Omnia Opera ~ England

Beyond the Tenth. 1986 private (MC)
Celebrate for Change. 1987 private (MC)
Omniasphere - Surfing the Zuvuya. 1990 private (MC)
Omnia - Seeking the Elusive. 1997 private (MC)

As of 5/20/26 the following has not happened:

From their website: "Squalor studios is currently engaged on a project to digitally remaster the popular Omnia Opera early cassette albums: 'Beyond the Tenth' and 'Celebrate for Change'. A project that is long overdue for those whose originals have worn-out! The final decision as which record company to use has yet to be made but there are rumours that Voiceprint may be taking an active role in promotion and distribution."

---Omnia

August 3rd, 2015 update:  If there was ever a title more apropos than Seeking the Elusive, I sure would like to know. But the AC has persevered and we now have finally heard this rarity! The AC notes "Very obscure cassette album by this post Omnia Opera group (it's basically the regular band lineup, just with a different drummer). A more stripped-down and guitar-oriented recording, with lots of thrashing, heavy Hawkwindian riffage and angsty vocals over a steadily pounding rhythm section, with the usual keyboards and spacey effects used only sparingly. All of the techno/electronica elements that had crept in on "Red Shift" are completely out the window here, and the songs tend to be a bit more concise, making for nothing but a full frontal assault. This one has seemingly been lost to history, and aside from a reworking of "Second Skin" on their comeback album "Nothing Is Ordinary", none of this material has ever appeared elsewhere." And really, while on the topic of Nothing is Ordinary, clearly this was the path Omnia Opera were heading even at this stage some 15 years prior. If you like the 1993 debut CD, then for certain Seeking the Elusive will be of great interest. Perhaps a bit rawer in sound quality, but compositionally very familiar.

Priority: 2

7/1/11 (new entry); 8/3/15 (update)

Akira Ishikawa & His Count Buffalos ~ Japan ***REISSUED***

African Rock. 1971 Dan

***Reissued by Clinck in Jul 2015

UMR review

Priority: 2

4/18/15 (new entry); 7/29/15 (complete)

News: Finchley Boys "Everlasting Tributes" to come out on CD this year!

Recently we featured the Finchley Boys via the CD-R revisit project. A comment appeared on that post this morning from band member Garrett Oostdyck, who brought us this good news: "We really do plan on having a CD release this year (2015) There will be a few never heard tracks. I know the bootleggers don't have them yet as the tapes have been lost for 46 years." 

Great news for hard rock and heavy blues fans! I certainly will be picking one up when available.

Hobo, Croatia

Hobo - s/t. 1975 Jugoton

Another title that came up via the CD-R revisit project.

Hobo's sole work is a commercially oriented rock album that includes some fine violin, Moog, and piano giving it a progressive feel. The almost seven minute 'Srebro' is the highlight, and predates what their neighboring Igra Staklenih Perli were about to embark on, with their own take on the early Pink Floyd psychedelic/cosmic sound. Though sadly, this is the only track of this nature found on the album. The strong presence of violin, and the way the compositions are structured, recalls Kansas at the same juncture. Clearly these bands were operating on a parallel mindset as Hobo could not possibly have known of Kansas at this point in time. Good album all around, with some quality songwriting and progressions found within.

We have to suspect (or hope anyway) that Hobo has some unreleased material that is far more progressive than what is found on this LP. They are far too talented to have been satisfied with the overall commercial approach. One can only hope a CD surfaces with copious bonus material reflecting such.

Priority: 3

Mandrill, USA

Mandrill - Mandrilland. 1974 Polydor. 2LP set
Mandrill - Solid. 1975 United Artists
Mandrill - Beast from the East. 1976 United Artists

Since we're already operating outside the margins of the CDRWL, I thought this would be a good time to sneak in one of my favorite bands: Mandrill. Their first 4 albums (all highly recommended) were reissued on CD in the late 90s by Collectables. These are their next 3 albums, which I dutifully picked up on vinyl over the years (they're relatively easy to find and inexpensive). Each one is slightly lesser than the one before. By the time of We Are One, Mandrill will have transformed into a full blown disco act. Not bad by any means, but that's too far out of bounds for our list.

It has been said that Brooklyn's Mandrill were too progressive rock to be funk and too funk to be progressive rock. And that's just about exactly right. In fact the 2LP sprawling set of Mandrillland may be their peak at the progressive rock style. And on the flip side, Beast From the East is giving off major clues the band is clearly heading for more commercial territory, though there's still some great funk/prog to be heard.

Priority: 2

One St. Stephen, USA

One St. Stephen - s/t. 1975 Owl

In the late 90s, I bought a large collection of CDs and LPs. One of those CDs was One St. Stephen's sole album. But it's an obvious pirate, and unfortunately that's all there is in regards to a CD. There is, however, a legitimate LP reissue. And the artist is very happy with the final product.

The gentleman behind One St. Stephen is Don Patterson, who seems like quite the Renaissance Man. There is a tremendous amount of data about him in the webosphere. I highly recommend the It's Psychedelic Baby interview as the first place to start your research.

Musically the album is influenced by Jim Morrison and The Doors, and is a very anachronistic sound for 1975. Perhaps similar to Phantom's Divine Comedy in that way. I should note that the idea that One St. Stephen sounds like The Doors is hotly contested in some quarters. OK, then...

Priority: 3

Colonna, Italy

Colonna - s/t. 1980 Harmony. Also 1980 Box (Germany)

Another album that probably sits outside the margins of our list. But what a cover, eh? I received this CD-R from Midwest Mike years ago. Worth featuring I think.

Colonna is one Maurizio Colonna, who is today recognized as one of Italy's finest Spanish guitar players. This is his debut album, which naturally enough prominently features Colonna on the acoustic Spanish guitar. His exemplary playing is augmented by vocals, Moog synths, and rock/disco beats. He has many more albums which I've not heard to date. This one sports a pretty cool cover (a flying bull and a spaceship), and I could see this falling prey to the Italian progressive rock collector, though it has no stylistic similarities whatsoever. Well done for what it is. I'll include it here for those Italian prog treasure hunters, so they know what they're getting into. Also worth noting the exceptional supporting cast: Roberto Colombo, Tullio De Piscopo, Mark Harris (Napoli Centrale), Bernardo Lanzetti (PFM, Acqua Fragile) and bassist Ares Tavolazzi (Area).

