URIAH HEEP ‎- THE MAGICIAN'S BIRTHDAY 12" LP ALBUM VINYL

- Italian Release in Gatefold Album Cover

  This album "The Magician's Birthday"by "Uriah Heep" is the original vinyl release with a gatefold sleeve, the front of which is designed by Roger Dean. The inner of this gatefold has pictures of the band, with the LP itself housed in a liner on which were printed the lyrics.

 

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"The Magician's Birthday" Album Description:

In the world of progressive rock music, Uriah Heep's "The Magician's Birthday" stands as a captivating testament to the band's musical prowess and artistic vision. Released in 1972, this Italian version of the album, complete with a gatefold sleeve adorned with Roger Dean's distinctive design, remains a cherished relic for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The front cover, a visual masterpiece crafted by Roger Dean, sets the tone for the mystical journey that unfolds within the grooves of the vinyl. Known for his iconic artwork, Dean's contribution to the album's aesthetic is significant, creating a visual counterpart to the sonic tapestry woven by Uriah Heep.

Delving into the gatefold reveals a treasure trove of band photographs, offering a glimpse into the personalities behind the music. It is within this immersive packaging that the listener is invited to explore the thematic depth of "The Magician's Birthday." The liner, housing the LP and adorned with printed lyrics, becomes a portal into the lyrical landscape penned by the band.

The sonic enchantment of the album is heightened by the production prowess of Gerry Bron and the engineering finesse of Peter Gallen. Their collaboration brings forth a sound that encapsulates the essence of Uriah Heep's musical identity during this period. Each track resonates with a distinct energy, from the titular "The Magician's Birthday" to the anthemic "Sunrise" and the epic "July Morning."

The captivating cover photography by Fin Costello adds a tangible dimension to the album's visual narrative. Through his lens, Costello captures the essence of the band's stage presence, providing a glimpse into the dynamic live performances that contributed to Uriah Heep's growing reputation as a formidable live act.

Cataloged under BRONZE BROL 34213, this 1972 Italian release remains a coveted gem for vinyl enthusiasts and collectors. Its presence in the global music scene during its release period speaks to the band's ability to transcend borders and connect with audiences on an international scale.

Music Genre:
  Prog Rock / Hard Rock 
Album Production information:

The album: "The Magician's Birthday" was produced by: Gerry Bro

Gerry Bron was a prominent British music producer and manager, best known for his contributions to the music industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Born on 1 September 1933, in Hendon, Middlesex, England, Bron played a significant role in shaping the careers of numerous successful artists and bands.

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Bron began his journey in the music industry in the early 1960s when he co-founded the music management and publishing company, RAK Music. The company represented several notable songwriters, including Jonathan King, who achieved success with hits like "Everyone's Gone to the Moon". RAK Music quickly gained a reputation for its ability to spot and nurture talent.

In the late 1960s, Bron expanded his endeavors into record production, establishing himself as a highly respected producer. He worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including progressive rock, folk, and hard rock. Some of his earliest notable production credits included albums by Manfred Mann, including their breakthrough hit, "Mighty Quinn", and The Move's album "Shazam".

One of Bron's most significant collaborations was with the influential progressive rock band, Uriah Heep . He signed them to his management company and produced many of their albums, including "Demons and Wizards", "The Magician's Birthday", and "Sweet Freedom". These albums helped solidify Uriah Heep's place in the progressive rock genre and contributed to their global success.

As a producer, Bron was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in artists. He had a knack for capturing the essence of a band's sound and translating it into successful records. His production style often emphasized strong melodies, powerful instrumentation, and lush vocal harmonies.

In addition to his work with Uriah Heep, Bron produced albums for other notable acts, such as Colosseum, Osibisa, and Hawkwind. He also played a pivotal role in the career of British folk-rock legend, Al Stewart, producing some of his most successful albums, including "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages".

Throughout his career, Bron maintained a keen entrepreneurial spirit. In 1972, he founded his own record label, Bronze Records, which became renowned for its roster of talented artists. The label achieved significant success with bands like Motörhead, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and The Damned.

Tragically, Gerry Bron passed away on June 19, 2012, at the age of 78. His contributions to the music industry left an indelible mark, and his work as a producer and manager continues to inspire aspiring musicians and industry professionals to this day. His dedication to nurturing talent and his ability to create timeless music remain a testament to his lasting influence on the music industry.

Gerry Bron did have his own record company. In 1972, he founded Bronze Records, which became an influential label in the music industry.

Bronze Records was known for its diverse roster of artists and its commitment to promoting unique and innovative music. The label signed a wide range of acts spanning various genres, including rock, folk, and punk. Some of the notable artists signed to Bronze Records included Uriah Heep, Motörhead, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, The Damned, Girlschool, and Juicy Lucy.

Under Bron's leadership, Bronze Records achieved significant commercial success. The label released a string of hit records and albums that resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Motörhead's albums, such as "Ace of Spades" and "Overkill," became iconic within the heavy metal genre, while Manfred Mann's Earth Band achieved chart success with their covers of songs like "Blinded by the Light" and "Davy's on the Road Again."

