Ayers Rock-Beyond (1976)

Ayers Rock was one of the most important Australian jazz-rock bands, with a style inspired by the instrumental complexities of Weather Report and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the psychedelic sound of Traffic, and the Latin percussion of Santana. This band was among the first from Australia to perform before large crowds in the United States, long before iconic Australian groups like AC/DC and the Little River Band. Their first live album, "Big Red Rock", features powerful blues-rock compositions with subtle jazz influences. However, several years later, on their second album, "Beyond", the band shifted towards a more jazz-rock sound, incorporating elements of more accessible rock. Ayers Rock consisted of vocalists and guitarists Chris Brown and James Doyle, drummer Mark Kennedy, keyboardist and wind instrument player Col Loughnan, and bassist Duncan McGuire. In "Beyond", this Australian band showcases its immense talent in tracks like the melodic and energetic "Lady Montego", a song where the swamp rock influences are more than evident. Similarly, the blues-rock track "Talkin' 'Bout You" is another dynamic rock number with a prominent horn section. Ayers Rock's eclectic style is present in the rhythm and blues "Going 'Home", while "Crazy Boys" owes a debt to the more jazzy and complex sound of Frank Zappa. The dusty "Nostalgic Blues", the instrumental jazz-rock "Big Red Rock", and the funk-infused "Boogie Woogie Waltz" bring this commendable album of energetic and brilliant jazz-rock to a close. It's from one of those interesting and little-known bands that, despite their enormous talent, have been forgotten in the depths of rock music history.