Priority: none

Charlee, Canada

Charlee. 1972 RCA

UMR review

Priority: 2

Steinzeit, Germany

Steinzeit - Geburtstag. 1982 Absurde Geburten

As General Burkhalter might say "Ve-dy IN-TER-REST-ING Klink!". The AC has a wild one for us today.

"Imagine if you took the caterwauling female vocals and general angst of Gutura, but then replaced the atonal no wave guitar scree with some fragmented, twitchy kraut jazz instead. That's about the only description I can come up with for this underground German oddity. Production wise, this sounds like it may have been recorded in the same basement/crawlspace/broom closet that Buchenfeld used. I was kind of fascinated at first, but as time wore on found it increasingly irritating. Interesting, but will most likely have a strictly niche appeal."

I didn't read The AC's notes until the day after, but I can tell you the very first band to enter my mind, and it never left, was France's Gutura, who we've featured in the past here on the CDRWL. I must have been in a good mood, because the production didn't bother me in this case (broom closet lol). Twisty kraut jazz indeed, with spastic yet enunciated yelping from our crazy gal. And some fine mid 70s Crimsonish guitar. Odd album for sure, but one I found quite arresting. I suspect I'm the niche in this case. A good one for my tastes!

Priority: 2

F.G. Experimental Laboratory, Switzerland

F.G. Experimental Laboratory - Hope. 1980 Studio Scafe

When Garden of Delights reissued F.G. Experimental Laboratory's debut album Journey into a Dream back in 2006, I just presumed this title would follow shortly thereafter. So I never featured it. But it doesn't appear GoD has any interest in this title. I can understand why, as it's not exemplary, but it's just as good as the debut IMO. So with that...

F.G. Experimental Laboratory is a one man electronic show from a gentleman named Frédy Guye. Good haunting electronics with some wordless voice is what you can expect to find here. Somewhat akin to Jean-Baptiste Barriere, though not quite as dire as those his two albums can be. Guye should have added more variety to his keyboard selection, to add color and tone to what ultimately sums up to be a fairly monolithic release.

Priority: none

Melofin, USA

Melofin - Ivan Tale. 1984 private

And yet another Midwest Mike submission from the past that came up during the CD-R revisit project. Definitely on the margins of what we cover here, but a good listen nonetheless. 

Melofin's sole album from 1984 is a slow moving, slice-of-life, psychedelic folk album that sounds about 15 years past its expiration date. Mostly vocal driven acoustic music, with occasional electric guitar leads, winds, and synthesizer. Melofin hail from Morgantown, West Virginia and makes one wonder if perhaps the 60s psych movement had just found its way into the Allegheny mountains. Somewhere between old-timey mountain music, Celtic jigs, and CSN&Y singalongs. Recalls some of the low budget English 99-album-count folk albums from 1969/70. About as anachronistic as they come. All the same, worth a few listens for certain. And it features an awesome album cover, which unfortunately does not represent the contents within.

Priority: none

George Gruntz / Piano Conclave, Germany

George Gruntz / Piano Conclave - Palais Anthology. 1975 MPS/BASF.

Here's one Midwest Mike sent me years ago, and it recently popped up on the CD-R revisit project. Definitely worthy of its own post!

Hard hitting fusion from an all-star cast of Europe's finest ivory ticklers of the mid 70s. A mix of funky fusion, Canterbury rock, and straight-up piano jazz. A nice surprise, and not an album one would likely buy if they saw the cover - except noting the marquee names, which is more than impressive: Gordon Beck, Wolfgang Dauner, George Gruntz, Jasper Van't Hof, Joachim Kuhn, Martial Solal, John Lee, Alphonse Mouzon. Yep, pretty ridiculous lineup right there.

Priority: 3

Panama Red, Germany

Panama Red - Limited. 1981 private

I had this one buried in the main list without even a small description, and I remembered little about it. But it just came up during the CD-R revisit project, and the results were favorable, so here is its debut on the CDRWL.

Panama Red were one of those compelling German bands that came around in the late 70s and early 80s. Most were privately released, and mixed straight up 70s FM rock with progressive oriented ideas/meters, and a Latin jazz fusion undertone. What strikes me most about Panama Red is 1) the exemplary guitar work and 2) the high quality of the production. This is no backyard job, that's for sure. File next to Desiree and Blister Chap, a couple of other hard-to-describe German bands of high quality, but yet do not fit easy categorization.

Priority: 3

Orpheus ~ USA

Orpheus. 1979 private
Orpheus 2. 1981 Acapella

Recent data has emerged that were from Boston rather than Canada.

Orpheus were an instrumental jazz fusion band from Boston who managed two albums in a two year time frame. On their debut, they play the familiar tropes of funk, Latin, lounge, borderline disco, and breezy fusion. Nothing outside the box, but the contents within are pleasant enough. While it seems clear this is guitarist Robert Lanter's band - and he gets in a few good licks - the star of the show appears to be bassist Chuck Quinn. He's poppin' his 4 string everywhere - and loud at that. Sometimes even a hint of fuzz. Overall if you enjoy the swinging sounds of The Love Boat era, then Orpheus will check that box for you. Good, but non distinctive. If memory serves, their sophomore effort is better. For another day.

---

Hmmm... I recall this band. They weren't any good right? What say the AC?

"Deep within the bowels of the "Original CD Reissue Wish List"

Uh-oh. Be very careful when going there AC...

"this Montreal band's eponymous 1979 debut is described simply as "boring fusion" and has a pound sign next to it (better known as a "hashtag" to you young whippersnappers), which I think is CDRWL-speak for "don't bother"". 

