EMBRYO
Bad Heads And Bad Cats
(Disconforme DISC 1032)
Originally released as April 0005 in 1976
1. Layed Back
2. Nina Kupenda
3. Bad Heads
4. Road Song
5. After The Rain
6. Klondyke - Netti
7. Tag X
8. Human Contact (Bonus Track)
---
Christian Burchard-drums, marimba, vibes, vocal
Uwe Müllrich-bass
Dieter Miekautsch-keyboards
Roman Bunka-vocals, guitar
Charlie Mariano-alto, soprano sax, flute
Edgar Hoffman-soprano sax, flute
Maria Archer-vocals, percussion
Recorded at Studio Dierks, Autumn, 1975
Produced by Embryo and Othmar Schreckeneder
---
Is this progressive rock? Is it fusion? Is it jazz? With luck you are reading this, are interested, and may be a fan of all three. For the sake of easy clarification I am putting this in jazz, since it is more jazz-oriented than rock.
This version of Embryo features American jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano, who at this point had moved to Europe.
DJ Shadow fans will appreciate "Klondyke Netti", as the bass line in the introduction was used as one of the samples in "Changeling".
---
Doug @ Krautrockgroup.com
'Bad Heads and Bad Cats' marks Embryo's first release on April Records, an independent label which the group founded along with members of Missus Beastly, Checkpoint Charlie, Ton Steine Scherben, and Sparifankal. The label was started with the intent of allowing the individual bands to record creative music independently and without the constant interference of a major record company. The music here, while staying somewhat true to the groups avant garde nature, is a combination of funky jazz rock and ethnic influences. Embryo was now led by the duo of Burchard and Bunka, resulting in longtime member Edgar Hoffman's demotion to guest. 'Bad Heads' leads off with 'Layed Back', an average jazz rocker with a funky beat. Things pick up with 'Nina Kupenda', a 12-minute excursion into funky jazz tainted with ethnic percussion containing numerous solo sections. Following this is 'Bad Heads', an off the wall jazz rocker with a psychedelic flair. This track features some unique guitar work, a great ethnic percussion solo and a nice vocal performance from Maria Archer. 'Road Song' returns to a light jazz rock sound comparable to 'Layed Back', however, 'Road Song' is highlighted by simultaneous guitar and keyboard solos. 'After The Rain' is a fast paced jazzy instrumental featuring solid bass playing underneath catchy piano and flute solos. This is followed by the instrumental 'Klondyke-Netti'. Driven by a moody bass and awkward minimalist electronic sounds, 'Klondyke' sounds like a predecessor to the quirky electronic instrumentals heard on Eno's 'Music For Film Vol. 1'. Finally, the album closes with the short experimental 'Tag X'. As a bonus, the CD reissue contains the 17-minute 'Human Contact', a free flowing jazz number with Eastern influenced saxophone and organ sections.
|
