MARTY EHRLICH — Song (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Long considered one of the finest and most distinctive soloists in progressive jazz, multi-woodwind expert Marty Ehrlich melds charm and eloquence with hard-edged inflections on this 2001 release. Supported by a notable rhythm section, Ehrlich's compositional wares come to the forefront on these often endearing and sometimes rambunctious arrangements. Trombonist extraordinaire Ray Anderson performs on the bluesy and often boisterous piece titled "Blue Boye's Blues," as the band also minces delicately performed interludes with power-packed choruses. Many of these works feature the quartet's fiery swing vamps and climactically engineered undercurrents, especially when pianist Uri Caine peppers the groove with well-placed block chords. The musicians also engage in mid-tempo bop-ish swing vamps, where Ehrlich and Caine expound upon sublime themes via soul-searching lines. When viewed upon as a whole, this effort leans a bit toward a mainstream-type approach. However, those familiar with the artist's impressive and altogether multifaceted body of work should welcome this outing with open arms. Recommended. Glenn Astarita
Tracklist :
1.    Waltz    5:00
Composed By – Robin Holcomb
2.    The Price Of The Ticket    9:54
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
3.    Day Of The Dark Bright Light    5:24
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
4.    Blue Boye's Blues    8:16
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
5.    I Pity The Poor Immigrant    5:57
Composed By – Bob Dylan
6.    Fauve    10:20
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
7.    The Falling Rains Of Life    5:15
Composed By – Jaki Byard
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax], Bass Clarinet, Producer [Produced By] – Marty Ehrlich
Bass – Michael Formanek
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Uri Caine
Trombone, Guest [Special] – Ray Anderson (tracks: 4) 

MARTY EHRLICH RITES QUARTET — Things Have Got To Change (2009) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Marty Ehrlich's genius lies within an ability to reinvent his music while retaining his unique voice on the alto saxophone. A vocal quality, the slight human cry of his tone, and the angular but not obtuse lines of his melodies have made Ehrlich a true original, and for his followers, immediately recognizable. While Ehrlich refuses to stand pat in the size or depth of his ensembles, the four-piece setting has been a constant over the years, but in specific terms of favorite players, the Rites Quartet may be the finest he has ever assembled. Longtime drummer Pheeroan AkLaff joins cellist (not bassist) Erik Friedlander and trumpeter James Zollar to play new music that is consistently scintillating. Zollar's pithy, lithe, but sinewy lines work so well with Ehrlich's sound, while rhythmically and harmonically, Friedlander cannot be eclipsed by anyone on the cello. The resultant progressive jazz within and out of the jazz tradition, should keep listeners on their toes through this grand experience of creating absorbing, truly new music. The rich harmonies and spiky accents always associated with Ehrlich's music are extant from the opener "Rites Rhythms," with groove cello from Friedlander and a solid trumpet solo by Zollar. Ornette Coleman's tandem lyricism is referenced in "Dung," not standardized, but expounded upon in a bop notion, while Friedlander's cello takes center stage during the romantic reverence of "Some Kind of Prayer" and the bouncy, jig-flavored waltz "On the One," where Ehrlich's lyrical, tangent-busting alto departs into the stratosphere. But there is much more on the second half of the date, as the quartet ups the ante further for the somber undertones and wonderfully quirky bop funk of "Slices of Light," very reminiscent of AkLaff and Ehrlich's past groundbreaking work with guitarist Michael Gregory Jackson. The juxtaposed blues bop of "Song for Tomorrow," and dark, diffuse, stark, hauntingly resonant, free "From Strength to Strength" are preludes for a mighty version of Julius Hemphill's "Dogon A.D.," a definitive hip and funky creative crossover in 11/8 time. There's little more to describe or critique about this masterful progressive jazz made by some of the best players in the business, all at the top of their game, making some of the most remarkable music of their careers from start to finish. Where certain political and social areas in the world must change, we should all be appreciative that Ehrlich stays the course. This is a must-have item, and without question, one of the very best jazz recordings of 2009. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1.    Rites Rhythms    7:55
