Customer Reviews

In the Garden

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album is the outstanding #2 follow-up by a less well-known but outstanding group, Gypsy. The band, from Minneapolis MN with a following in St. Louis area, was centered around an outstanding singer/guitarist/song-writer, Enrico Rosenbaum, guitarist/vocalist James Johnson, and keyboard/vocalist/composer James (Owl) Walsh. This trio went to LA in 1970 to stake out their musical fortunes and created beautiful melodies and vocal harmonies, and could really rock. Rosenbaum's vocals are reminiscent of Burton Cummings (The Guess Who), and the group harmonies like CSNY. This album has more vocal solos and instrumental solos, and less soaring harmonies than their double-album debut, called Gypsy. But the songs themselves are all outstanding. Around You (5:27) - fast paced, guitar and organ As Far as you can see (12:07) .. extended jamming, tempo changes, dual-guitar soloing, great vocals Here (in the Garden) part one (6:43)..slow paced, acoustic, great vocals, goes into a drum solo Here (in the Garden) part two (3:07) has the signature soaring Gypsy vocal harmonies Blind Man (3:59) A real hidden gem. beautiful mid-tempo vocal, acoustic guitar, solo electric guitar and organ, a great chorus, "Still I'm fooling myself believing I really don't know if I need you" Time will make it better (2:53) Solo piano and vocal by James Walsh, a lovely tune.

All songs were written by Enrico Rosenbaum, except the last by James Walsh. The group released two other albums, Antithesis (1972) and Unlock the Gates (1973) but the first two (Gypsy and In the Garden) are clearly the strongest overall. Rosenbaum died later in the 70's. Walsh and Johnson have re-organized the group in the late 90's, and recorded new material true to the original style.

Thanks to Bedrock Records for releasing and distributing Gypsy's 70's recordings on CD.

There IS info about Gypsy. See my webpage for many details about them. This music is underappreciated and wonderful. The 1st and 2nd albums (2nd is In the Garden) are must haves for prog-rock fans. Exquisite vocal harmonies, great guitar from Jim Johnson, and excellent lead vocals from Enrico and James Walsh. In addition, fine B3 keyboards and top flight drumming from Bill Lordan.
They had it all...except fame.
See more at: www.midwesttribute.com

This gem was my one of my favorite LPs from the early 70s. It is instrumentally complex and lyrically powerful, just a joy to listen to. "Antithesis" is also good but "In the Garden" is probably Gypsy's best work. Gypsy was far and away the best Minneapolis-based group of their generation, doing truly original work.

I'm sitting here in front of my computer with my old LP released by Metromedia, wishing I could enjoy it again (and adding the CD to my wish list right now.) I would have transferred it to CD using my CD writer, but alas, the old LP is worn out from much use, not to mention having candle wax dripped on it. (Boy, that was some party - what I remember of it.!)

I just like to say is i am really to young to remember when gypsy was in their prime. I was born in 77, but my father a music lover like myself kept me exposed to the best music from earlier-ON. But now i can apprecieate GYPSY's music. I am dumbfounted at how little people know of this great harmoizing, smooth guitar playing, drum solo extravaganza who is GYPSY. It truly is hard to find info, or even cd's in the stores. I feel that this band got great too soon and was forgoten. anyone that loves music, MUST have anything performed by GYPSY>

In April 1974, I loaded 3 friends into my car and drove 45 miles to Minneapolis to see Gypsy live on a Sunday night at a club called Uncle Sam's. For those not familiar with Minneapolis but who saw the movie Purple Rain with Prince, that club was where much of Purple Rain was filmed. At Purple Rain's time it was called First Avenue and has also been called The Depot, as it was a Greyhound bus depot at one time.
Even though it was a dance club, when Gypsy started to play their set, everyone sat down on the dance floor to listen as if it were a concert appearance. If one can sense the spiritual nature of their recorded music, experiencing it live was even more of a religious experience.
Much of their set was from In the Garden, and they were every bit as good live as on record.
Another reviewer said In the Garden was Gypsy at their best, and I would agree, primarily because of the B3 organ played by James Walsh and Willie Weeks' fantastic work on bass.

From their first album -- Gypsy -- to their second album -- In the Garden -- to their third album -- Antithesis -- to their as yet unreleased on CD fourth album -- Unlock the Gates -- there will never ever be another R&R group like GYPSY!
From the Pop Rock Story Telling of their first two albums, to the more commercial side of their third and fourth albums, you may debate that -- As Far As You Can See(As Much As You Can Feel), forever!
Smooth Operator!

a great follow-up album for this band. Once again,great writing,vocals and harmonies,tremendous guitar and organ work with great arrangements. I would have liked this album to have had another song or two, guess I was spoiled by their debut album

I had 3 albums by Gypsy in college in the early 70's.They were all excellent.I was really pleased to see them released on cd.If you like great harmonies and sweet guitar runs....this is the band.

Consider the fact that I've owned this album as vinyl, 8-track, cassette, and now on CD. Do you think I like it???

My copy of the "In the Garden" is In the House!
One more positive experience with Amazon.com.
It has been impossible to get this disc in Toronto.
I now own the first two albums from this band. Both
new and sealed....well not sealed for long! I can say
that I am very pleased with the service so far.
Keep up the good work. Breadmanwalking....