Artist: SAGA
Album: NETWORK (CD)

Release date: 2004
Media type: CD

It must be their unique mix of years of experience, a never-ending supply of new ideas and their typical overall sound that accounts for the fact that Saga have been at the very top of the rock music scene for over 25 years. Whenever Messrs. Sadler, Crichton, Crichton and Gilmour get together to play music, the result is always unmistakably Saga. These four experienced musicians even know how to use a line-up change – like the one that took place before the recording of their new album, Network – to their advantage, making the most of the energy surge it provides. Drummer Steve Negus is currently taking time out, and Canadian Christian Simpson was enlisted to fill in for him. “Steve asked for a sabbatical,” keyboarder Jim Crichton explains. “He simply needed more time for himself and his private life. We won’t put any obstacles in his way. Steve knows that he can return any time and will be greeted with open arms.” In Simpson, Saga have enlisted a new drummer who immediately made his presence felt. “I think that Network sounds rawer, more lively and more spontaneous than our previous albums. No doubt that’s also thanks to Christian. He came to Toronto for an audition and impressed us so much that we hired him on the spot.” Another reason for the freshness and vitality of the Network material lies in the recording concept: “Most bands record their drum parts directly on the computer. That’s easier and less time-consuming, but it frequently sounds pretty sterile. We still use an analogue tape machine for the drum tracks because it makes them sound warmer, more natural. It gives them more depth and a real rock attitude.”

TRACK LISTING:

01 On The Air
02 Keep It Reel
03 I'm Back
03 If I Were You
05 Outside Looking In
06 Don't Look Now
07 Live At Five
08 Back Where We Started
09 Believe
10 Don't Say A Word

Line-Up:

Michael Sadler - vocals
Ian Crichton - guitar
Jim Crichton - keyboards
Jim Gilmour - bass
Christian Simpson - drums