Häx Cel - Zwai (1972 / 2001 GoD)
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Artist: Häx Cel
Album: Zwai
Released: 1972
Garden Of Delights (056)
Genre: Classically oriented progressive rock
"Häx Cel from Hanover only existed between the end of 1971 and the autumn of 1972, releasing one LP and one 7-single on Dizzy Records, both of which have so far been hardly known even among collectors. Many fans of a fusion between classical music and progressive rock will appreciate this effort. We are not dealing with a cheap Ekseption or Renaissance clone but rather with very creative music which is convincing even without the use of a guitar. Zwai (Dizzy LP DS 726) features a live recording of their last gig on October 29th, 1972. The two tracks of their single, Albinoni and Difference, are included as bonus tracks on the CD, which therefore features Häx Cel’s complete works. Apart from two Händel tracks and one by Albinoni, all the material was written and masterly played by the band itself. "
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"First off, let me say that this album is not going to appeal to everybody, but admirers of creative and well-played music should enjoy it. I also feel that the album will do well amongst those of you who have a flare for classical music. This album was recorded live at the Beethovenhaal in Hannover Germany on the last night the group ever played together! Hax Cel are a rare bird indeed, four guys who were really into the music of their German forefathers. Their sound is straight up classical music augmented by progressive arrangements and vocals. To make things even more interesting the album is totally devoid of guitar as the members play piano, bass, flute, and drums. 'Zwai' contains nine great tracks including the standout tracks, 'Albinoni', 'Music', 'Marsch', and 'Land Of Dreams'. In addition, their live set included two short Handel pieces 'Bouree' and 'Andante', both of which are performed beautifully by the pianist and flautist. Their set began with the instrumental 'Albinoni' a brilliant track which brings to life the inherent beauty of classical music as the group molded it into a modern framework. This is followed by the progressive sounding 'A Second Time' which is perhaps the most commercial of the material in their set. Next comes 'Music' which begins with a downbeat piano progression and a tighter than tight drum beat! The rest of the set is equally as powerful containing great performances by each member of the group, especially the flautist. I'm sure you will agree that Hax Cel had the incredible ability to turn classical music on its ear and create an album of truly awesome and original work. As a bonus, the CD release contains a single recorded in 1972 which in my opinion fails to capture the dynamics which make the live performance so memorable." (krautrock album database)
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"In Krautrock history there were only a handful of classical-rock bands of note, and of those Häx Cel were one of the most obscure. They originated from Hanover circa late-1971, and played their first gig in January 1972, developing themes of Albinoni, Bach, Beethoven, Händel and such-like (mostly Händel on the album), all in a light but complex rock setting, with the focus on flute and (harpsichord sounding) keyboards.
Their debut single (documented as a bonus on CD) recalled the classical style of early Jethro Tull, and a little Colosseum. Their only LP release ZWAI captured them live in concert on 29 October 1972, and showed a band with potential, if a little shaky in some of the complex passages. Fans of the more arty subtle lighter end of classical rock (i.e. The Enid, Paul Brett, etc.) will no doubt love this one.
The band, however, split up shortly after its release. In 1996, three original members, together with a new drummer and a guitarist, reformed Häx Cel releasing new CD's in 1998 and 2001. These later offerings continue in the same style, if a touch more melodic and well recorded." (Crack In The Cosmic Egg)
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"This obscure band's album Zwai gives no Information about who they were. It is a quiet, soft and classically-influenced album recorded live. The material was written by the group, except for the inclusion of two short Handel compositions. There was massive use of flute, but no heavy guitar passages. Some of the tracks, like "A Second Time", are quite good, if a bit light-weight. An interesting album with an uncommon musical style for the era." (Cosmic Dreams At Play)
Track List:
1. Albinoni 4.09
2. A Second Time 3.01
3. Music 5.20
4. Julius Ceasar 4.33
5. Bouree 1.16
6. Marsch 5.14
7. Land Of Dreams 4.58
8. To Barbara 7.13
9. Andante 0.56
10. Albinoni 3.20*
11. Difference 3.12*
* = Bonus Track
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