2.    Dung    7:36
3.    Some Kind Of Prayer    11:07
4.    On The One    3:40
5.    Slices Of Light    2:48
6.    Song For Tomorrow    7:06
7.    From Strength To Strength    3:55
8.    Dogon A.D.  10:26
Composed By – Julius Hemphill
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Liner Notes, Producer – Marty Ehrlich
Cello – Erik Friedlander
Drums, Percussion – Pheeroan akLaff
Trumpet – James Zollar

MARTY EHRLICH LARGE ENSEMBLE — A Trumpet In The Morning (2013) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Prelude: Agbekor Translations  3:29
Trombone, Soloist – Michael Dessen
2.    A Trumpet In The Morning  23:21
Lyrics By [Poem By] – Arthur Brown 
Saxophone, Soloist, Read By [Reader] – J.D. Parran
3.    Blues For Peace  11:07
Soloist – Jason Robinson, Jerome Harris, Matt Wilson, Ray Anderson, Uri Caine
Rundowns And Turnbacks    20:22
4.1    I. The Ship On The Corner
4.2    II. Rundowns
Soloist – Curtis Fowlkes, James Zollar, Jerome Harris, Ray Anderson
4.3    III. The Graceful Waltz
Soloist – Jerome Harris, John Clark 
4.4    IV. "Didn't Know The Levees Would Break" Blues
Soloist – Andy Laster, E.J. Allen, Eric McPherson, Michael Dessen
4.5    V. Quaker Work Song
Soloist – Robert DeBellis, James Weidman
4.6    VI. Sugar For Sugar
Soloist – Adam Kolker, Lisa Parrott
4.7    VII. Turnbacks
5.    M Variations (Melody For Madeleine)  14:02
Soloist – Adam Kolker, Drew Gress, Ron Horton, Uri Caine
6.    Postlude: Agbekor Translations  2:47
Soloist – E.J. Allen, Howard Johnson 
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Andy Laster
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet – Robert DeBellis
Artwork [Cover Art] – Oliver L. Jackson
Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson (tracks: 1, 2, 6)
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Lisa Parrott (tracks: 3 to 5)
Bass – Brad Jones (tracks: 1, 2, 4.1 to 4.7, 6), Drew Gress (tracks: 3 to 5)
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Marty Ehrlich (tracks: 4.1 to 4.7)
Composed By, Conductor – Marty Ehrlich
Drums – Eric McPherson (tracks: 1, 2, 4.1 to 4.7, 6), Matt Wilson (tracks: 3 to 5)
Ensemble – Marty Ehrlich Large Ensemble
French Horn – John Clark (tracks: 3 to 5)
Guitar, Slide Guitar – Jerome Harris (tracks: 4.1 to 5)
Narrator, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – J.D. Parran (tracks: 1, 2, 6)
Piano – James Weidman (tracks: 1, 2, 4.1 to 4.7, 6), Uri Caine (tracks: 3 to 5)
Tenor Saxophone – Jason Robinson (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Adam Kolker (tracks: 3 to 5)
Trombone – Curtis Fowlkes (tracks: 3 to 5), Michael Dessen, Ray Anderson
Trumpet – E.J. Allen, James Zollar, Miki Hirose (tracks: 5), Ron Horton
Tuba – Joseph Daley (tracks: 1, 2, 6)
Vibraphone, Percussion – Warren Smith (tracks: 1, 2, 5)

URS LEIMGRUBER — Goletter (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Urs Leimgruber has made numerous solo saxophone recordings, but never for both tenor and bass saxophone on the same album. Leimgruber is one of those players, like Anthony Braxton, for whom the saxophone is an endless labyrinth of timbral mazes and tonal corridors. On these 14 selections, Leimgruber is offering the listener the opportunity to hear his multiphonic approach to both horns, in all registers of the instrument. On the title track, one line is played as a drone and others, in scale, are imposed over it in differing lengths of phrase. On "Half Past Luck," the ostinato and conical tonal study are evoked where notes begin played from the bell are articulated more fully than those coming from the air chamber itself, but both weave together to create a kind of sinister weave of color and duration. It's almost jazz noir, but the microtonal elements stretch it further than that. "Hula Hop Zwei" is a multi-tracked piece for saxophone duet. The bass offers it's rhythmic swirl of charges and colors while the tenor elongates the octaves by multiphonics and spatters and squeaks in the middle of a rhythmic statement by the other horn. On the last track, "Infernal," another duet piece, deep blues, vanguard improvisation and repetition leads to a kind of schizophrenic hypnosis courtesy of the bass horn, when a third track is added and there are two tenors, each of them playing different intervals on the same melodic theme, things really come undone. This is another offering, which proves that Leimgruber is at the very forefront of saxophone logic and mysticism. 
