The Mellotron Group

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Hessel Herder <hessel@...> wrote:
> Which DVD is that?

"Classic Artists" series - here's a link to the Amazon.co.uk entry for it:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moody-Blues-Classic-
Artist/dp/B000JLQS2Y/ref=pd_ys_ir_all_12

From these interviews and indeed others, the Core 7 Moodies work did seem to be based 
around a Hayward/Pinder core of arrangements, Hayward for vocals in particular, and 
Pinder for overall instrumental arrangements.

Regarding the Octave sessions, it looks like everything that could go wrong did go wrong 
(the original studios burning down, landslides cutting off Pinder's studio in CA (where they 
retreated to), Clarke's relationship difficulties, four of the five being away from home), 
that the studio atmosphere between the band members was far from perfect, and that 
Pinder in particular felt the band was going somewhere he didn't particularly want to go.  
With a bit of speculation, I'd say that having worked together solidly for eight years (66-
74), and having each gone away to do their own things - with other musicians, working in 
different ways - between 74-78, getting back together and doing stuff "the old way" 
would never be easy.  And, of course, Pinder didn't want to tour.

As for a recommendation - as above: Children's Children's Children and Seventh Sojourn 
would be mine; for Tron in big bendy slices, Threshold of a Dream ("The Voyage").  

And I don't know, everyone always seems to criticise Ray Thomas, but I've got to say that 
for the most part, his light-hearted contributions were a counterpoint for the more 
mystical stuff (and why should everything be serious all the time), and don't forget that 
not everything he penned involved butterflies, Antarctic eels, or tea and buttered scones: 
Eternity Road, And The Tide Rushes In, and For My Lady show a different side.

Anyway, 'twas the Moodies who introduced me to the Mellotron, so I'm not complaining!

Owen