I sense a trip to the woodshed. (Covers eyes...)..... peeks.....

"And as much as I love the whole late 70s/early 80s obscure fusion wave, I can't help but agree. Their first LP (despite having a cool cover) IS one of the more forgettable examples of the style."

Whew! He had me worried there for a minute....

"So why am I reviewing this even more obscure followup here? I mean, the generic title, glittering disco ball cover and track titles like "Funk Me Tender" certainly don't imply a significant improvement, right?. But lo and behold, for a miracle has been brought forth before us!"

Oh my, really?

"Disregard the cheesy aesthetics and forget all about their snoozer debut, because this one is nothing short of an outstanding display of instrumental progressive fusion. Tight, energetic and full of twists and turns, this pretty much nails it from start to finish. Great production, as well. Despite being distributed in Canada by Polygram, this seems to have almost totally dropped off the radar over the years. Go forth and seek it out if you're even remotely interested in the style."

LOL. How does he do it? I ask again: How does he do it? Time after time.... after time! It must be a SECRET then....

As for this second album, it is definitely a fusion lover's delight. Has that warm slap bass, and patented cheesy synthesizer sound that we know and love. All in complex time signatures, and with some fiery guitar solos thrown on top. Definitely worth a:

Priority: 3

7/3/15 (new entry)

News: Garden of Delights reissues Embryo - Live!

While we had been anticipating the Sunbirds reissue, Garden of Delights did manage to sneak this one in on us. It's been on their Coming Soon list for many years, but we had no indication of an imminent reissue. This CD is most welcome, and I believe this represents the last Embryo "proper" LP to be reissued on CD. Of course, they have tons of archived live material that remains in the vaults, and GoD has promised us at least one of those from their late 70s' jazz funk fusion heyday. Note that there's a lengthy bonus track as well!

Label says: "Neatly recorded in February 1976, it was released on LP in 1977 (April 0003), but has not yet appeared as CD. The gig had taken place in a town near Munich. The album features the jazz-rock typical of Embryo, influenced by ethnic music, with scarce vocals and some unusual instruments like marimba, dilruba, oud, and nagasuram. Christian Burchard and Roman Bunka wrote most of the songs together. Only 'The orange man' was written by Charlie Mariano. The long CD bonus track 'Just arrived' was recorded in Northern Italy on March 6th, 1976, by the very same Embryo line-up and was as yet unreleased. The cover was then designed by Roman Bunka and was used for the CD without any changes."

News: Garden of Delights reissues Sunbirds - Zagara!

We've talked about this a couple of times in the last few years, and now the CD from GoD has been officially released! Includes one bonus track as well. Great news for fans of "Kraut jazz fusion". This is a very worthy album, and I'll buy one as soon as possible. Thanks to reader Gal for the heads up!

Label says: "Fusion from Munich, some smoothly relaxed kind of music with Latin influences. After the first Sunbirds LP from 1971, with Philip Catherine on guitar, the album at hand is the band's second and last one, recorded in 1972 and released in 1973 (Finger 2396101). It is the first CD version, drawn from the master tapes, including the bonus track 'Mbira' which was then recorded during the same session. All of the musicians were masters of their trade. Drummer Klaus Weiss, keyboardist Fritz Pauer and bassists Jimmy Woode and Ron Carter were world-famous even back then, and the others were in no way inferior. The nine artists were so skilled that nearly all recordings were perfect at the first attempt. Unfortunately, the two studio albums should remain the band's only releases. There weren't any Sunbirds gigs for lack of time."

Innervisions ~ USA

Beginnings End. 1977 Visions Ltd

UMR review

Priority: 2

6/22/15 (new entry)

Sunbirds ~ Germany ***REISSUED***

Sunbirds. 1971 BASF
Zagara. 1972 Polydor

***Sunbirds reissued by Garden of Delights, June 2011
***Zagara reissued by Garden of Delights, June 2015

UMR review

Priority: 1

6/19/09; 5/30/11; 6/22/15 (complete)

News: Lion to release Laurence Vanay's mythical 4th and 5th albums in the Fall! + Many other announcements (Wapassou+)

We just heard from Vincent at Lion and he shared the great news. These two* La Petite Fenêtre and Les Soleils de la Vie have been on their Coming Soon list for some time, but now it has become reality. As you all know, we're big fans of Vanay, and I just hope these latter albums are at (or near) the same level as the breathtaking Galaxies or Evening Colours. Obviously we haven't heard them to date, but this will be for certain one of our most anticipated albums of the year. They will be reissued on both CD and LP and each album will feature many bonus tracks. I don't have covers to share at this point, but will post them as soon as I can.

*It can be argued that these are the 3rd and 4th albums, as many discount Magic Slows as a true Vanay album.

---

In addition to these two albums, Lion will also issue a double LP version of Galaxies. The second LP will include one side of the Glaciers Interdits soundtrack (which we have also not heard) plus alternate takes (CD bonus tracks) on the other side. Sounds like a worthy purchase!

---

One other major announcement is that Lion will be reissuing the first Wapassou album on LP and CD. And Vincent says this is the best sounding version for certain! If you've read my UMR blog, I've waxed on about how great this album is. I already own two CDs (Musea & Belle Antique) and one LP (Omega Studios). I think I'll add one more LP to that stack!

----

There is also plenty more coming out from the Lion camp, much of it falling on, our outside, the margins of the CDRWL, but noteworthy all the same - especially for psychedelic fans. Some of these are out already, some are on the way:

July - Second of July. Digipak CD + 12 page booklet. These are the demos of the legendary July album (pre Jade Warrior).

Nihilist Spasm Band. CD + 32 page booklet. Free improv from Canada circa 1968.

Tin House - s/t. LP + EP.

Wilson McKinley - Spirit of Elijah. LP
Wilson McKinley - Heaven's Going to be a Blast. LP

Ray Pierle (McKay) - Time and Money + Rhythm of the Highway. Both albums on one CD.

