In Blissful Company – QUINTESSENCE***

Giants/Manco Tapac/Body/Gange Mai-Chant/Pearl & Bird/Notting Hill Gate/Midnight Mode

In Blissful Company was the debut album from the British Eastern influenced psychedelic group Quintessence. Their music has been described as raga new age with a strong spiritual emphasis.

“This psychedelic hippie band from the UK is best known for their sound which was largely influenced by Indian music and culture. In Blissful Company was their first studio album and it's pretty much instrumental. Some of the songs have vocals too and the lyrics are very 'Hare Krishna' kind of material.”

“Quintessence never hit it big time in the UK or US markets. But I found their debut to be a sweet totality. I like the psychedelic raga rock sound of this hippie group really much. While it's not one of the biggest forgotten diamonds of the late 60s it's still an overlooked record. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna!”

“This sounds like it's obscure for a reason - namely that it's just not particularly good. The last two songs were enjoyable and an indication of the greatness to come, but elsewhere there are only average at best songs with irritating vocals.”

“Eastern flavoured prog rock, presented in a hippy commune style, and with mild psych influences. The music is primarily instrumental, though there are a few vocal passages here and there.”

“Quintessence offered a blend of Hare Krishna chant, droning sitar, jazz flute and some fine rock jamming. In Blissful Company was their first album and perhaps their best. The sense of a more innocent age and the smell of incense pervade the album.”

“Such beautifully penned out progressive folk raga-rock. Almost heavenly, Quintessence's music is heavily influenced by the sounds and style of Eastern culture. They were genuinely living a life collective that spilled into the music. A lovely and uplifting fusion of East and West performed with panache and flair. This is more than music, its a divine journey through a spiritual land.”

“On the plus side there are some nice spacey excursions and the flute gives it an edge, on the minus side there is a lengthy sitar excursion that goes on forever.”