TAI PHONG - LAST FLIGHT (1979, WARNER BROTHERS)
Khanh - vocals, guitars
Michael Jones - guitars, vocals, bass
Pascal Wuthrich - keyboards
J.J Goldman - vocals, guitars
Stephen Caussarieu - drums, percussion, guitar, vocals
Johnny Sehlhoff - acoustic guitar
Michel Gaucher - tenor sax

Background
The French progressive rock scene has produced its share of classic bands over the years. Atoll who at one time included John Wetton in their line-up, Pulsar and the Genesis influenced Ange come to mind right away, but there were many other lesser known bands worthy of your attention including Tai Phong. Formed in France by Vietnamese brothers Kahnh and Tai Ho Tong in the early 70's, the group released two major label albums in the Camel vein before Tai hit the road disenchanted with the 'musical differences' enveloping the band. Tai Phong recorded their final album, the appropriately titled 'Last Flight' and called it a day, but they remain a cult favorite among prog rock fans. That is to say, their first two albums are favored while 'Last Flight' gets short shrift for being 'too commercial' and is therefore perfect Glory Daze material if you ask me!

The Songs
'End Of An End' kicks off the album with a Starcastle meets Rush and Genesis inspired track featuring Kahnh's high pitch vocals trading off with that of Michael Jones and I have to say I prefer Jones vocal style much more although your mileage may vary. 'Farewell Gig In Amsterdam' is not a live track, but a high powered prog rock song with instrumental bits reminding me of Supertramp which is really nice. On the third track 'Sad Passion' Tai Phong go crazy with a Queen/10cc influenced little ditty which I am sure is much of the reason this album is trashed by so many progheads who think they know better. 'Thirteenth Space' takes on a light fusion sound with nice Asian touches while the title track dives into pure progressive rock in the Pink Floyd mould. Again, nicely done but for my money they saved the best for last with 'How Do You Do'. A beauty of a tune reminiscent of Supertramp (again), Barclay James Harvest as well as early pomp rockers Hush and their first album on the ASI label.

In Summary
All three Tai Phong albums have been reissued several times over the years and are easy to locate through any good prog dealer. While the first two are good if slightly derivative, 'Last Flight' gets my vote as their most interesting and listenable record and is worth having in any collection.

Track Listing:
01 End Of The End
02 Farewell Gig In Amsterdam
03 Sad Passion
04 Thirteenth Space
05 Last Flight
06 How Do You Do

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