Y MEISTRI - Pedwar Colfn

(THE MASTERS - Four Columns)

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In 1975, there was no shortage of progressive rock acts in Europe and America, some obviously better than others.  There were many concept albums built on incomprehensible story lines, gatefold sleeves depicting fantasy-laden tableaus in all their sci-fi glory, and more than a few spanned the four sides of the two included discs.  Tours were elaborate, featuring props, lighting effects, and costumes that would make a figure skater blush.  Opulence, decadence, and no spared expense seemed to be the rule, not the exception.  Many bands came and went.  Some were successful and captured the attention of the demographic they sought.  Others, for reasons of lacking creativity, poor execution, or bad management, disappeared (or worse, went entirely unnoticed).  Such is the case, whether fairly or not, of the Masters, or, in their beloved Welsh, Y MEISTRI.

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Somewhat popular in their native Wales, the Masters actually enjoyed some success in the local establishments, but like so many before them, they saw themselves as a studio outfit, much too grand for the tiny stages.  Ironically their greatest sources of pride turned out to be their greatest weaknesses.  First of all, their insistence on the use of the Welsh language exclusively for ALL communications related to the band - all text on the album covers, promotional materials, even refusing interviews that would not be conducted in Welsh.  And perhaps their greatest misstep of all, their only officially released album, featuring an album-long concept with no lyrics spoken or sung to guide the listener through the story.  Unfortunately, even their small devoted following could not wrap their collective brain around a purely instrumental narrative.  The scant liner notes, all in Welsh of course, helped none at all outside of their native land.

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Reportedly recorded in a castle, their only proper album was in fact quite engaging, albeit only in an instrumental sense - these lads could actually play.  Unfortunately, they would not make the necessary adjustments in their approach that might have given them a chance in the pantheon of progressive greats.  Unable to build on this shaky foundation, this album would be their only entry in the genre they loved so much.  While it is barely a footnote, let the record, this record, clearly show that the Masters made their tiny mark.

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