Casual observers might place Ambrosia alongside frothy denizens of the 70's hit parade like ABBA or ELO. Indeed, Ambrosia is best remembered for such relatively lightweight concoctions as "How Much I Feel" and "Biggest Part Of Me." In fact, however, they were a fairly progressive group of very accomplished musicians (including guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter David Pack), and their legacy extends far beyond the Top 40. Discovered in 1971 by Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Zubin Mehta, the group went on to produce five albums for Warner Brothers from 1975 to 1982, all of which will appeal to prog rock fans with a sweet tooth for pop.

Working with svengali Alan Parsons, Ambrosia created their most ambitious music on their first two albums, Ambrosia and Somewhere I've Never Travelled. The magnificent orchestral arrangements and dense, fusion-oriented rockers put them nearly in the same league as Yes or Genesis. However, their next two albums, Life Beyond L.A. and One-Eighty (both self-produced) featured a slicker, lighter sound and yielded their biggest hits. Ambrosia's singles were always a cut above similar 70's fodder, though - England Dan & John Ford Coley, they ain't. Their final record, Road Island, was produced by James Guthrie (Judas Priest) and revisited their earlier style while adding heavier rock tones; it achieved predictably lackluster sales.

All of those records were reissued on CD a few years back, starting with a generally excellent retrospective Anthology (later reisued as Greatest Hits), encompassing five chart hits, several key album tracks, and three new songs. Fans will appreciate the fresh material, but, personally, I would gladly trade it in favor of "Magical Mystery Tour." This song (a Top 40 hit in 1977) was featured in the unusual film, All This And World War II, which set documentary war footage against a soundtrack of Beatles covers. Can't have it all, I suppose. [top of page]