Michael Angelo - s/t + Sorcerer's Dream + Nuts (as Michael Nitro). 2 CD set of all 3 albums. +28 page booklet. All for the price of one CD!

----

Wow! We're fortunate there are still reissue labels like Lion fighting the good fight. Please support them when and where you can!

News: Akira Ishikawa & His Count Buffalos "African Rock " to be reissued in July!

Well, that was fast! Perhaps a new record for the CDRWL. We just featured this title back in April, thanks to the AC.

Special thanks goes to reader Bacoso (who runs the popular Orgy in Rhythm blog), who tipped us off that African Rock will be reissued July 29th! The Instagram feed he sent the blog was in Kanji, but it translates to: "[Deep Jazz Reality New] Finally on CD! Ishikawa Akira and count Buffalo's took a shot in the 1971 "African Rock". Suzuki Hiromasa, Kimio Mizutani, it is a masterpiece of Tribal Jazz rock participated Muraoka Ken-ra. July 29 release." A little bit of translation issues there at the end, but the main point is presented.

News: Michal Urbaniak's Atma has been reissued. Plus more!

Some of you may recall our posting at the beginning of the year regarding Urbaniak's reissue of Inactin. Well yesterday we learned, directly from inside the Urbaniak camp, that his most highly rated fusion album Atma has just been reissued! And on WEA (Warner Bros.) Poland, so it should be easy to source as well! I found copies on Amazon (US) this morning.

In addition to this great news, we were also told: "There is also new (2014) pressing of "Fusion III" and "Body English" - first one also contains a booklet (first pressing on UBX label didn't have it), second just short new notes inside digipack." and "There will be a CD version of "Parathypus B"! Maybe this Q3-Q4 this year? We've got also extended material from his concert album "Constellation In Concert". But I think it will wait until next year, as in 2015 the priority are LP reissues. The LPs will be by "Atma" (1974), UrbSymphony (1994) and probably another 90s album. But I guess when the "Parathypus" will be released, it will receive a CD and LP version."

So exciting news all around for fusion fans!

Jukka Linkola, Finland

Banana. 1976 Hi-Hat

Here's another title from the ongoing CD-R revisit program. I'm promoting this title from the main list.

Linkola, today a renowned classical pianist, was once a prominent fixture on the Finnish jazz fusion scene - most notably on Jukka Hauru's "Episode" album. Here he presents a typical-of-the-time light, tropical, and sunny fusion work with electric piano, sax, warm bass, guitar, and island percussion. Some moody interludes foreshadow his later work. A well done period piece.

It would appear his 1979 album Protofunk (on Kompass) would also be of interest to the CDRWL, but I haven't heard the album to date.

Priority: 3

Reissued on LP by Svart (2016).

Continuum ~ USA

End of Line. 1984 Schmizz

UMR review

Priority: 2

There does exist a homemade CD-R taken from vinyl, mastered, and burned from a computer (completely legit). I confirmed this with Robert Baglione myself (and who I bought the LP from). Here's hoping for a more proper CD reissue.

6/7/15 (new entry)

Ted Moses Quintet, Canada

Ted Moses Quintet - The Farther You Go, The Farther You See. 1979 Mother Necessity

After 3 albums of crazy early 70s Japanese psychedelic cover tunes, I was looking for a bit of normalcy, and as luck would have it, Ted Moses Quintet was appended to Sound Creation's Rock Fantasia. Ah.... instrumental fusion. Wholesome fusion at that.

The AC says: "Sandwiched in between his electric modal/jazz-rock classic "Sidereal Time" and appearance on Ken Ramm's well-regarded "Dragon", Canadian pianist/keyboardist Moses and his group released this relatively unknown fusion platter. Although his piano/keyboards are definitely in the classic Chick Corea mold, the prominent use of trumpet and mixture of energetic funky fusion with more somber, haunting themes is somewhat reminiscent of Eddie Henderson's mid 70s work. Comes in a nice gatefold with some weird psychedelic artwork inside."

Those Chick Corea styled keyboards really dominate here.This is Fusion 101, so if you're a fan of the genre, then this is right in the middle of the railroad track. I'd prefer a bit more dirt and edge, though coming off Rock Fantasia, I have to admit this did sound pleasing to the ears.

As noted above, Ted Moses recorded a highly regarded jazz album from 1974 that is also without a CD reissue, though it would appear that title falls outside the boundaries of our blog. As well, we featured Ken Ramm years ago.

Priority: none

The Freedom Unity, Sammy, Singers Three ~ Japan

The Freedom Unity, Sammy, Singers Three - Dynamic Rock. 1971 Toshiba

As fortune would have it, I had appended this album to Sound Creation's "Progressive Rock" (see yesterday's feature), thus unwittingly subjugating myself to nearly an hour and a half of early 1970s Japanese psychedelic cover tunes. Woo! That was some experience I tell ya.

The AC defines this one as: "This one's been a hit for years in the Japanese DJ scene, but just now seems to be gaining some notice in the outside world. It's your typical pop hits cover album of the time, but the frenzied execution and stylistic focus elevates it above the norm. Most of the covers are of the then popular horn rock variety (Chicago, BS&T, Traffic) with a few schmaltzy numbers thrown in that drag things down a bit. But when they let it rip, watch out! The husky-voiced Sammy belts it out over a turbo-charged horn rock attack, complete with crazed fuzz bass and Kimio Mizutani's patented ripping psych solos. Not an immortal masterwork by any means, but still a lot of fun."

I found the Chicago covers '25 or 6 to 4' and 'Free' to be the highlights here, with tight horn charts and Mizutani doing his best rendition of Terry Kath. On the other hand, the opening track is Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Proud Mary'. Oh you haven't lived until you've heard 'Lorrin.... Lorrin.... Lorrin on a Liver'.

As the AC accurately states, the album is fun - perhaps fun-ny at times - and worth at least one listen.

