TRACE – THE WHITE LADIES – 1976 (DUTCH) progressive rock

This album is the third and last release of the Dutch band TRACE. Although the band’s name is TRACE, the line-up resembles EKSEPTION much more than TRACE (with Peter de LEEUWE on drums, Cor DEKKER on bass, Dick REMELINK on sax, all three former members of the old EKSEPTION). As such, it sounds much more like an EKSEPTION album than a TRACE album, classical themes interspersed with rock and jazz. With this album Rick deviates from the original TRACE concept, which was completely keyboard dominated, and he introduces sax, strings as well as a female singer (Hetty SMIT). Thus, the album sounds very different from the previous TRACE albums, the music is more structured and refined, and the ‘wild’ element is restrained in favour of nuance and melody. The Dutch folklore story of the White Ladies is the source of inspiration for this album, which starts out with a narrative accompanied by strings. Most of the music is written by Rick van der LINDEN, but he has not forgotten to incorporate themes from Beethoven as well: in the song ‘Pathetique’ and ‘The Rescue’ Rick uses themes from Beethoven’s 8th and 3rd sonata for piano. In the tracks ‘Dance of the White Ladies’ and 'Witches’ Dance’ the ‘wild’ element steps into the spotlight, while in tracks like ‘Doubts’, ‘Surrender’ and ‘Conclusion’ the wild element leaves the spotlight to the melody. There are moments when the drums lack punch and imagination, and at these times the absence of the original TRACE drummer Pierre van der LINDEN is felt. But, all in all, this is a very balanced album, and I found it highly enjoyable. This release of the original album on CD is (like the other two albums from TRACE) done in an excellent way by the MUSEA team, with detailed documentation about the history of the band and its leader, Rick van der LINDEN.

Rick Van Der Linden / keyboards
Cor Dekker / bass
Peter de Leeuwe / drums
Dick Remelink / saxes, flute
Hans Jacobse / additional keyboards
Hetty Smit / vocals
Harry Schafer / narrato
1. Legend Part 1
2. Interlude 1
3. Confrontation
4. Interlude II
5. Dance of the White Ladies
6. Doubts
7. Trace I
8. Witche's Dance
9. Surrender
10. Interlude III
11. Parthétique
12. Legend Part 2
13. Interlude IV
14. The Rescue
15. Trace II
16. Back Home
17. Meditation
18. Flash Back
19. Conclusion

Excellent release from this exceptional band. The keyboard combinations, arrangements and solos are fantastic, after all they were played by a master, Mr. Rick Van Der Linden. Very good bass and drums also. The weakest point is the vocals, which are rare but a little naif. If you like Triumvirat or even ELP, you should buy this cd. A conceptual album, very interesting and very contagious. A true masterpiece.

Highly recommended!
Rip from CD 256@ (artwork included)
Download link
http://link-protector.com/319437/