Bronze Records' commitment to fostering talent and embracing new sounds was instrumental in its success. The label's reputation for quality music and its ability to identify promising artists made it a sought-after destination for both established and emerging acts.

Gerry Bron's ownership of Bronze Records allowed him to exert greater creative control over the production and distribution of his artists' music. This autonomy enabled him to further shape and influence the careers of the musicians under his wing.

Although Gerry Bron passed away in 2012, Bronze Records' legacy endures as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to championing exceptional talent. The label played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape of its time and continues to be remembered as an influential force in the industry.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Peter Gallen

Album cover design: Roger Dean

Roger Dean ( full-name: William Roger Dean ) Roger Dean an English artist and designer who is best known for his work creating album covers for numerous rock bands, including Yes, Uriah Heep, and Asia. He was born on 31 August 1944, in Ashford, Kent, England.

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Dean's distinctive style is characterized by his use of fantastical landscapes, surreal imagery, and vivid colors. His album covers often feature otherworldly creatures, floating islands, and intricate patterns. Dean's work has become synonymous with the progressive rock movement of the 1970s, and his iconic designs have become an integral part of the visual language of rock music.

In addition to his album cover work, Dean has also designed stage sets, costumes, and logos for numerous bands. He has also created artwork for book covers, calendars, and video games.

Dean's influence extends beyond the world of music, and his artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. In 2018, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Arts University Bournemouth in recognition of his contributions to the fields of art and design.

Album cover photography: Fin Costello

Fin Costello is a renowned pop and rock photographer who has made a significant impact on the music industry with his captivating images of numerous bands and artists. Known for his work in the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene, Costello has captured iconic moments and immortalized the essence of some of the most influential bands in history.

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Born with a passion for photography, Fin Costello developed a keen eye for capturing the raw energy and emotion of live performances. His journey in the world of music photography began in the late 1960s when he started photographing emerging rock bands and artists in his hometown. With dedication and a genuine love for the music, he quickly established himself as a sought-after photographer.

Costello's breakthrough came in the 1970s when he started working with some of the biggest names in rock and metal. His unique ability to capture the intensity and personality of the musicians made him a trusted photographer among bands and their management. His portfolio grew rapidly, and he became known for his exceptional talent in capturing dynamic live performances and intimate behind-the-scenes moments.

Among the notable bands and artists Costello has photographed, the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genre holds a special place in his career. His collaborations with bands like Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, and King Diamond have resulted in some of his most iconic and widely recognized images. Through his lens, he has managed to capture the essence of these artists, immortalizing their stage presence and capturing the spirit of their music.

Over the years, Fin Costello's work has been featured in numerous music magazines, album covers, and promotional materials, establishing him as one of the most respected photographers in the industry. His images have graced the pages of publications such as Rolling Stone, Kerrang!, and Metal Hammer, among others, contributing to his widespread recognition and acclaim.

Beyond his work in the music industry, Costello's passion for photography extends to other genres as well. He has explored various styles and subjects, showcasing his versatility as a photographer. However, it is his contributions to the rock and metal scene that have left an indelible mark on music history.

Throughout his career, Fin Costello's photographs have not only captured the moments that defined an era but also preserved the spirit and energy of the artists who have shaped the landscape of popular music. His dedication, artistic vision, and technical prowess have made him an influential figure in the world of music photography.

Today, Fin Costello's photographs continue to inspire and resonate with music enthusiasts and artists alike. His body of work stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring impact of rock and metal music. Whether it is a high-energy live performance or an intimate portrait, Costello's photographs serve as a window into the soul of the musicians he has captured with his lens, immortalizing their artistry for generations to come.

 

Label & Catalognr Information:
BRONZE BROL 34213
Album Packaging:Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages
Media Format:
  12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  
Year & Country:
  1972 Italy
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: The Magician's Birthday
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Mick Box – guitars
  • David Byron – vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitars, Moog synthesizer
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, percussion, kazoo
  • Gary Thain – bass
  • Brian Cole – Pedal Steel Guitar on "Tales"
Complete Track-listing of the album "The Magician's Birthday"

The detailed tracklist of this record "The Magician's Birthday" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. "Sunrise" – 4:04
  2. "Spider Woman" (Mick Box, David Byron, Lee Kerslake, Gary Thain) – 2:25
  3. "Blind Eye" – 3:33
  4. "Echoes in the Dark" – 4:48
  5. "Rain" – 3:59
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. "Sweet Lorraine" (Box, Byron, Thain) – 4:13
  2. "Tales" – 4:09
  3. "The Magician's Birthday" (Box, Hensley, Kerslake) – 10:19CK
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday"
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Inner Sleeve   of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday" Album
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Photo of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday" Album's Inner Sleeve  

High Resolution Photos of uriah heep magicians birthday italy  

High Resolution Photos of uriah heep magicians birthday italy  

High Resolution Photos of uriah heep magicians birthday italy    

Photo of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday" 12" LP Label - Side One:
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Photo of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday" 12" LP Label - Side Two:
High Resolution Photos of uriah heep magicians birthday italy  

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

 

Index of URIAH HEEP - 1970-1980s Vinyl Record Discography and Album Covers