Priority: none

Sound Creation, Japan

Sound Creation - Progressive Rock. 1971 Teichiku
Sound Creation - Rock Fantasia. 1972 Teichiku

Lots to talk about here. I'm moving this post forward from December 14, 2014 as we've now heard  both of the albums in full. Both of these were in the batch from the AC's latest exploration. In a nutshell, the misnamed "Progressive Rock" album is not very worthwhile, but Rock Fantasia ended up being a full album worth hearing. Another bizarre occurrence here is that CDRWL friend Julian Ryan featured this album on his blog just two days ago, unbeknownst to us, and I encourage you to visit, as he has the killer cut (mentioned below) readily available on his site. I'm going to start with our original notes on Dec. 14 and then please scroll down to see the new notes.

------ DECEMBER 14, 2014 -----

I've been sitting on "Rock Fantasia" for awhile. This came via a tip from Laser Ken a couple of months ago. I've only heard one side of the album, but it's really quite an amazing side! We've been talking about the early 70s Japanese underground for a few years now on the CDRWL. It's amazing to me just how many treasures there are to be found over there - and they are all ridiculously obscure. In the last few years, we've seen CD reissues of these gems - always limited and expensive. But they've been worth the time, money, and effort for me at least. Perhaps this will be another title we will see? I hope so...

Here is the description that came from the dealer that was selling this (and where I got the sound clip, which is no longer available.... however for the clever amongst you, do a Google search and use the cache feature...).

"The monster Japanese progressive psych LP...!!!! Same series of "S.Tanaka - British Rock Live" LP by Teichiku label. Pink Floyd type progressive rock music. The arranger is Yusuke Hoguchi! He is the leader of People - Ceremony"Buddha meet rock"!! Sound Creation is a secret band. All band member's names are hidden. The inside of the sleeve has liner notes. Even the reviewer of the liner notes does not know it. However, I think the band is same of "Buddha meet rock."...! Because the arranger is Yusuke Hoguchi... If it is right, the guitarist is Kimio Mizutani!!!! This LP is really rare, so Pokora's book does not list this LP yet." 

Well there you have it. When he says "Pink Floyd type progressive rock music", he means Ummagumma era. This is the good stuff. Space rock with a psychedelic freakout backdrop provided by no less than the legendary resident freakmeister himself: Kimio Mizutani.

Priority: 1 or 2 (if it's like the track I heard, we'll go Priority 1... but for all I know Side 2 is a choral piece, or children's music, or God knows what. The Japanese albums from this period are crazy like that. Even if that's the case, it's worth a CD for the one side which is over 20 minutes long).

The AC has also chimed in regarding this band with his usual expertise on the Japanese scene: "As you suspected, it was your typical exploitation studio project that was so common at the time in Japan. It was indeed another Yusuke Hoguchi-led session (People, Mannheim Rock Ensemble, etc.), and was actually the second Sound Creation LP. The first one was also released on Teichiku (in '71) and was called (wait for it...) "Progressive Rock"! (scan attached). Anyway, both of these were basically covers/arrangement albums, but given the psychedelic "New Rock" makeover. As you might expect, the side that the dealer featured is the more interesting of the two. And both LPs, while they have their moments, are rather patchy. Other LPs of this ilk that are still not too well-known include the aforementioned "British Rock Live in Japan", a couple of the "Warner Beatniks" LPs featuring Kimio Mizutani and even one or two of the later, lesser-known Love Live Life records. Again, most of this stuff is fun but inconsistent, and not always as shockingly rare/expensive in Japan as certain dealers catering to western collectors make them out to be."

----- JUNE 4, 2015 -----

Let's move straight to the AC's dig notes: "Sound Creation was yet another name for Yusuke Hoguchi's group of studio gunslingers who recorded so many of these sessions back in the early 70s New Rock heyday, in this case for Teichiku. They also appeared on a number of other exploitation/covers LPs during that timeframe, and if I recall correctly a later version of the group also existed that cut a few cheesy direct-to-disc jazz-funk EPs. But the albums they're best remembered for (if they're remembered at all) are these two rarities. The first, "Progressive Rock", sports an eye-catching (but completely non sequitur) "African woman" cover and was released in the same "Lover Creation" series that the infamous People "Buddha Meet Rock" album was, complete with an identical yellow textured fabric sleeve (there were other releases in this series, but like most of these things back then, there was really no consistency or logical connection between any of them). It comes with an insert, which oddly rambles on about the New Rock explosion that was taking Japan by storm, focusing particularly on the influence of (you guessed it) progressive rock on this "happening scene". Yeah, man! But if you flip it over, you'll notice that the album consists of nothing but instrumental covers of then-recent pop/rock hits, like most of these albums tended to. Uh oh... But wait, all is not lost! Because the group at least tried to psych-up some of these standards, so a few are transformed into slowly creeping late-nighters echoing off into space, and a couple get the more energetic treatment, with groovy organ and ripping Mizutani fuzz leads. However, that can't save around half of it from being pretty mundane. It's quite fun for a spin or two, but not really worth what it might cost you to track down, and really has very little to do with its musical namesake. Amusingly, Teichiku also released another Sound Creation LP right around the same time called "Trip To Beautiful Rock World - Mamy Blue" (don't get me started on the bizarre "Mamy Blue" fixation that these Japanese exploitation records had...) that has the exact same track list (just in a different order) but dropped the prog/psych pretense entirely and let the cheese flow free. Unsurprisingly, that one is much cheaper and easier to find today (cover pic included, just for fun).

