Act One - BEGGARS OPERA***

Poet & Peasant/Passacaglia/Memory/Raymond’s Road/Light Cavalry

Act One was the appropriately titled debut album from the Glaswegian progressive rock band Beggars Opera. They specialised in introducing classical themes into their organ dominated sound.

“I admit their stuff is often bombastic and overdone, but what can I say? I love their style. I can listen to this one again and again. Long intricate compositions, heavy on texture and counterpoint. These guys sure knew how to jam.”

“Fairly impressive and unique prog with heavy organs and some occasionally pounding guitars. Most of the long jams are excellent and incorporate some classical pieces within the songs. Raymond's Road is probably the best track, but the opening two seven minute jams are also excellent.”

“The band succeeds in blending gothic hard rock with folk prog without over emphasising either.”

“Musically Act One seemed to me excessively repetitive – it’s almost like the running on the spot, it takes a lot of energy but goes nowhere. Songs sound almost too lilting for progressive rock.”

“This is the first album from Beggars Opera and in many ways carries on from The Nice in musical terms. The music is definitely progressive rock with heavy influences from classical music. If you like you music with pomp and circumstance aplomb you will love this album.”

“This is mostly instrumental music with some really skilful playing. The first side is powerful but the ultimate highlights can be found on the second side. Just awesome progressive jamming that is worth checking out.”

“Beggars Opera began their career as an excellent heavy organ/guitar prog band that used a lot of classical motifs. On Act One they serve up intense (mostly instrumental) over-the-top, vintage rock with frantic drumming, blistering guitar and powerful organ.”