When asked to name "Progressive Rock" groups from the '70s most folks can come up with Yes, ELP, Genesis, Rush, Focus, Gong, Flash, etc. One band that flew under the radar is a trio called Trace. They released 3 albums for Sire Records, the self-titled titled first album, "Birds", and "White Ladies". The core members were multi-keyboardist Rick van der Linden who gained fame with the group Ekseption, and excellent self-taught electric bassist Jaap van Eik. The great Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden (2nd cousin) made the debut album bristle with stop-start, jazz influenced rock steadiness and flair. After Pierre van der Linden's departure the group turned to Marillion drummer Ian Mosley for "Birds" who brought a more "rock fusion" aspect to the proceedings.
I can't recommend these albums highly enough to fans of keyboard dominated progressive rock. Rick van der Linden plays an arsenal of keyboards with intelligence, humor and incredible technique, and his writing is legit. Jaap van Eik is one of the most accomplished self-taught bassists I have heard, and also contributes electric guitar and a brief vocal segment to "Birds". Drummers van der Linden and Mosley are excellent virtuosos and make me smile by how they serve the music.
"Desert Island" status.
