Patrick Moraz – Out In The Sun

Patrick Moraz – Out In The Sun

Swiss keyboard virtuoso Patrick Moraz had already established himself as one of progressive rock’s most adventurous musicians through his work with Refugee and his tenure with Yes on the landmark album Relayer. With Out In The Sun, released in 1977, he continued developing an ambitious solo sound that fused progressive rock, jazz fusion, electronic experimentation and the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian music.

Following his debut solo album, The Story of I, Moraz pushed further into a richly textured musical world, using an extensive collection of keyboards alongside electric guitar, bass, vocals and an impressive range of percussion. Recorded between Phonogram Studios in Rio de Janeiro and Aquarius Studios in Geneva, the album reflects his desire to combine the scale and sophistication of progressive rock with the energy and rhythmic complexity of South American music.

Moraz’s playing is the album’s defining feature. Moving between synthesizers, Minimoog, Hammond organ, electric piano and grand piano, he creates constantly shifting arrangements that balance intricate musicianship with vivid melodic ideas. Brazilian percussion and unconventional instrumental textures give the music an organic, international character, setting it apart from the more traditionally British sound of many progressive rock releases of the period.

The title track establishes this distinctive approach, combining keyboards and percussion in a lively, rhythmically driven instrumental setting. “Rana Batucada” takes its inspiration from Brazilian musical traditions, while “Nervous Breakdown” and “Silver Screen” explore the more intricate, compositionally adventurous side of Moraz’s writing. The instrumental “Kabala” further demonstrates his ability to build elaborate musical structures around keyboards and percussion, with shifting textures that reward repeated listening.

The second side continues the journey through “Tentacles” and “Love-Hate-Sun-Rain-You”, before culminating in the extended suite “Time For A Change”. Divided into four connected sections — “Time To Fly”, “Big Bands Of Ancient Temples”, “Serenade” and “Back To Nature” — the closing piece brings together the album’s contrasting musical influences in a multi-part composition. Its changing moods and layered arrangements highlight Moraz’s background in progressive rock while embracing a broader palette of world rhythms and electronic sounds.

The musicianship extends beyond Moraz himself. Guitarist Ray Gomez, bassist Wornell Jones and drummer Andy Newmark provide a flexible rhythmic foundation, while vocal contributions from John McBurnie, Vivienne McAuliffe and others add another dimension to the arrangements. The percussion, including contributions from Brazilian musicians, is particularly important to the album’s identity, giving the music a sense of movement that goes beyond conventional rock instrumentation.

For collectors of progressive rock, jazz fusion, electronic music and adventurous 1970s solo albums, Out In The Sun is an absorbing example of Moraz’s musical imagination. It occupies an interesting position between the elaborate arrangements of classic prog and the more rhythm-focused, globally influenced sounds that became increasingly prominent in later decades. An excellent choice for listeners who appreciate technically accomplished keyboard music with an exploratory, international outlook.

Tracklist

Side A

A1. Out In The Sun
A2. Rana Batucada
A3. Nervous Breakdown
A4. Silver Screen

Side B

B1. Tentacles
B2. Kabala
B3. Love-Hate-Sun-Rain-You
B4. Time For A Change
  1. Time To Fly
  2. Big Bands Of Ancient Temples
  3. Serenade
  4. Back To Nature