Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some of this week's CD releases Day of Phoenix,"Mind Funeral-The Recordings 1968-1972" (Esoteric / Cherry Red)- The latest 2 CD retrospective from the good people at Cherry Red focusses attention on the creative output of short lived Danish prog rockers Day of Phoenix. Their sublime marriage of progressive and psychedelic influences should be required listening for all devotees of these free spirited genres, and "Mind Funeral" brings together the two albums that the band recorded together before public indifference forced them to call it a day. Eloquent guitarist and prime songwriter Karsten Lyng is in fine fettle throughout a richly rewarding package whose four bonus tracks include inimitable covers of Dave Cousins' "Tell Me" and Randy Newman's much recorded "I Think it's Going To Rain Today."

Ray Thomas,"Words & Music" (Esoteric/Cherry Red)- This newly assembled tribute to the musical legacy of Moody Blues' singer and flautist Ray Thomas features three songs from the first line-up of the band alongside a selection of solo tracks which were captured for posterity when The Moodies took a break from recording in the seventies and a couple of more recent creations in the shape of "The Trouble With Memories" and Ray's final composition, "Dada's Song." The compilers have also responded to public demand by including a bonus DVD showcasing the 5.1 surround sound mix of Ray's 1975 album,"From Mighty Oaks," setting the seal on this fitting tribute to one of the unsung heroes of British prog rock.

The Proven Ones,"You Ain't Done"(Gulf Coast Recordings)- The latest offering from Mike Zito's excellent Gulf Coast label is this power packed package from seasoned blues performers The Proven Ones. The five band members have seen service with such highly regarded American roots music combos as Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, The Radio Kings and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and "You Ain't Done" finds them bringing a lifetime's collective experience to bear on a batch of irresistible brassy stompers led by "Gone To Stay," "Already Gone" and "You Ain't Done."