Fruupp: Wise As Wisdom: The Dawn Albums 1973 - 1975 on 4 CDs

Product Information

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a 4 CD clamshell boxed set that gathers together all four albums released by Irish progressive rock legends Fruupp; »Wise as Wisdom – The Dawn Albums 1973 - 1975«.

Formed in Belfast in 1971, the band featured Pete Farrelly (bass guitar, flute, lead vocals), Vincent McCusker (lead guitar, vocals), Stephen Houston (keyboards, oboe, vocals) and Martin Foye (drums, percussion). The band signed with Pye Records’ Progressive label Dawn in 1973 and were a much loved act on the British concert circuit, sharing billings with such luminaries as Genesis, ELO, Hawkwind, Man, Supertramp, Queen et al.

The band’s first album »Future Legends« was issued in October that year and saw the band gain a loyal following. The band’s follow up album, »Seven Secrets«, was issued in April 1974 and was a wonderful exercise in Symphonic and Melodic rock, the album was highly acclaimed upon release. Released in November 1974, »The Prince of Heaven’s Eyes« was Fruupp’s third album and their most ambitious to date, being a conceptual work. Prior to the recording of the band’s fourth album, keyboard player Stephen Houston departed the band to be replaced by John Mason on keyboards, vibes and vocals. »Modern Masquerades« would be Fruupp’s final album and was arguably one of their most polished works. Produced by former King Crimson member Ian McDonald, the record failed to achieve the commercial success it deserved.

The recordings of this much-loved band have become highly sought after by collectors and this four-disc set gathers all of their albums together for the first time. This remastered 4CD clamshell boxed set features all four albums in replica sleeve wallets and a poster.

Reviews

»Erstmals wurde sämtliches Klangmaterial von Fruupp in einer Box vereint, also die vier Originalalben Future Legends, Seven Secrets, The Prince Of Heaven’s Eyes und Modern Masquerades, dazu drei rare Bonustracks.​ Ergänzend ein Mini-Poster mit Fotos der Gruppe sowie Informationen zu den Scheiben.​ Das Ganze fein digital remastert.​ Wer sich für einige Stunden aus der banalen Realität verabschieden will, kommt an diesem Meisterstück der akustischen Imagination nicht vorbei.​« (Good Times, Oktober/November 2019)