Aunt Mary-Janus (1973)

Aunt Mary was one of the most interesting bands to emerge from Norway during the 1970s. Their style combined diverse influences ranging from psychedelia to pop-rock, with hints of blues and the most avant-garde sounds of proto-progressive rock. The band consisted of Bjoern Christiansen (guitar and vocals), Per Ivar Fure (flute, harmonica, saxophone, and organ), Jan Leonard Groth (keyboards, guitars, and vocals), Svein Gundersen (bass), and Kjetil Stensvik (drums). After signing with Polydor, they released their debut album in mid-1970, a much more accessible work than their subsequent recordings, featuring less keyboards in favor of wind and string instruments. Several years later came their second album, "Loaded", which leaned towards harder rock territory without completely abandoning progressive sounds. However, it was their third release, "Janus", that would bring them their definitive work, a solid album showcasing the band's considerable talent. The boisterous "Path of Your Dreams" and the lively prog track "For All Eternity", along with the Beatles-esque "All We've Got to Do Is Dream" and "Mr. Kaye", are among the most accessible tracks, while the progressive vein is present in the bluesy improvisational "Stumblin' Stone" and the symphonic progressives "Candles of Heaven" and "What a Lovely Day", thus concluding a remarkable progressive album by this short-lived and intriguing Norwegian band.