Fast forward just a couple of months (they knocked these suckers out fast back then!), and Sound Creation were back in the studio, probably with more vague instructions to do another quick and easy cover songs cash-in, but it seems like the guys were on a bit too much acid at this point, so instead they decided to take the list of songs they were given and work them into some kind of semi-conceptual psychedelic/space-rock opus. Released as one of those 4 channel discs, opening up the gatefold will reveal a truly bizarre set of Japanese liner notes, giving you some clue that things had taken a turn for the weird. They ramble on about hallucinatory visions, surrealist French poetry, Walt Disney (I guess the "stoners love Fantasia!" thing was going on in Japan too) and most importantly, the influence of Pink Floyd. But what this all translates into musically is quite interesting indeed. You'll hear fleeting bits and pieces of the tunes they're supposed to be covering (most amusingly when the iconic "Theme From Shaft" is transformed into a thunderous psych-funk/space-rock jam), but for the most part they decided to drift off on their own and lay down the prime-era Floydian space psych nice and thick. It can be a bit slow going at times (as Floyd themselves often were, in all honesty), but it's good stuff. However, the jackpot is really hit around halfway through side 2, as the deep end is reached and left behind in chilling fashion. The moment where a crystal clear rendition of the main theme from "Sweet Caroline" (backed by disturbing dissonant noises) emerges briefly from a pool of abstract synths and noise guitar, only to be swallowed by a sinister space-rock march into a pounding krautrockian "end of the universe" freakout is truly hair-raising, and elevates this album into a must-listen experience."

And so we now have the full story. The first album "Progressive Rock" is a pretty mundane set of covers, though anything with Kimio Mizutani (the busiest man in Japan?) is bound to bring a wry smile to any self-proclaimed psychedelic fan. Meanwhile I think we were all scared to hear the "other side" of Rock Fantasia, but it turned out fine as both the AC and JR noted. Personally, I find the highlight to be the end of Side 1, that climaxes into a wonderful Ash Ra Tempel / Pink Floyd thundering jam. But the whole album is excellent.

Priority: 2 (for Rock Fantasia only. "Progressive Rock" would make a nice set of bonus tracks)

Elohim, France

Elohim - A l'Aube du Verseau. 1975 Philips

Another one from Thursday night's CD-R revisit program. Had this in the main list, and it's one that has grown on me over time. It's much more progressive than it appears on initial impact.

Screwball rock / folk / progressive album that is part theatrical, part glee club, part hippy dippy mysticism. Dual male/female vocals dominate the proceedings, but this isn't a traditional folk album by any stretch of the imagination. The instrumental sections definitely come off the bench in relief, but are creative enough to warrant a few listens. If you're looking for something entirely unique, this may fit the bill. Different Elohim than the 1983 neo prog group, which was reissued by Musea years ago.

Priority: 3

Nya Ljudbolaget, Sweden

Nya Ljudbolaget - s/t. 1981 MNW

This title came up via the CD-R revisit project. Not a favorite style of mine, but I know many of you would like to see this one reissued.

Very much a product of the Swedish Progg (note spelling) MNW label, Nya Ljudbolaget carries a blend of late era Archimedes Badkar, along with Arbete och Fritid and Samla Mammas Manna - the latter two each featuring representatives on the album. One track is even called 'Ramlösa mammas fritid', a giveaway if there ever was one. In effect, it's a world music / jazz hybrid, where India and the Middle East meets the West via the avant garde. Features some fine flute, hand percussion, and cello amongst the usual melodic and free blow saxophone/trumpet. Vocals are sung in the always lovely Swedish tongue. Albums like this tend to rate well, but personally I find them somewhat academic and highbrow. I prefer some dirt with my music. All the same, a pleasant listen, especially if inclined towards the genres and bands mentioned above.

Priority: none

Agharta, Canada

Agharta - s/t. 1980 Jam

While on the topic of obscure fusion, let's cover off on this one that Midwest Mike sent me years ago. It's been in the main list since then, but I do think it's worthy of its own feature. On reflection, it's a fine album, falling just a smidge onto the other side of the Priority fence.

Agharta's sole album can be summarized as a light and breezy instrumental fusion work with piano and various woodwinds (sax, clarinet, flute). Lead by keyboardist Jacques Mignault (and released on his own label) with the help of other local Quebec jazz musicians, most notably Michael Seguin. Very much a product of its day, with strong overtones of same era Weather Report and Spyro Gyra. The flute, piano, and odd electronic piece give it a warmth perhaps missing in similar type efforts. Well done for the style. Neat cover art.

Quick update: The AC commented that he remembered this one being reissued on CD. And he found a couple of (expensive) copies on Amazon. It appears to have been solely distributed through CD Baby from 2006. And many of those were just CD-R's, so we're not sure if this was factory pressed or not, since it's long gone (and not mentioned on any of the discography sites). So we'll leave the post as is for now.

Priority: none

Bellvista ~ USA

The Painter. 1982 En Route Records

UMR review

Priority: 2

The AC's notes: "Boston area fusion band's only LP, and it's a good one. Intelligent compositions with plenty of nice keyboard and guitar work. The electric guitar soloing in particular gives a nicely contrasting aggressive edge to the mostly melodic proceedings, going into full-on psychedelic mode on the lengthy final track. Recommended to genre fans. Guitarist Peter Calo released a solo album on the same label the following year, but much of it is more pop/vocal oriented."

5/23/15 (new entry)

Natdamperen ~ Denmark

Natdamperen. 1975 Abel

Boogieman Eats Frikadeller. 1976 Abel

Visions. 1979 Respons

Ugh. Natdamperen's debut is quite the mess of an album. Some of it is horrific, and some of it is sublime. Perfect for an archival release, as long as I get to choose the tracks of course...

Let's start out positive: 'Cabana In' and 'Cabana Out' could have easily been on an Embryo album from this era, with its deep jazz funk groove and wah wah guitar providing the base for some loose jams.

Then there's the band's lengthy namesake track - straight from Furtive Pearl era Secret Oyster, with blistering bumble bee guitar, fuzzed out Rhodes piano, and especially the blotted sax layered on top of it all.

And now it's time for the.... bad. The album opens with the incredibly insipid 'Lille', which sounds like a cross between television advertising music and The Benny Hill Show. This obnoxious sound is carried further on the tracks 'På gaden' and 'Malstrømmen'. Technically these are Scandinavian folk tunes, but this is a long way from how Kebnekaise - as but one example - would have handled it. The word "corny" comes to mind often. 'Kniven' is a smooth jazz throwaway, whereas the closer sounds like a drunken requiem composed for a wake.

