Saga (band)

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Saga is a progressive rock quintet, formed in Canada. Bassist-keyboardist Jim Crichton (b. 1953) and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler (b. 1954) have been the principal songwriters for Saga. Ian Crichton (b. 1956) is considered one of rock's most underrated guitarists, having recorded several solo albums as well as sessions with supergroup Asia. The band's virtuoso keyboardist, Jim "Daryl" Gilmour (b. 1958), replaced Peter Rochon in 1980. Recently, Steve Negus (b. 1952) announced his retirement as Saga's original drummer. He has since been replaced by Christian Simpson, who seems to suit Saga's dynamic sound well.

Saga have had their share of detractors, but their fans have remained extremely loyal over the decades. Their unique use of keyboards often involves three members playing synthesizers onstage. Formerly known as Pockets, the band re-named itself in 1977, after the multi-song cycle (the "Chapters") which would appear on their first four albums. In 1999, they revisited the chapter concept for another three albums. These chapters have been performed live throughout the band's extensive career.

Owing to their powerful -- not to say bombastic -- musical style, Saga has also been a major influence on similar American progressive rock and prog-metal bands, from Queensrÿche to Dream Theater. More recently, Coheed and Cambria debuted with their own multi-album science fiction concept, complete with an insectoid logo not dissimilar from Saga's familiar mascot, a moth symbolizing reincarnation and immortality.

Early Career

Their self-titled debut album was released in June 1978. The next two albums, Images at Twilight (1979) and Silent Knight (1980) saw the group climb in the European album charts. They opened for U.S. supergroup Styx in France and Germany, where Saga proved more popular. "It's Time" became their first domestic hit single, reaching the Top 10 after its release. In Canada, touring with Rush made them better known in their native land. The first Saga albums were recorded at Phase One Studios, where the band developed their classic sound. In 1998, Jim Crichton released their 1979 sessions on "Phase 1," demonstrating the early influence of producer Paul Gross, who later worked with Queensrÿche.

In 1981, the group broke inexplicably with Paul Gross, enlisting Rupert Hine to produce their most famous album, Worlds Apart. Their American debut coincided with a brief "Canadian Invasion," augured by the unexpected popularity of Rush and Triumph. World's Apart generated some immense MTV video exposure. Their best-known single, "On The Loose," became a major Top-40 hit, while "Wind Him Up", a song about compulsive gambling, also received some heavy rotation. In spite of unlikely pairings with Quiet Riot and Pat Benatar, Saga also toured the United States as a well-received opening act. Worlds Apart charted as a gold album within one year of its American release on Portrait, a subsidiary of Epic.

Unfortunately, Saga's following albums failed to solidify their earlier achievements. The fickle nature of American musical tastes, plus the band's constant shifts between recording labels, may well have undermined Saga's promising foothold in the U.S. 1983's Heads or Tales is considered a fan favorite, with Jim Gilmour singing a plaintive lead vocal on the concert staple, "Scratching the Surface." As a single, "The Flyer" received some modest exposure in 1984, but failed as a follow-up to "On The Loose." In retrospect, Rupert Hine's production also seems lacklustre and flat in comparison to Worlds Apart. 1985's Behaviour reflected an even more commercial direction, although the rollicking "Take a Chance" has remained another fan favorite well into the band's career. An ill-advised pop single, "What Do I Know?" fared even worse than "The Flyer." Behaviour barely dented the album charts, with the band touring the United States for the last time to date.

Separation and Reunion

In 1986, Steve Negus and Jim Gilmour left Saga amicably, recording one album as the Gilmour-Negus Project (GNP). Meanwhile, Saga continued with Michael Sadler and the brothers Crichton, augmented by session musicians. The disappointing Wildest Dreams (1987) enjoyed better distribution under Atlantic Records, but it failed to match expectations. The Police- inspired single, "Only Time Will Tell," marked Saga's last stab at American Top-40 charts. Thereafter, Saga concentrated on making European albums, such as 1989's The Beginner's Guide to Throwing Shapes, which marked a return to their earlier progressive style, accentuating Ian Crichton's considerable guitar talents.

In 1993, Steve Negus and Jim Gilmour returned to Saga, recording the band's "comeback" album, at least where Canada and most of Europe were concerned. The Security of Illusion restored the faith of many Saga followers, although it consisted of thematically unrelated songs. However, Steel Umbrellas (1994) was considered uneven when compared to "Security," perhaps because some of its material had been originally meant for a soundtrack for "Cobras," a short-lived television series. However, the 1993 and 1994 tours proved that the individual band members had not lost their edge as live performers.

Comeback

In 1995, Jim Crichton composed and produced the majority of perhaps Saga's finest album, the conceptual Generation 13. Inspired by a popular political treatise by the same name, the story follows Jeremy's troubled search for his real father. The concept is reminiscent of Jimmy's quest for cultural identity in The Who's Quadrophenia, almost a North American interpretation. But the heavier musical compositions sound like Rush and vintage Kansas, with Michael Sadler's best vocal performances on the more nuanced tracks. What "Gen 13" might have lacked in outright originality, it made up for in the overall production.

