quote:

Progressive Trance definition from Wikipedia Progressive trance (sometimes melodic trance) is popular sub-genre in trance music. It has elements of fast techno music and ambient music. The basic formula of trance became even more focused on the anthemic qualities and melodies, moving away from predictable arppegiated analog synth patterns (aka acid synth lines). Acoustic elements and spacey pads became popular, compositions leaned towards incremental changes (aka progressive structures), sometimes composed in thirds (like Brian Transeau frequently does), buildups and breakdowns became more elaborate and intense. The sound became more and more ethereal and heavenly. This sound came to be known as epic trance (sometimes called melodic trance or anthem trance), and became the foundation of what the modern progressive trance sound is today. The structure of progressive trance is different from a typical techno track. The introduction generally starts with slower ambient beats. Following this section is a "breakdown" and then the main melody. There are build-ups with faster beats, and the track usually concludes with an "outro" that typically slows down as the track ends, though it can be fast. Electronic effects and vocals are usually in both the intro and the coda. Progressive trance became popular because of the build-ups of beats and sparing use of vocals. Phrases can be any multiple of 4 bars (4-8-12-16 etc.) in most typical progressive trance tracks. Phrases usually begin with the introduction of a new or different melody, or the introduction of hi-hats to the track. In progressive trance there may be four more simultaneous layers. Known artists in this electronic music genre include James Holden, Luke Chable, Transa, 4Strings, DJs Sasha and John Digweed. Newer artists include Terje Bakke, The Last Atlant, Hydroid, Gerry Cueto.

There are some things about this definition I disagree with, but I think it is probably the best technical definition available. I'm no expert myself, but I think technically ralph_wog is right, or would be right maybe 5 years ago. But this genre, as well as EDM as a whole, is fairly new and just like the music, the definitions are changing almost all the time. The meaning of progressive has changed from ralph's use meaning as the track builds sounds and momentum the track becomes more complex until of course it has a break-down and then a melodic peak. Technically this refers to most trance as well as other forms of EDM (but mostly trance). The meaning, as I have come to understand it, has changed to separate progressive trance from the other genres of trance, such as epic, hard or high energy. What separates progressive trance from these other genres is that it generally is at a lower BPM (~127-132BPM) and is usually more ambient or subdued. I like to use the word "tranquil". This has nothing to do with either progressive techno or progressive house although these genres have similarities due mostly to technical aspects; their core foundations are completely differen't.

I most definately have injected my own opinions into my description so it should not be taken as a definition. The quote from Wikipedia is probably a little aged so it's not as specific and acurate as it should be. I would like to hear other people's opinions on this because I know I probably have left something out and I know I'm not 100% acurate.

As far as recomendations for what ralph is probably looking for, besides what has been mentioned I'd say look for..

- any thing by Dumonde, Cosmic Gate, Rank 1 or M.I.D.O.R and Six4Eight
- any thing by Push, M.I.K.E. or Plastic Boy (all same person)
- Randy Katana - In Silence (Txitxarro Mix) <- many mixes of this but this is my fav
- ReLocate - Typhoon
- Electrovoya - Emotional Response
- Robert Gitelman - Children Of The Sun (and some others by Robert)
- OGP - What If
- Syntone - Can't Believe It (Silverblue Remix)
- Fractal Structure - Lost Sequence (Original Mix)
- Tilt - The World Doesn't Know

There are probably a jillion more but these are the ones that came to me, hope this helps.

^_^