Space Shanty/Stranded/Mixed Up Man Of The Mountains/Driving To Amsterdam/Stargazers/Hollow Stone
Space Shanty was the sole album release from the progressive Canterbury scene band Khan. Formed by Steve Hillage and recruiting Dave Stewart, both of whom later found commercial fame elsewhere. It comprises some jazz-rock with space- rock plus some classical influences.
“This one and only release by short-living formation Khan featuring Steve Hillage and Dave Stewart was one of the most pleasant and sophisticated records in the Canterbury style. The six tracks offer a highly versatile and interesting style mix between jazz and hard progressive rock with some classical leanings and a very slight space touch mainly due to Hillage’s echoed guitar solos. There are plenty sudden rhythm breaks and frequent shifts from mellow to hard rocking sections. Dave Stewart presents some of his most energetic and powerful organ work.”
“This is a classic of its genre, they just nailed it here. It's rarely that moments in an album can send a shiver up your spine but this is one of them. It certainly has leanings towards the Canterbury sound and of course Hatfield and the North, but this blend with Steve Hillage works together wonderfully, and the album is ageless.”
“Khan's Space Shanty is one of the best records of the progressive movement. It combines the power of the upcoming hard-rock, the intelligence and melodic feel of progressive rock, the inventiveness of jazz-rock and the spacious feel of psychedelic/space rock. Even the vocals are pretty amazing. All compositions are group efforts in which each of the four musicians has their moment of brilliance. The instrumental parts of each composition are made up of original ideas and Steve Hillage's guitar would never sound so balanced again.”
“Most of the tracks feature a mix of meandering Canterbury instrumentals with heavier guitar led segments, while Hillage's playing style endows a space rock vibe that is lacking on most Canterbury scene releases. Relatively straightforward vocal melodies are present, although they rarely dominate the proceedings.”
“Before joining Gong, Steve Hillage gathered this ensemble to perform the music that had been fermenting within him while at college. This is some of his most progressive and complicated songwriting with elaborate time signatures and dense arrangements. The music has a thick texture of progressive improvisation and elaborate composition.”
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