Thursday, March 30, 2023

Jade Warrior – Wind Borne -The Island Years 1974-1978 (Esoteric Recordings)


Jade Warrior were a progressive rock band from the 1970’s.  This box consists of four album the band recorded for Island Records.  The records in question are Floating World, Waves, Kites, and Way of The Sun.  Many of these albums were difficult to find, and this boxset sums it all up in one place. 

Jade Warrior were rather an experimental band with a lot of ethnic influences.  They were not a typical progressive band either.  One has to have a very specific taste in order to fully understand Jade Warrior.  Don’t expect Genesis or Yes here, but rather a band that reaches a bit more into the music, and tries to locate its deepest secrets.

The music on those four records sometimes comes across sounding very minimalistic.  This band loves a lot of space and their sounds can be scarce at times, but extremely colorful.  The use of flute makes the music feel very delicate, and mysterious.  Each album, has slightly a different twist and approach, and it is actually a plus that all four are included here. 

Jade Warrior might be considered strange or unusual, but their madness makes a lot of sense.  This band was very unconventional, they took a lot of chances, and probably risked a lot of label support.  What is left behind is an uncompromising musical trip into the unknown.  Old fans will certainly know what they are getting, but any potential new fans of progressive rock are in for a pleasant surprise.

Mark Kadzielawa


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