Supersister

Label: Polydor
Country: Netherlands
Released: 1973
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring Supersister's "Iskander"

"Iskander" is the fourth studio album from Dutch progressive fusion band Supersister, released in 1973 under the Polydor label (catalog number 2925 021). This album marks a significant evolution in the band's sound, moving away from their earlier whimsical Canterbury style towards a more complex jazz-rock fusion. It was recorded at The Manor Studio in Shipton-on-Cherwell, Oxfordshire, UK, during the summer of 1973, with the guidance of renowned producer Giorgio Gomelsky and sound engineer Simon Heyworth.

A Conceptual Narrative

The album presents a conceptual suite that narrates the life and military campaigns of Alexander the Great, known as "Iskander" in Turkish and Persian cultures. The suite consists of nine continuous tracks that unfold a narrative arc, exploring themes of conquest and inner conflict. Each song contributes to this overarching story, delving into pivotal moments in Alexander's life, including battles and personal relationships.

Musical Contributions

Supersister's lineup on "Iskander" showcases the talents of Robert Jan Stips on keyboards and vocals, Ron van Eck on bass guitar, and Charlie Mariano on various woodwinds, including alto and soprano saxophones. Mariano's contribution is particularly noteworthy, as he brings an American jazz influence to the band's sound. The album also features guest musicians, such as Pierre Moerlen on marimba, adding unique textures to the tracks. The drumming by Herman van Boeyen complements the intricate arrangements throughout the album.

Stylistic Comparisons

Musically, "Iskander" draws parallels with other progressive and jazz-rock acts of the era. The lush arrangements and sophisticated compositions are reminiscent of albums from Soft Machine during their "Six" and "Seven" periods, as well as Gong's "You" era. The intricate instrumentation and fusion elements also invite comparisons to groups like Nucleus and Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Production Details

The production of "Iskander" plays a crucial role in its presentation. Recorded in a high-quality studio environment, the album benefits from the expertise of both Gomelsky and Heyworth, the latter known for his work on Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells." This combination of skilled musicianship and professional production results in an album that stands out in the progressive rock genre.

Supersister's "Iskander" was recorded at The Manor Studio in Oxfordshire, UK, in the summer of 1973.

Tracklist

A1	Introduction Written-By – R. J. StipsWritten-By – R. v. Eck
A2	Dareios The Emperor Written-By – R. J. StipsWritten-By – R. v. Eck
A3	Alexander Written-By – R. J. StipsWritten-By – R. v. Eck
A4	Confrontation Of The Armies Written-By – R. J. StipsWritten-By – R. v. Eck
A5	The Battle Written-By – R. J. StipsWritten-By – R. v. Eck
B1	Bagoas Marimba, Percussion [Some Other Percussion] – Pièrre MoerlenVoice Actor [Being Bagoas] – Gerard LemaîtreWritten-By – R. J. StipsWritten-By – R. v. Eck*
B2	Roxane Written-By – R. J. Stips*
B3	Babylon Written-By – R. J. StipsWritten-By – R. v. Eck
B4	Looking Back Flute – Sacha van GeestWritten-By – R. v. Eck*

Credits

Bass – Ron van Eck
Design [Cover Design] – Ron van Eck
Design [Cover Design], Photography By [Cover Photo's] – William Reppel
Drums – Herman van Boeyen
Engineer – Simon Heyworth
Keyboards, Percussion – R. J. Stips*
Lyrics By – Ron van Eck
Music By – R. J. Stips*
Music By – Ron van Eck
Producer [Produced By] – Georgio Gomelski*
Saxophone [Saxes], Flute, Bass Clarinet [Bassclarinet], Nadaswaram [Nathasuaram] – Charley Mariano*