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <- 
Tracklist :
1.    Goletter    3:37
2.    Balabesk    7:58
3.    Pas De Deux    3:30
4.    Sopralogie    4:26
5.    Spielgeblinkt    2:56
6.    Half Past Luck    4:49
7.    Polyphem    3:29
8.    Erinnyen    3:00
9.    Hula Hop Zwei    5:55
10.    Le Poem    4:13
11.    Triple Swift    6:01
12.    Urubu    2:47
13.    Circular Habasch    2:19
14.    Internal    3:24
Credits :
Composed By, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bass Saxophone – Urs Leimgruber

JEFF LORBER FUSION — The Drop (2023) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After spending 25 years recording solo and working as a first-call record producer, Jeff Lorber resurrected his Jeff Lorber Fusion to issue Now Is the Time in 2010. It marked the beginning of a real return to chart success for Lorber: The band issued eight more albums, and seven of them landed inside the Top Ten on both the jazz and contemporary jazz charts. The Drop is his 30th album and a strident, star-studded exercise in sophisticated, swinging, progressive jazz-funk. The JLF consists of the leader along with drummer Gary Novak and either longtime associate Jimmy Haslip (who co-produced with Lorber) or Cornelius Mims holding down the bass chair. Lorber's crew is also filled with guests including guitarists Paul Jackson, Jr. and Marc Lettieri (Snarky Puppy), and saxophonists Randal Clark and David Mann.

The title-track single opens the set on a deep funk groover with syncopated groove horns courtesy of Mann and Clark, breaking snares and hi-hats, and a wonky, rumbling bassline from Mims. Lorber's acoustic and Rhodes pianos weave through the swaggering backbeat in a manner that recalls the glory days of CTI (Mann was part of the label's studio stable). "Altered State" is a midtempo, cinematic groover played by the trio with Haslip on six-string bass adding lyric components to the already pronounced melody supplied by Lorber's tasty piano vamps. "New Mexico" returns to hard-grooving urban jazz-funk. Tight piano vamps and imaginative single lines frame a finger-popping riff by the rhythm section. As the choruses emerge, they are given heft by the horns and Lettieri's lead guitar, and the tune becomes an anthem by its close. "Hang Tight" is a lithe, nocturnal, almost quiet storm instrumental for the chill-out room. It contains excellent rhythm guitar work from Lorber (who also plays keys), buoying Lettieri's slow-developing, elegant solo. The lithe, sophisticated "Liberty" has a riff constructed entirely from electronics as Lorber's Minimoog meets Rhodes and acoustic piano. He's framed by Mims' fluid bassline and Haslip (who adds another harmonic component on his six-string bass). "Keep On Moving" weds polished urban funk and Pat Metheny's sense of harmonic euphoria to a sultry, steamy, finger-popping dance groove. "Mindshare" is a showcase for Lorber's Rhodes soloing atop punchy yet elegant jazz-funk. "Reception" and "Tail Lights" address the contemporary jazz vocabulary, adding color with hip charts as well as gorgeous alternate soloing from Lettieri and Jackson. Lorber's keyboards on the former meld Minimoog, piano, and Rhodes, effortlessly stacking and juxtaposing lyric and rhythmic statements. On the latter, his acoustic solo crosses blues, hard bop, and funk in a sweeping encounter with horns, drums, and guitars. The Drop presents the Lorber group at a creative peak, reveling in funky goodness and elevated grooves in a sophisticated presentation of 21st century jazz-funk. 
