National Health - Playtime (2001)

Get ready to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of National Health with their electrifying live album, "Playtime." This exceptional Canterbury-style progressive rock band, featuring Alan Gowen on keyboards, Phil Miller on guitars, John Greaves on bass and vocals, and Pip Pyle on drums, takes you on a thrilling sonic adventure like no other.
"Playtime" captures National Health at their most exploratory and jam-oriented phase. As the band evolved, their focus shifted towards extended improvisations and a more free-flowing musical approach. This live album showcases their prowess as a live act, with an abundance of energy and spontaneous creativity. National Health delves into uncharted territories, combining elements of fusion, jazz, rock, and electronic music into a breathtaking sonic tapestry.
Recorded at two different shows in 1979, "Playtime" features a lineup that includes the guest guitar talents of Alain Eckert from Art Zoyd. The majority of the compositions on this album are exclusive to this release, making it a remarkable and rare gem for National Health enthusiasts. It serves as the only recorded documentation of the Gowen, Greaves, Miller, and Pyle version of the band, capturing a unique moment in their musical journey.
From the captivating and expansive journey of "Flanagan's People" to the enchanting melodies of "Play Time," each track on "Playtime" showcases the virtuosity and chemistry of the band members. The intricate interplay between Gowen's keyboards, Miller's mesmerizing guitar work, Greaves' melodic bass lines, and Pyle's dynamic drumming creates a sonic landscape that is both captivating and awe-inspiring.
"Playtime" is a long-awaited treasure, finally unveiling the live brilliance of National Health. It is a testament to their enduring legacy and the boundless possibilities of progressive rock. So, join us on this extraordinary musical odyssey and experience the magic of National Health in their prime.

[@pariaheep]

More than ever National Health music is needed for those about to prog everything progressive. Thank you VERY MUCH for this upload !

[@philippecirse4872]

NH est le brillant reflet d'une époque, c'est un astéroïde fantôme qui revient jeter son dévolu sur l'art sonore. Une onde prodigieuse chargée de paradoxes d'où s'échappent l'obscurantisme la féérie et l'irrationnel, facteurs hypnotiques défiant les âmes vulnérables en quête d'absolu. Leur architecture musicale est un court tunnel qui mène à la lumière 🤠💥

[@isidrobartolomecarrillo9853]

🎉 estas convincentes mùsicas 🎉 me recuerdan los años de: 🎉 Van Der Graf Generator. ||❤ Saludos ❤||

[@gordonlandreth9550]

First listen - very excited about this !

[@NomadSoul21]

Yes! Another great treasure. Thank you very much for this! My favorite pieces here are: "Rose Sob" & "Playtime". (42:32)

[@gordonlandreth9550]

A very solid record from National Health that I had never heard before . It would be good to get a little history of it , the players , where it was recorded and a list of the songs . Great to hear these interesting arrangements , but sadly no Amanda Parsons .

[@cezargalvao5708]

Yeah,buddy.I'd like to know how they are today, what they're doing

[@JohnFiocchi]

Alan Gowen on keyboards. Dave Stewart wasn't involved ( I believe?). Amanda Parsons is not present. She is definitely my favorite singer of all time. I believe this is Pip Pyle on drums. Great cd!

[@balcius]

National Health without Stewart sounds so different. I like it, but the duo Stewart-Bruford always provided that joyful spark of creativity and distinct sound we enjoyed, sadly without the very nice production of this album.

[@canterburied]

far from first 2 albums!😢