There are at least 4 bands / artists called Trace. One were a 1970s progres… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least 4 bands / artists called Trace. One were a 1970s progressive rock band from Holland, another a pop group from Germany. The third is a Drum and Bass producer / DJ. And the fourth is a un-signed alternative/electric band in the area of huddersfield

1) Rick van der Linden's father was a pianist, so it was not a surprise that young Rick took piano-lessons. Later he started to learn playing the organ and finally he went to the Haarlem Conservatory. He played in many bands and nightclubs and was impressed by Brian AUGER and Keith EMERSON. Rick got worldwide recognition with the 'classic-rock formula' from EKSEPTION but he wanted his own band to show his keyboard pyrotechnics. He founded TRACE with bass player Jaap van Eik (CUBY AND THE BLIZZARDS, The MOTIONS, SOLUTION, LIVING BLUES) and drummer Pierre van der Linden (TEE SET, BRAINBOX, FOCUS), a real Dutch supergroup! Now he got the opportunity to work out his own ideas with keyboard-dominated symphonic rock. In '74 TRACE released their eponymous debut-album, in '75 their second entitled "Birds" (Ian Mosley had replaced Pierre van der Linden) and in '76 their third and final "Ladies". TRACE is a kind of Dutch equivalent to early ELP but Rick has a wider array of keyboards, including Hammond B3 organ, Hohner clavinet and pianet, ARP - and EMI synthesizers, harpsichord, Solina string-ensemble, Mellotron and church organ. He even used the sound of a bagpipe! The music is a treat for fans from bands like The NICE, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, TRIUMVIRAT and early LE ORME. Despite good albums, great concerts and worldwide recognition, Trace didn't work out the high expectations and the 'supertrio' dissolved in the late Seventies. Nowadays Jaap van Eik is chief-editor from the technical based music magazine Music Maker and Rick recently after many years again went on tour with a new EKSEPTION line-up, including a magnificent digital church organ and his wife on vocals. Rick died 22 January 2006 after suffering a stroke.

The first two albums "Trace" and "Birds" (released on CD with bonustracks by Musea Records) deliver exciting, often sumptuous, keyboard driven symphonic rock: the mainly instrumental music is loaded with virtuosic keyboard runs, swirling Hammond organ and majestic Mellotron eruptions from wizard Rick van der Linden, supported by a powerful and propulsive rhythm-section. In my opinion the tracks on "Birds" sound more elaborate and refined. The epic composition "King-bird" (featuring Jaap van Eik on electric guitar) showcases the hugh potential of TRACE: dazzling keyboard runs, many changes of climate and dynamic interplay. The third album "Ladies" is a lacklustre effort, the band was running out of ideas. This record turned out to be their swansong.
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www.progarchives.com

2) The record of this epic Nürnberg rock band starts with a sound of wind. Adequate. As old as nature metaphors are, Trace raise a tornado of melody, emotion and energy on their second longplayer. Rousing songs that will quickly get you in their band and going straight to your eardrum with its beautiful eruptions.

Fact is: a pop-storm like that does not build up with half-hearted blowing. Therefore Trace run through the music scene since 2000, always driven by passion and the urge for development. The acuteness of Muse meets the desperation of Jeff Buckley and the determination of Coldplay.

"Magnolia" is the 2nd LP, produced by Trace and their drummer Ric Simon, which was recorded by themselves. Not later than the chorus of the opener "Scenario" it is clear that Trace are not any rehearsal room amateurs. Recording the record themselves is a sign of perfectionism and self-initiative. Trace like to have control over their output. DIY attitude and cinemascope melodies don’t have to be antagonism. And when the result sounds as compact and dynamic as Trace do - it’s much better. Or as Zündfunk (Bayern2Radio) recently assumed: "Guitars and surface that seem to fall out of your speakers and a voice that could reach the rock charts. Trace heading towards to the wide music-cinema."

The magnolia as the official title flower shows how to do it. The older the plant gets the more beautiful their blooms get. That covers Trace very good as their melodic buds bloom more and more after listening to the record over and over again. What stays is a beautiful, meditative and enthralling record that sprouts with confidence but still knows: we all have to fade. All that’s left is music.

Trace are:
Edi Linn, Vocals/Guitar
Michi Graf, Guitar
Sibi Krawczyk, Bass
Ric Simon, Drums

http://www.trace-music.net/

Cloud 9
Trace Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The worlds on fire
And we don't care
Girl i miss you
I see you everywhere
Just come over
And lay with me
I haven't seen you
For an eternity

And if the sun comes up
And if the moon goes down
Will you stay with me
And help me to the ground
Cos when you're running my brain
I'm on cloud 9
I'm afraid to fall
But not if your by my side

When I'm cloud 9
I want you by my side
When I'm up all night
Paranoid cause I like
You and your style
We could get wild
When I look into your eyes
I see stars go on for miles
You set my world on fire
But in a good kinda way
I get lost in your mind
I don't know what I am saying

And if the sun comes up
And if the moon goes down
Will you stay with me
And help me to the ground
Cos when you're running my brain
I'm on cloud 9

I'm afraid to fall
But not if your by my side

Overall Meaning

In "Cloud 9" by Trace, the lyrics depict a strong longing and affection for someone who is deeply missed. The world around them may be chaotic and burning, but their focus remains on this person. The singer expresses how their thoughts are consumed by the individual, seeing them everywhere and constantly yearning for their presence. The singer pleads for them to come over and just lay with them, as it has been an agonizingly long time since they last saw each other.

The chorus portrays a desire for the person to stay and provide support during difficult times. The singer fears the potential fall but feels more confident and secure with the presence of their loved one. Being on "cloud 9" symbolizes a state of pure happiness and euphoria, which they experience when this person is by their side. They acknowledge their own vulnerability and dependence on this individual's influence on their thoughts and emotions.

Overall, "Cloud 9" conveys a deep connection and reliance on someone special, emphasizing the comfort and joy they bring to the singer's life amidst the chaos of the world.

Line by Line Meaning

The worlds on fire
The world is in chaos and turmoil

And we don't care
Despite the chaos, we are unconcerned or unaffected

Girl i miss you
I deeply long for your presence

I see you everywhere
You are constantly on my mind

Just come over
Please come to me

And lay with me
Be close to me physically

I haven't seen you
It has been a significant amount of time since I last saw you

For an eternity
It feels like an extremely long time

And if the sun comes up
Even if a new day begins

And if the moon goes down
Even if night turns into day

Will you stay with me
Will you remain by my side