Symphonic Prog
United States
In the early 90's the keyboardist Mark Robertson and Jeff Brockman joined in San Francisco with the purpose of releasing original Progressive Rock music in the vein of the pioneers of the 70's, soon after the guitarist Alec Fuhrman joined and together recruited the vocalist Bret Douglas and CAIRO was born
After presenting two song demo that caught the attention of Magna Carta, this label signed them, and in 1994 with Rob Fordyce in the bass, CAIRO releases their self titles debut album, which was well received by the critics due to their classic sound (clearly influenced by ELP) with modern approach.
The fans had to wait four years until 1998 when the band releases "Conflict and Dreams", with the same lineup except for Jamie Browne in the bass who replaced Rob Fordyce.
I have read several reviews about this album and very few agree about who influenced CAIRO during this stage, some say GENESIS, others YES and a few even mention ASIA or UK, but if there's something in which all the opinions are coincident (including myself) is in the clear ELP oriented keyboards, but I would say that this time with a Neo Prog edge.
Three years later in the dawn of a new century and without Alec Fuhrman who is replaced by Luis Maldonado, Cairo releases their third album called "Time of Legends", this time with a different sound more oriented towards Ambient music but still with ELP reminiscences.
CAIRO has also participated in several Magna Carta tributes like "Songs from Yesterdays" in which they play "South Side of the Sky" and "Encores. Legend & Paradox" where they perform "The Sheriff", but no sign of a new release that their fans still expect.
So, if you are a fan of the sound of the 70's with a touch of Neo Prog and diverse other genres, CAIRO is your band.
Iván Melgar Morey - Perú
ALBUMS:
1994 - CAIRO
Musicians
- Mark Robertson / keyboards, synthesizers, Hammond organ, grand piano
- Jeff Brockman / drums and electric percussion
- Alec Fuhrman / guitars and vocals
- Bret Douglas / lead vocals
- Rob Fordyce / bass and vocals
1. Conception (2:10)
2. Season Of The Heart (10:13)
3. Silent Winter (8:25)
4. Between The Lines (9:25)
5. World Divided (10:16)
6. Ruins At Avalon's Gate (22:35)
Total Time: 53:39
