I didn’t know quite what to expect as I had never really listened to the genre before, but I was very intrigued. Prog rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, primarily in the UK, known for being ambitious, experimental, and a bit theatrical. Typically, songs are stretched into long, complex compositions that often feature unusual time signatures and extended instrumental sections, with classical, jazz, and electronic influences. Jeremy Richardson, representative of the John Hackett Band, describes the genre as “a melting pot of styles, where classical can sit alongside funk can sit alongside acoustic. It shouldn't work, and sometimes it really doesn't. But it often does.”
I had never been to Cluny 2 before, but I really liked the venue. It is an intimate, unique theatre-style space, with its layout creating a close connection between the audience and performer.
Heather Findlay opened the afternoon with an intimate, stripped back set that felt more like a story shared among friends than a typical opener. She is known for her rich, evocative voice, and brought a warmth and sincerity to the stage that instantly drew the audience in. Switching between acoustic guitar, spoken word, and even poetry, she created a gentle but powerful atmosphere. Her vocals were very beautiful, with Prog Magazine describing her voice as “deliciously sultry”. It wasn’t flashy, but it was deeply felt, setting the tone perfectly.
Next, John Hackett Band delivered an eclectic, technically accomplished performance that embodied the core spirit of prog rock. It moved from lyrical flute passages to dynamic instrumental flourishes. Together, the band created a sound that was intricate and engaging, fusing elements of rock, jazz, classical, and funk, but never lost cohesion. They revealed a depth of musical understanding that comes not only from skill but from years of collaboration and individual artistry.
Although I only experienced the first half of the festival, the afternoon left a lasting impression on me. There is definitely something fascinating about watching artists who are so fully immersed in their craft, playing music that challenges expectations and stretches the boundaries of genres. Prog rock may not be mainstream, but I think that is part of its charm. As someone new to the genre, I found it unexpectedly captivating.