Oniris ~ France

L'Homme Voilier. 1979 Barclay

Oniris demonstrates strong ties to Ange, Mona Lisa, Grime, Synopsis, Trefle etc… this is the dramatic French vocal symphonic rock we all know and love. 

Priority: 2

6/30/10

Jester ~ USA

Jester. 1978 private

The name alone will no doubt draw snickers from long time critics of progressive rock. And while today a jester is certainly one of the more trite cliches of the movement, in 1978 it hadn't necessarily played itself out yet, so it would be a natural choice for a young band to pursue a moniker such as that. Musically, this Long Beach, California based band were very much a product of their time and place. Like a lot of bands in the late 70s, they decided to hedge their bet by putting one foot into complex progressive rock compositions, and the other into the safer waters of commercial album oriented rock. Unfortunately the latter puts off the former, and the targeted radio audience never materialized. Thus an album such as this finds itself on an obscure list on the internet, only read by deep divers and obsessionists like your humble author. When in progressive rock mode, they remind me most of the 80's California band Drama, but with less fusion elements. Also, the locally produced Bounty EP would be a good reference. I've seen two covers for this - one blue and one red. Not sure which is the original, or if they were both released at the same time.

Priority: 3

6/26/10

News: Garden of Delights latest releases

This batch includes the rare second album by Radio Noisz Ensemble, originally released only as a cassette. Also another archival Guru Guru release, this time a Wiesbaden concert from 1973 (they previously issued one from 1972). And finally, a another reissue of Embryo's "Surfin'", first done by Disconforme over 10 years ago and long out of print.

"The Radio Noisz Ensemble, successor of the folk group Emma Myldenberger, came from the Weinheim an der Bergstrasse area and released its only LP, 'Yniverze' (Ubu Muziek UMS 01), in 1982. It was compared to works of the Third Ear Band, Between, and Tri Atma. 'Odiszee-Parck'(Ubu Muziek UMS 03), appearing only as a small cassette edition, followed in 1983. The music on this album is of a significantly freer style, more unwieldy and harder to digest than its predecessor; less meditative. The CD was drawn from the master tape. The cover motif is the same as the one used for the cassette, the only difference being its coloured design - like the concert poster of a quite similar make - instead of black and white. Once again the oboe is the leading instrument, and also the remaining instrumentation, featuring English horn, zither, double-bass, violin, flutes, etc. is quite unusual."

"Guru Guru played in the Wartburg, a Wiesbaden hall, on September 17th, 1973. It was one of the gigs recorded by Xhol (Caravan) acquaintance Muck Krieger. His recording equipment was then state-of-the-art: an Uher tape recorder CR 124 and two Revox microphones for the stereo sound, the equipment he had used the year before (CD 'Wiesbaden 1972'). The result has turned out satisfactory, although the occasional singing sounds slightly thready and reverberant. That is partly due, however, to the live sound reproduction during the gig. With its 37 minutes, 'Ooga Booga' leaves a lot of space for free improvisation. 'Round Dance' and ;Das Zwickmaschinchen' are from their fifth LP, 'Don't Call Us', which had just been recorded at that time. Thus, Muck Krieger's supply of Guru Guru material has been exhausted. "

Horizont ~ Sweden

Horizont. 1978 CBS

Andra Vyer. 1979 CBS

Horizont's debut is an interesting album that gives a head fake early, before revealing what they are truly about. For most of Side 1, Horizont play a mix of straight ahead rock (with Swedish vocals) - but with a directness that wouldn't be out of place in 1981 - and more thoughtful progressive rock instrumentals. Side 2 turns on their progressive influences, especially the Hammond and guitar work, and is quite good. It would seem that the band needed to compromise a bit to get released on CBS. 

Interesting to note that while browsing the CD booklet of the Atlas Bla Vardag album, APM had announced their intention to release a Horizont archival album. That indicates to me that the best material was never released during the day, and the album above was indeed a compromise. Of course, that's pure speculation on my part, as APM's CD never did see the light of day.

I haven't heard the second album yet. 

Priority: 3

6/22/10

Good God ~ USA

Good God. 1972 Atlantic

Philadelphia based jazz rock band, that sounds more European than American. Heavily indebted to instrumental Zappa, Good God's album sounds like many groups from Germany, Denmark, and France. Maybe a little too much unhinged sax work for my liking, but still plenty to enjoy here. They cover Zappa's 'King Kong' and John McLaughlin's 'Dragon Song', both of which perfectly fit their style. 

Priority: 2

6/21/10

Docmec ~ Switzerland

Objet Non Identifie. 1976 Javeline

First side is live, and demonstrates the band's clear Genesis influence. Here they recall the similarly minded Kyrie Eleison. Side 2 is in the studio, and is more original, with plenty of introspective quieter moments. There's more of a French influence here, and I hear elements of Pentacle and Orion on these tracks. 

Priority: 3

6/19/10

Chetarca ~ Australia

Chetarca. 1977 Atlantic

Like many bands from Australasia, Chetarca seemed to have a fondness for boogie rock. And if you can get through the first few minutes of the opening couple of tracks, then you'll be rewarded with some truly progressive music, featuring dual keyboards and a host of exciting ideas. Similar in some ways to the New Zealand group Airlord. 

