Refugee was seen by the British music press at least as an attempt to revive the legendary British progressive rock band The Nice. While two thirds of The Nice (Lee Jackson and Brian Davison) were involved in Refugee the addition of Swiss born keyboard virtuoso Patrick Moraz ensured that the project whilst having the progressive ideals of The Nice was in fact something altogether different.

The band initially came together in late 1973 and following rehearsals the band recorded their only album the self titled Refugee which generally received excellent reviews.

The album was released on the Charisma label who were certainly behind the project as the band departed on a worldwide tour in promotion of the album. All was going well for the band and plans were being laid for a follow up album until rock supergroup Yes came calling looking for a replacement for the recently departed Rick Wakeman.

In all honesty there were few candidates who would have been capable of filling Wakeman's shoes in Yes however Patrick Moraz was certainly more than capable and as history has proved accepted the offer he couldn't refuse and Refugee became a one album band when Moraz departed in 1974.

PATRICK MORAZ

Refugee

1. Papillon (5:10)

2. Someday (5:02)

3. Grand Canyon Suite (16:46)

4. Gatecrasher (1:02)

5. Ritt Mickley (4:52)

6. Credo (18:04)

The Refugee album has never received an official release on CD in the UK and was briefly available as a costly semi legal release in the Far East. Tracks include the extended pieces Credo and Grand Canyon Suite and also Papillon and Ritt Mickley. The album has been re mastered for this release and will certainly be of interest to the large and dedicated Patrick Moraz fan base and also of interest to Yes fans through Patrick's membership of the band and lovers of progressive rock music.

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