Unfortunately, Saga released a lackluster collection, Pleasure and the Pain on the eve of their 20th anniversary tour in 1997. Fans considered the album a new low in the band's career, but the 1998 tour was captured on "Detours," a solid double-live album released worldwide. Three recent albums, Full Circle (1999), House of Cards, (2001) and Marathon (2003) have been much better received. House of Cards seems to have particularly enjoyed renewed interest. Its acoustic-flavored single, "Money Talks" received Top 5 video airplay in Canada. All three albums have included new "chapters," representing a return to the progressive rock of yore, albeit with Jim Crichton's cutting edge production giving it a modern touch that could appeal to younger music fans.

Saga released a new studio album, Network, in the fall of 2004.

Even though Jim Crichton and Michael Sadler now live in Los Angeles, they have yet to commit Saga to American tour dates, even though the band has remained active during the last five years.

Discography

Saga (1978)

  • How Long
  • Humble Stance
  • Climbing The Ladder
  • Will It Be You
  • The Perfectionist
  • Give'em The Money
  • Ice Nice
  • Tired World

Images At Twilight (1979)

  • It's Time
  • See Them Smile
  • Slow Motion
  • You're Not Alone
  • Take It or Leave It
  • Images
  • Hot to Cold
  • Mouse in a Maze

Silent Knight (1980)

  • Don't Be Late
  • What's It Gonna Be
  • Time To Go
  • Compromise
  • Too Much To Lose
  • Help Me Out
  • Someone Should
  • Careful Where You Step

Worlds Apart (1981)

  • On The Loose
  • Wind Him Up
  • Amnesia
  • Framed
  • Times Up
  • The Interview
  • No Regrets
  • Conversations
  • No Stranger

In Transit - Live (1982)

  • Careful Where You Step
  • Don't Be Late
  • Humble Stance
  • Wind Him Up
  • How Long
  • No Regrets
  • A Brief Case
  • You're Not Alone
  • On The Loose

Heads or Tales (1983)

  • The Flyer
  • Cat Walk
  • The Sound of Strangers
  • The Writing
  • Intermission
  • Social Orphan
  • The Vendetta
  • Scratching The Surface
  • The Pitchman

Behaviour (1985)

  • Listen To Your Heart
  • Take A Chance
  • What Do I Know
  • Misbehaviour
  • Nine Lives of Miss Midi
  • You And The Night
  • Out Of The Shadows
  • Easy Way Out
  • Promises
  • Here I Am
  • Once Upon A Time

Wildest Dreams (1987)

  • Don't Put Out The Fire
  • Only Time Will Tell
  • Wildest Dreams
  • Chase The Wind
  • We've Been Here Before
  • The Way of The World
  • Angel
  • Don't Look Down

The Beginner's Guide to Throwing Shapes (1989)

  • How Do I Look
  • Starting All Over
  • Shape
  • Odd Man Out
  • The Nineties
  • Scarecrow
  • As I Am
  • Waiting In The Wings
  • Giant

The Works (1990)

  • CD 1
    • Gotta Love It
    • How Long
    • What Do I Know
    • Only Time Will Tell
    • Humble Stance
    • Don't Be Late
    • The Vendetta
    • Time's Up
    • The Flyer
    • Angel
    • As I Am
    • On The Loose
    • Chase The Wind
    • You And The Night
  • CD 2
    • The Call
    • Scratching The Surface
    • Take A Chance
    • Starting All Over
    • Slow Motion
    • Cat Walk
    • Once Upon A Time
    • Solsbury Hill
    • Out Of The Shadows
    • Careful Where You Step
    • Wildest Dreams
    • Help Me Out
    • Wind Him Up
    • A Brief Case

The Security of Illusion (1993)

  • Entracte
  • Mind Over Matter
  • Once Is Never Enough
  • Alone Again Tonight
  • I'll Leave It In Your Hands
  • The Security of Illusion
  • Stand Up
  • Days Like These
  • Viola
  • No Man's Land
  • Without You

All The Best (1993)

  • On The Loose
  • Wind Him Up
  • How Long
  • What Do I Know
  • Only Time Will Tell
  • Humble Stance
  • Amnesia
  • Scratching The Surface
  • The Flyer
  • Cat Walk
  • Help Me Out
  • Mind Over Matter
  • Times Up
  • Don't Be Late
  • Without You

Steel Umbrellas (1994)

  • Why Not
  • Never Alone
  • Bet On This
  • Shake That Tree
  • Password Pirate
  • I Walk With You
  • Push It
  • Steamroller
  • Say Goodbye to Hollywood
  • Feed The Fire

The Very Best Of (1994)

  • Wind Him Up
  • Never Alone
  • Wildest Dreams
  • Humble Stance
  • You And The Night
  • The Flyer
  • The Security of Illusion
  • Why Not
  • How Long
  • Only Time Will Tell
  • Starting All Over
  • What Do I Know
  • Help Me Out
  • Say Goodbye to Hollywood
  • On The Loose

Defining Moments (1994)

