIVE ROCK LEGENDS HAPPY THE MAN · BOOKLET WITH FULLY RESTORED ARTWORK & NEW ESSAY Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the first ever UK release of the classic 1978 album by American Progressive Rock group HAPPY THE MAN. Formed in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 1973, the band was influenced by British progressive groups such as Genesis and King Crimson. By 1976 they came to the ear of PETER GABRIEL who considered utilising the band on his first solo album. Although this failed to materialise, the band came to the attention of Arista Records, securing a deal the same year. With a line-up of STANLEY WHITAKER (Guitars, Vocals), KIT WATKINS (Keyboards), FRANK WYATT (Sax, Flute, Keyboards), RICK KENNELL (Bass) and MIKE BECK (Drums), the band recorded their first album under the production supervision of KEN SCOTT (who had worked with Supertramp and David Bowie). Greeted with excellent reviews, the band recorded their second album for Arista in 1978, produced once more by KEN SCOTT, and featuring RON RIDDLE on Drums. Arguably their finest hour, the album featured only one vocal track and ranks as one of the most important in US Progressive Rock history. This Esoteric Recordings reissue has been newly remastered and features a booklet that fully restores all original album artwork with a new essay.
1. SERVICE WITH A SMILE 2. MORNING SUN 3. IBBY IT IS 4. STEAMING PIPES 5. WIND UP DOLL DAY WIND 6. OPEN BOOK 7. I FORGOT TO PUSH IT 8. THE MOON I SING (NOSURRI)