Mixed bag here, so proceed with caution. But there 17 minutes of high quality jazz rock music that just can't be ignored.

Priority: 3

5/22/15 (new entry)

Jiro Inagaki and His Soul Media ~ Japan ***REISSUED***

Dousojin (Yabunirami Minyoukou). 1972 Columbia

***Reissued by Columbia May 2015

UMR review

Here are the details from the AC, with his usual fantastic review:

"Nippon Columbia: NCB-7017 (Adventure In Sound series), 1972, Japan

Jirou Inagaki & Soul Media (Music) Yasushi Sawada (Vocals) Yasuhiro Koyama (Composer, Arranger)

Side 1: 1 - Inanome 2 - Kigishi 3 - Susomi 4 - Kusakahi 5 - Arisobe

Side 2: 1 - Tabute 2 - Sasara 3 - Yabunirami No Isan

Saxophonist and band leader Jirou Inagaki was a familiar face to Japanese jazz audiences in the 1970s, putting in countless hours as a studio session man, collaborating with most of the other big names on the scene, and fronting his own group, the Soul Media. Their early 70s catalogue is a real mixed bag of serious jazz (including collaborations with luminaries such as Masahiko Satoh and Hiromasa Suzuki), exploitation/covers LPs and a few albums worth of easy-going jazz-funk, such as "Head Rock" and "Woodstock Generation", which unsurprisingly later found favor with the hipster DJ types, leading to easily available CD reissues. However, in the midst of all this they also produced one album that should hold great interest to fans of progressive and psychedelic rock. Would it surprise you to hear that it also just happens to be horrendously rare and virtually unknown? No, I didn't think so. In any case, "Dousojin" (a type of Shinto fertility deity, often depicted on stone statues such as those seen on the album cover) is yet another attempt at fusing traditional Japanese music with "New Rock", in this case an interesting fusion of prog/psych and a uniquely Japanese sort of folk-rock. The songs, arranged by composer Yasuhiro Koyama (who also penned one side of Toshiyuki Miyama's "Tsuchi No Ne", another of Columbia's "Adventure In Sound" albums), are all actually variations and elaborations on traditional Japanese "minyou", old folk songs known to people all across Japan for countless generations. The whole album flows very nicely, running seamlessly from solemn folky songs to fuzz-guitar and piano led progressive pieces and back again, always maintaining a deeply Japanese atmosphere. The musicianship and production are both top-notch, as well. Another of Japan's truly excellent "lost" albums, terribly rare and barely known even in its own homeland. Hopefully a proper CD reissue will rescue this from obscurity someday, as I believe it could have wide appeal to fans of prog/psych, folk-rock, and enthusiasts of Japanese music in general."

Priority: 3

1/5/12 (new entry); 5/20/15 (complete)

Manzanita, USA

Manzanita - Pirate Lady. 1979 private

Back to the rare AC stash that was recently sent in. Wow - what a cover! If I had run across this LP at a store, I would have bought it immediately, and asked questions later. So AC, what is it? "San Diego based group's sole release of pleasant instrumental fusion. Melodic sax and electric piano are the main ingredients here. Tends towards the smooth side, but has just enough compositional interest to keep you listening. Another one of those obscure private fusion LPs that boasts surprisingly excellent production values."

I'll admit this one was too jazz-light-fusion for me. Certainly easy to listen to, even though it's not pushing any of my buttons. As we know, though, there's a large audience for this sound, and the AC is zeroed in tight with it, so this is one of those times you probably need to ignore my comments (perhaps good advice in any event). For fans of high quality, yet smooth, fusion.

Priority: none

TCB ~ USA

TCB - Open for Business. 1970 Traffic

UMR review

Priority: 3

Myrth ~ USA

Myrth. 1969 RCA

UMR review

Priority: 3

Pandora ~ Sweden

Measures of Time. 1974 SMA

For years I thought of this album as being entirely mediocre. But I've changed my tune over repeated listens. The first track is dubious though, and has much to do with my early frown. It's a direct rip from Uriah Heep's Salisbury, and not at all in touch with the remainder. From there on out, the album switches gears to a semi-progressive rock album. The band they emulate most, and it becomes clear on multiple listens, is Genesis. Now this is interesting actually. The progressive rock world is filled with Genesis imitators, and one could argue that the group was germane to the entire "neo prog" movement of the 1980s. But you'd be hard pressed to find anyone (outside of Italy) imitating Genesis back in 1974, especially from Sweden. The album is vocal heavy, sung in English, and can weigh down the compositions. But there's much happening musically behind the scenes, taking this album up a notch. Guitar, keyboards, and irregular rhythms all make this one an interesting listen. It does require some patience, and it definitely insists on focus, as otherwise it blows by without notice. Speaking from experience of course.

Priority: 3

5/10/15 (new entry)

Azabu Ongaku Shudan, Japan

Azabu Ongaku Shudan - s/t. 1971 private

And now we arrive at the serious rarity hinted at a few days ago. I tried every database trick in the book, including image recognition and kanji translations, and could not find one thing about this album. As we know with Japanese albums, it's not uncommon for a name to take hold even if it's entirely incorrect. And the AC always give us the correctly translated version, so I thought maybe I'd find an erroneous entry somewhere. But alas, I did not. So it appears we are introducing the world to this most intriguing album. As stated here on the CDRWL before, Japan is the final frontier for super rare / unknown albums from the original psychedelic and progressive rock time frame. Sure... Germany, England, and our own beloved United States seem to still be harboring some undiscovered gems (Metaphysical Animation perhaps the greatest of them all), but it is in Japan where we continue to find the most unknowns. And where we often find the AC doing his deepest exploration.  Before reading one sentence, I started listening to the album. The first track is heavily influenced by 1968 era Chicago Transit Authority, which is a really good thing in my book. Then there's some random messing about in the studio, with some chamber/classical bits, and in comes a guitar freakout - and once again Terry Kath leaped to straight to mind. What is this anyway? Off to the notes I went...