  • Without You
  • Cat Walk
  • Times Up
  • Listen To Your Heart
  • Wind Him Up
  • You And The Night
  • Don't Be Late
  • On The Loose
  • Nine Lives of Miss Midi
  • Ice Nice
  • (Walking On) Thin Ice
  • Odd Man Out
  • Once Is Never Enough
  • I Walk With You
  • Once Upon A Time

Generation 13 (1995)

  • Chances Are #1
  • Generation 13 (Theme #1)
  • All Will Change
  • The Cross (Home #3)
  • Danger Whistle
  • Leave Her Alone
  • I'll Never Be Like You
  • My Name Is Sam
  • The 13th Generation
  • The Cross
  • The Learning Tree
  • I'll Never Be Like You
  • Snake Oil
  • We Hope You're Feeling Better
  • My Name Is Sam
  • Generation 13 (Theme #2)
  • Where Are You Now?
  • Screw'em
  • No Strings Attached
  • All Will Change
  • The Victim
  • One Small Step
  • Sam's New Friend
  • We Hope You're Feeling Better
  • Chances Are #2

Pleasure & The Pain (1997)

  • Heaven Can Wait
  • How Do You Feel
  • Welcome To The Zoo
  • Where's My Money?
  • You're Not Alone '97
  • Taxman
  • You Were Made For Me
  • Gonna Give It To Ya
  • Fantastically Wrong
  • Pleasure & The Pain

Phase One (1998)

  • Half The Time
  • Old Man
  • Hangman
  • You're Not Alone
  • Mouse in a Maze
  • Don't Bother
  • Hot to Cold
  • Don't Step Out of Line

How Do I Look (1998)

  • How Do I Look
  • Starting All Over
  • Waiting In The Wings
  • Take It or Leave It
  • The Way of The World
  • The Sound of Strangers
  • Time To Go
  • Wildest Dreams
  • The Flyer
  • Amnesia
  • Too Much To Lose
  • See Them Smile
  • On The Loose
  • Wind Him Up

Detours - Live (1998)

  • CD 1
    • In The Hall of The Mountain King William
    • How Long
    • The Perfectionist
    • Careful Where You Step
    • Ice Nice
    • Don't Be Late
    • Interview
    • Wind Him Up
    • Welcome To The Zoo
    • Take A Chance
    • William's Walkabout
    • The Cross
  • CD 2
    • Scratching The Surface
    • On The Loose
    • The Security of Illusion
    • I Walk With You
    • Times Up
    • Heaven Can Wait
    • The Flyer
    • You're Not Alone
    • Framed
    • Humble Stance

Full Circle (1999)

  • Remember When
  • The One
  • Follow Me
  • Uncle Albert's Eyes
  • Home
  • Don't Say Goodbye
  • Time Bomb
  • Not This Way
  • A Night To Remember
  • Goodbye

House of Cards (2001)

  • God Knows
  • The Runaway
  • Always There
  • Ashes To Ashes
  • Once In A Lifetime
  • So Good So Far
  • Only Human
  • That's How We Like It!
  • Watching The Clock
  • We'll Meet Again
  • Money Talks
  • House of Cards

Marathon (2003)

  • Marathon
  • How Are You?
  • Breathing Lessons
  • Hands Up
  • Streets of Gold
  • Blind Side of the Heart
  • Return to Forever
  • Too Deep
  • You Know I Know
  • Rise And Shine
  • Worlds Apart

The Official Bootleg (2003)

  • On the Loose
  • The Flyer
  • How Are You
  • Mouse in a Maze
  • Images
  • Don't Be Late
  • Tired World
  • No Stranger
  • Worlds Apart
  • Humble Stance
  • You're Not Alone
  • Wind Him Up

All Areas - Live In Bonn (2004)

  • Careful Where You Step
  • Compromise
  • The One
  • Wind Him Up
  • Remember When
  • No Regrets
  • The Runaway
  • Time Bomb
  • We'll Meet Again
  • A Brief Case
  • Don't Be Late
  • Time's Up
  • See Them Smile
  • Take It Or Leave It
  • Humble Stance
  • You're Not Alone

Network (2004)

  • On The Air
  • Keep it Reel
  • I'm Back
  • If I Were You
  • Outside Looking In
  • Don't Look Now
  • Live At Five
  • Back Where We Started
  • Believe
  • Don't Make A Sound

Chapters Live (2005)

  • CD1
    • Chapter 1 Images
    • Chapter 2 Don't Be Late
    • Chapter 3 It's Time
    • Chapter 4 Will It Be You?
    • Chapter 5 No Regrets
    • Chapter 6 Tired World
    • Chapter 7 Too Much to Lose
    • Chapter 8 No Stranger


  • CD2
    • Chapter 9 Remember When
    • Chapter 10 Not This Way
    • Chapter 11 Ashes to Ashes
    • Chapter 12 You Know I Know
    • Chapter 13 Uncle Albert's Eyes
    • Chapter 14 Streets of Gold
    • Chapter 15 We'll Meet Again
    • Chapter 16 Worlds Apart

External links

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