American Progressive "Prog" Rock
As you're reading this post, you might be thinking to yourself, "Isn't all rock and roll music the same thing?" Well, not really. There are many different variations of rock music that have some similarities. However, progressive also known as "prog rock" is probably one of the most recognizable genres of rock music, even if we don't know the proper term for this subgroup of rock music.
So what exactly is prog rock? Prog rock was developed in both the US and England around the 1960s and 1970s, with a goal to make rock music sound more artistic. Themes included in this style would have been more abstract and almost story-like, as if telling a fairy tale. This genre blends styles from different influences to create a unique sound. You won't always hear an average song progression of verse --> pre-chorus--> chorus and so on. There may be extra interludes or strictly verses; the possibilities of structures are endless! You'll see bands feature not just traditional rock instruments, but other orchestral instruments and synthesizers to add different timbres and layers of sounds. For rhythm, there is much more liberty in rhythmic structure, and the tempo isn't always consistent either. With the feeling of the song constantly changing, why keep the tempo and rhythm the same and stay boring when you can just throw everything into one song. Not too easy to write out on sheet music. You just gotta feel the music. Definition of Prog Rock
I wanted to discuss the growth of prog rock groups from the earliest groups to more recent artists. Some artists might ring a bell, and others might not be familiar. I hope you enjoy.
Kansas (1970-present day)
Starting off with a classic, Kansas. This band is known for their hit songs "Dust in the Wind" and "Carry On Wayward Son." Founded in Topeka, Kansas, hence the group name, they went on to release their first album in 1974, Kansas. The original members included Steve Walsh on vocals and keyboard, Robbie Steinhardt on rock violin, Kenny Livgren as a vocalist and songwriter, Rich Williams on guitar, Dave Hope on bass guitar, and Phil Ehart on drums. Kansas continued to release hit after hit, and tour all over the world, bringing together hard rock, progressive rock, and southern rock to produce their own unique sound. You might find it surprising that this group is still going on tour and even released an album in 2020, called The Absence of Presence. Their presence is still known in many TV shows and movies, such as Supernatural and South Park. Official Kansas Website & History Kansas - Wikipedia
You wanna see a "stereotypical" prog rock group? Look no further than Dream Theater. This group was formed in 1985 in Massachusetts by Berklee College of Music Students John Petrucci on guitar, John Myung on bass, Mike Portnoy on drums, Kevin Moore on keyboard, and Chris Collins on vocals. Originally debuting as Majesty rather than Dream Theater, they released their first album When Dream and Day Unite in 1989. The group then went on to produce hits such as "Pull Me Under," released in 1992. Many of their songs are known to be extremely long. For example, "A Change of Seasons" was released in 1995 as a 23 minute epic. They have released a total of 15 albums and are currently working on album number 16. Impressive in my book. Their musical style combines what is known to be "post-Halen metal" and progressive rock, creating their signature heavy sound. Dream Theater Wikipedia Official Dream Theater History Dream Theater
Tool (1990-present day)
This group originated from Los Angeles, and is known for blending experimental genres of music with stunning visual arts. Their personal style combines psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and art rock. Original members include Maynard James Keenan on vocals, Adam Jones on guitar, Paul D'Amour on bass, and Danny Carey on drums. Their first album Opiate was released in 1992. They describe the purpose of their band as being a part of lachrymology, or the study of crying. They explain that they want their music to help listeners to channel negative energy to something more positive. They didn't want to be the average rock band that complained about the state of the world. They wanted to be different, and I believe that they have created a name for themselves as being unique and genuine to what they believe in. Tool Biography Tool Wikipedia
Lastly, a group that has only been around for barely a decade. The group consists of Mike Portnoy on vocals and drums, Dave LaRue on bass, Steve Morse on guitar Neal Morse on vocals and keyboard, and lead vocalist Casey McPherson. You might recognize a few of these members from groups previously mentioned. Yep, they left their former groups to form a big rock supergroup. They have only released 3 albums at this time. The perks of having members from former popular groups in one new band is that you get songwriting perspectives from already-established groups. Their first album, Flying Colors, was released in 2012 featuring hits "Blue Ocean" and "Infinite Fire." This group is known for combining music styles of progressive rock, metal, and jazz-fusion. Definitely excited to see what this group does in the future. Story of Flying Colors Flying Colors Wikipedia
“Prog Rock Guides / What Is Progressive Rock ?” Progarchives.com. Accessed January 18, 2023. https://www.progarchives.com/Progressive-rock.asp.
“Story.” Flying Colors, 2015. https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/story/.
“Tool (Band).” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, January 17, 2023.
I love Tool! I'm into psychedelic alternative rock and my Dad introduced me to Tool a while back and I fell in love with their music. I love Progressive Rock's mission of channeling negative energy into something positive and giving them an outlet.
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