"This large "group" was actually an amateur musical collective from the exclusive Azabu section of Tokyo who recorded this singular document of avant-psych freakout and then dispersed back into the void. Things get underway with a blast of driving brass rock-esque jazzy psych, before some spacey classical flute leads into a weird piano and percussion motif that repeats over and over, starting again just as you think it's finally done. You can tell that they're just trying to mess with your mind at this point. Soft acoustic folk-psych follows, but is disrupted by a noisy outburst and radio speech that is swallowed up in ominous avant-garde piano dissonance. A brief flute interlude precedes a headlong dive into wild garage psych, morphing into a full-on psychedelic jam with organ and absolutely insane fuzz guitar soloing. Quietly, a rising chorus of birdsongs emerges, backing a return to the gentle acoustic folk guitar and flute heard previously. But then, a strange surge of fluttering electronics heralds a chaotic collage of Japanese phone conversation, backed by a sinister electronic dirge. Clattering percussion rises from this seething mass, heralding an onslaught of pounding rhythms, droning horns and destructive psych guitar, with wisps of strange noise and moaning in the raging storm. Abruptly, the haunting acoustic folk psych and flute cut in, ending the chaos in a moment of zen. This is a truly harrowing piece of music, encapsulating the bad acid freakout visions you're glad you never had. Unfortunately, side two can't keep up this kind of all-out delirium, and the group's roots as a large-scale amateur music collective come to the fore, with some strange and inept jazz and folk songs, rambling detuned jazz bass and piano, and even a lengthy late night jazz club jam session. However, a few moments of interest are still lurking within. A couple of somewhat experimental classical piano and flute pieces, and a very Third Ear Band-esque number with percussion, flute and droning strings are the highlights, and the album closes with one final brass rock/orchestral blast with bleeping electronics to come full circle. Privately pressed in micro quantities and still only known to a few hardcore Japanese collectors, this album, while by no means a consistent masterpiece, is still an essential snapshot of authentic psychedelic freakout on the outer fringes of the era's underground scene."

This is one of those albums that really strikes a chord because of the time and place. Truly a group stretching the boundaries of what was known - very much a product of 1971, an era when this mentality was the norm rather than the exception. The highs go really high here, and so the corresponding down time is more tolerable. Because there's some serious payoff action to witness. Always a hallmark of an album worth repeated listens. And, as such, I christen this a:

Priority: 3

Zone Time, Japan

Zone Time - s/t. 1976 private

So here's the first of two albums we are introducing to the world (this week, that is...) - or at least I think we are! Of the two, this one is definitely more mundane (relatively speaking), but still worthy of discovery. Tomorrow we have a real humdinger. (Note that the term "humdinger" has now officially been sighted in the CDRWL). The AC tells us: "Very obscure private press LP by a group of Keio University students. An extremely long (almost 55 minutes) and well-produced album that's all over the map musically, from keyboard driven semi-prog to ultra-heavy guitar psych/hard rock, soft rock, crooning balladry, etc. It's like they took every idea from the early/mid 70s rock scene that they could think of and tried to cram it in here. Quite inconsistent obviously, but with some real moments of interest. The guitar work stands out in particular, with some excellent psych and hard rock style soloing. Sort of fascinating, but it will probably try your patience by the end. Beautiful cover art, and comes with a nice booklet."

Can't add much to this. A diversified album, with an obvious background of the great acts of the day, perhaps once again The Beatles being a primary influence here, despite the late date. It is indeed more 70s rock than 60s psych, but in effect, the kitchen sink mentality is at play here. And do I hear some Peter Frampton in these grooves? Why I think I do! 55 minutes is an extraordinary length for the era. Perhaps too much so.

Priority: none

News: Collusion to be reissued on Audio Archives

I'll be honest and state upfront that a lot of these Audio Archives discoveries of the past few years have been disappointing. I actually thought this was another archival release, but it appears to have been released in 1971 on the SRT label. Guessing SRT to be some sort of custom pressing plant, similar to our own RPC. In any case, I couldn't find any evidence of the original vinyl, have never seen one for sale, and it hasn't been on ebay before. Which means little of course, just data points.

Having said all of that with a pall of doom, I do have to admit this album looks to be intriguing. It certainly reads that way in any case. We'll keep an open mind, and hope to be pleasantly surprised.

Label says: "Reissued on compact disc, this is a genuine prog rock obscurity from 1971, originally released in a tiny run on the custom SRT label. Collusion was a Dagenham-based six piece with twin guitars and interwoven male/female vocals as the main ingredients. Expect hard-edged prog-rock with tasty folk and jazz elements. This engaging CD features seven original tracks with the stunning 'Bluebirds' and the epic 'Sweetbread Line' as the undisputed highlights. The CD is presented with a special poster sleeve offering rare pics and memorabilia. There also are extensive sleeve notes and a band history by singer Tony Davison, plus an additional comment by their manager and esteemed promoter Darrol Edwards."

Apartment One, Netherlands

Apartment One - Open House. 1970 Pink Elephant

I first came across this title around 1990 or so from a Dutch catalog, circled it, and then never saw it again. Ever. Over time, it became one of my top curiosities. And then about 10 years ago, it was pretty much the top curiosity. Not long after that, I was fed a CD-R copy, and of course disappointment ensued. Just as in my experience at the beginning with this album, I totally forgot about it. Until the CD-R revisit project unearthed it again. There's been an entry on the main list of course, but now we're giving the album its own page.

Apartment 1 (or Apartment One as noted on the label itself) is a straightforward late psych / early hard rock record. Sounds more like what was happening with their fellow countrymen in the 1960s Dutch scene with albums from Cosmic Dealer, The Outsiders, and Q65. Plenty of excellent fuzz guitar and soloing to enjoy here. All on top of some splendid older organ sounds. The opening tracks on each side are instrumental, and represent the best material on the album. The vocals are in machismo English - with a gospel tinge. As such, it reminds me of the vast bone yard of US post psych albums from 1970 on labels like Paramount, ABC, Verve, Rare Earth, and Mercury.

Priority: none