Priority: 3

6/18/10

Andreas Aarflot ~ Sweden

Det Rivna Pianot. 1978 Manifest

UMR review

Priority: 2

6/16/10

Astre ~ USA

Foresight. 1981 Akustic

UMR review

Priority: 3

6/15/10

C.B. Busser ~ Switzerland

Movies. 1978 Musk Project

Instepraiser. 1978 Bellaphon

Warship-Suite. 1980 Musk Project

Once and For All. 1981 Musk Project

UMR review

Priority: none

6/14/10

Credemus ~ Germany

Auf Dem Weg... 1984 Werola

Christian symphonic rock with female vocals like Eden, Werwolf, Gloria's Children, or maybe Sweden's Autumn Breeze - though Credemus aren't as consistent as those groups. This is one of those albums I bought from Eurock back in the late 1980s. Pretty scarce nowadays.

Priority: none

6/13/10

Niagara ~ Germany ***REISSUED***

***Reissued by Made in Germany Music Jun 2010 (all three albums)

S.U.B. 1972 United Artists

UMR review

Priority: 3

4/8/10 (new entry); 6/12/10 (complete)

News: Niagara CDs coming out on Made in Germany Music!

Suddenly we have quite a bit of news to report. Made in Germany Music (aka Fresh Fruit) is the label taking on the "La Vie Electronique" Klaus Schulze series (Vol. 5 & 6) as well as some of the recent Grobschnitt collectives. It appears they may have inherited some of the SPV Revisited line.

They are reissuing the entire Niagara catalog in one 3 CD set. That's good news for hardcore fans, though not preferable for me, as the first and last albums are percussion only, whereas the second album "S.U.B" is a fusion classic.

We've already featured the album here. Now if only Garden of Delights, or now perhaps MIG Music, will release the two Sunbirds albums, Klaus Weisse's greatest musical achievements!

Drops ~ Denmark

Drops. 1976 Hookfarm

Of the multitude of obscure fusion albums released in the mid 1970s, Drops is definitely in the top tier of that bunch. Foregoing the temptation to add US styled funk seems to be the separator, while the band focuses more on melody and composition rather than pointless solos. Five piece group with all the requisite instrumentation (sax, flute, el. piano, synthesizer, guitar, bass and drums). While certainly not at the level of the best German fusion groups like Embryo or Missus Beastly, Drops is well worth considering especially if your tastes run more towards jazz than rock. Features two members from Thors Hammer. 

Priority: 2

6/12/10

News: Nosferatu to be reissued by Long Hair

I don't typically announce albums that have already been legitimately reissued, which is one reason these pages aren't filled to the top with the latest Esoteric reissues, even though I adore the label.

However, I do like to call out new reissues of albums I really enjoy, and the original CD was legit, but not very interesting otherwise.

And Nosferatu is absolutely one of my favorite non-cosmic/experimental German rock albums from 1970. I've already featured them on my Unencumbered Music Reviews site, and it's interesting that I made this note: "Ohrwaschl was one of the original reissue labels of the early 90s. They broke in by reissuing most of the Kuckuk label, and progressed from there. All are unfortunately straight reissues with no info, bonus tracks, etc... But the sound is great. No complaints, but all of these could certainly use an upgrade.". And here it is!

It doesn't look like it will have bonus tracks, which is a pity, but it does feature unique liner notes written by the band and some photos. And I'm certain a wonderful sound.

Sensations' Fix / Franco Falsini ~ Italy ***REISSUED***

**All of these are now available as part of 6 CD sets (Vol. 1- Vol. 6) of various Italian progressive rock albums. Not ideal, but technically they've been reissued

Sensations Fix. 1974 Polydor
Portable Madness. 1975 Polydor
Finest Finger. 1976 Polydor
Boxes Paradise. 1977 Polydor

Franco Falsini - Cold Nose. 1975 Polydor

UMR review

Priority: 1

8/5/09 (new entry); 6/11/10 (complete)

News: Next two batches of Italian box sets (Vol. 5 and Vol. 6)

Last year, we covered the first two box sets coming out of Italy. The primary interest was the first time reissues of Sensations Fix "Portable Madness" and "Finest Finger". These boxes have been widely panned by the progressive rock buying community, for the poor mastering job: heavily compressed and very loud. I bought them both anyway, and I have no issues with the sound. I own the original vinyl of almost all of these albums (at least of the first two boxes), and many of them just aren't that great to begin with, and I have mintish copies in most cases. It's a subjective argument of course, and I tend to stay out of the discussion, because I'm sure technically those that are complaining have a good point. I didn't even bother to listen to the Jumbo's, Latte E Miele's etc, because I already own them on CD and I had no intention of selling them. I bought them for the Sensations Fix, and I was pleased (though I would have chosen they were issued separately).

I didn't report Box 3 or 4, as nothing of interest really caught my eye.

