Sanctuary Sanctuary

Progressive rock bent with a considerable amount of rock ‘n’ roll gospel soul!

Sanctuary’s virtuosity is undeniable, and every song displays each member’s considerable talents. The album is abundant with soaring and passionate vocal arrangements that are carried on high by the lively interplay of Norm Weinberg’s percussive flurries as they weave their way through a tapestry of flutes, strings, and guitars. Deeply resonant keyboards set the foundation for the band’s sound, and in fitting, albeit unsuspecting, fashion, it is Eric Bikales’ flute playing that shepherds the listener through the album.

Beginning with “All In My Dreams,” the flute’s light and colorful timbre captures the ear, serving as a clarion call for all to follow and creating moments of majesty, as music and message seamlessly transform into one. Sanctuary’s interpretations of Yes’s “Time And A Word” and Edgar Winter’s “Winter’s Dream” are not mere covers. They are bright and bold musical statements, refusals to submit to the negativity of the times. Their unique take on these compositions, as well as their own, provides the kind of bright eyed anthems their generation’s voice needed to compete against the backdrop of war and social upheaval dominating the headlines.

This Sundazed CD reissue of Sanctuary’s 1971 self-titled album also features four previously unreleased live tracks. Professionally recorded in an intimate setting, these songs reveal an entirely different dimension of the band’s already dynamic profile and include impressive versions of Traffic’s “Freedom Rider” and Harry Nilsson’s “Rainmaker.”