Thanks to a tip from reader Mike, Volumes 5 and 6 are coming out on June 24. Volume 5 has a bunch of obscurities that we've reported here (and I need to update). But the real gem here is Volume 6, that has the rare first Sensations Fix as well as Franco Falsini's "Cold Nose". I will be certain to buy that volume.

Progressive Italia Gli Anni '70 Vol. 5 (6CD) - available from June 24

CLAUDIO PASCOLI – NAIFUNK
MAURIZIO ARCIERI – TRASPARENZE
SENSATIONS’ FIX – FLYING TAPES
CLAUDIO DENTES – PANTAREI
MAURO PELOSI – IL SIGNORE DEI GATTI
MADRUGADA ‐ INCASTRO
Digital remastered sound!

Progressive Italia Gli Anni '70 Vol. 6 (6CD) - available from June 24

FRANCO FALSINI – COLD NOSE
MAURIZIO FABRIZIO – MOVIMENTI NEL CIELO
PANGEA – INVASORI
CARLO SILIOTTO ‐ ONDINA
PUEBLO – PUEBLO
SENSATIONS’ FIX – SENSATIONS’ FIX

Claudio Dentes ~ Italy ***REISSUED***

Pantarei. 1978 Mirto

***This album is part of Vol. 5 of Universal's Italian Progressive Rock Box sets Jun 2010

Generally solo artists from Italy during this era were singer-songwriter focused, but Dentes is primarily a multi-instrumentalist, and he puts his talent towards creating a strong instrumental work (though there are some sparse vocals). At times, Pantarei reaches the space rock heights of Franco Falsini's Cold Nose. I'm most reminded of this when I hear the electric guitar, which is super compressed and fuzzed out. While certainly not an Italian prog rock classic, Dentes' album is not one to overlook and is worth seeking out for a listen or two.

Priority: none

6/9/09 (new entry); 6/11/10 (complete)

Francisco (Francesco Lupica) ~ USA

Cosmic Beam Experience. 1976 Cosmic Beam

True organic cosmic rock from California. He prides himself on not using electronic instruments and many of them are self built. Haunting sound, and typically one of a kind album that could only come from the American underground. Shades of Cosmic Debris and Children of One are present, as is some of the earlier Popol Vuh work - ironically in their electronic phase. 

Priority: 3

6/10/10

News: Gunter Schickert's "Samtvogel" to be reissued soon?

In what has otherwise been a real slow year for reissue news, it was great to see this comment from reader Achim in my last posting for the Francisco album. Schickert's "Samtvogel" is one of the last of the "biggees" to yet see a CD reissue. Important Records is the chosen label for the CD (Wah Wah for LP). Important doesn't usually get involved with reissues, and there isn't any details on their website (nor Wah Wah's), but since the gentleman behind the band Holy Sons is directly involved, I'm excited to see this news!

More info here and here

Jean-Philippe Goude & Olivier Cole ~ France

Jeunes Années. 1976 Saravah

Keyboardist Goude is a recognizable name to many progressive rock fans for his participation with that most bombastic of Zeuhl groups - Weidorje. Prior to that project, he had teamed with percussionist Olivier Cole and released this one highly inventive keyboard / drums duo album. Rather than a series of organ/drum overload tracks, Goude focuses on moodier Rhodes and acoustic piano pieces, and utilizes his one synthesizer sound for his aggressive solos. There's a slight electronic music aesthetic applied throughout. A nice record, that has slipped under the radar. After Weidorje, Goude released the more overt Zeuhlish Drones album which Musea reissued many years ago. From there, Goude began to focus more squarely on incidental music geared for TV and films. I once had Meli-Melodies on LP, though it wasn't a cohesive album, like most library albums.

Priority: 3

6/9/10

Yves Hayat ~ France

A Conversation Between East & West. 1976 Timing

French music library album that mixes sitar, tabla, electric/acoustic guitar, drums, and Moog/clavinet based electronics. Excellent and a nice companion piece to the Yves et Alain Lorentz Espaces 2 album. 

Hayat apparently released a must own album, as considered by rare groove DJs, under the guise of Droids (1978). I haven't heard the latter yet.

Priority: 3

6/8/10

Leland (Yoshitsu) ~ USA

This is My World. 1976 private (1978 Contempt)

The second press is the most known (left), but apparently the 1976 issue has a unique track. Though sold as a psych record, and that may be true when listening to some of the splendid solos, this is pretty much a hard rock album in terms of structure, content and vocal style. Leland's voice reminds me of a known mid 70s hard rock band, but I cannot seem to place it. Sort of high pitched, with a tint of anger. Decent enough album that was pretty easy to find 15 years ago, but has become quite collectible in recent times.

Priority: 3

There's a very convincing reissue out there called A Self-Taught, Decathlon, Hard Rock Musician! from Stone Circle. It combines the second pressing with a live EP. The label looks a bit dicey and all their reissues were done from 2015 to 2016. They have some obvious pirate editions as well. Instincts are telling me this one isn't above board. We'll just leave as is for now, and we can always alter later if more data emerges.

6/7/10

Swegas ~ England

Child of Light. 1970 Trend
Beyond the Ox. 1971 BASF

UMR review

Priority: 2

6/1/10