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <- 
Tracklist :
1.    The Drop    3:53
2.    Altered State    3:55
3.    New Mexico    4:06
4.    On The Bus    3:34
5.    Hang Tight    3:51
6.    Liberty    4:22
7.    Keep Moving    3:32
8.    Mindshare    3:51
9.    Reception    4:05
10.    Tail Lights    3:24
Credits :
6-String Bass [Melody] – Jimmy Haslip (tracks: 2, 6 to 8)
Alto Saxophone [Aksi] – Randal Clark (tracks: 1, 3, 7, 8, 10)
Bass – Cornelius Mims (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 to 10), Jimmy Haslip (tracks: 2)
Drums – Gary Novak
Flute [Melody] – David Mann (tracks: 9)
Horns, Arranged By [Horns], Performer [Performance] – David Mann (tracks: 1, 3, 7 to 10)
 Keyboards, Piano, Electric Piano [Rhodes] – Jeff Lorber
 Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Mark Lettieri (tracks: 3 to 9)
Rhythm Guitar – Jeff Lorber (tracks: 1, 4, 5, 7 to 10), Paul Jackson Jr. (tracks: 1)
Soprano Saxophone – Randal Clark (tracks: 6)
Synth Bass – Jeff Lorber (tracks: 5)
Synthesizer [Minimoog] – Jeff Lorber (tracks: 3, 6, 8, 9)
Written-By – Jeff Lorber

CYRUS CHESTNUT — My Father's Hands (2022) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With the death of Cyrus Chestnut's 85-year-old father, McDonald Chestnut, in 2021, the pianist lost not only his most passionate supporter but the man who first taught him to play. A self-taught pianist and organist, the elder Chestnut played in church (along with his wife, a choir director). He introduced the younger Chestnut to classical piano, gospel, and traditional spirituals, setting Cyrus on the path to eventually become one of the most accomplished jazz musicians of his generation. With 2022's My Father's Hands, Chestnut pays tribute to his dad, crafting a heartfelt album that touches upon jazz and pop standards, Latin rhythms, and originals. Joining him are two of his longtime associates and esteemed contemporaries, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash. Together, they play with an intuitive warmth and camaraderie. As the album is an homage to his father's memory, one might expect it to be melancholy or sad. However, while there are certainly moments of tearful beauty, as on Chestnut's lyrical rendition of the ballad "But Beautiful," the record is never maudlin and finds him in a lively mood. This is especially true on the opening original "Nippon Soul Connection," a blues swinger in the '60s hard bop tradition. He also dives into Ray Bryant's Latin number "Cubano Chant" and subtly subverts expectations with his bossa nova take on the classic "There Will Never Be Another You." We also get a dusky and introspective reading of the Beatles' "Yesterday." His father's essence is perhaps best captured on "I Must Tell Jesus," a soulful hymn that Chestnut plays solo, infusing the measured gospel melody with warm chordal harmonies that shimmer with joy. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1.    Nippon Soul Connection  (7:26)
 Cyrus Chestnut 
2.    Thinking About You  (5:24)
 Cyrus Chestnut 
3.    Cubano Chant  (4:08)
 Ray Bryant 
4.    Baubles, Bangles And Beads  (4:46)
 George Forrest / Robert Wright 
5.    Yesterday  (4:19)
 John Lennon / Paul McCartney 
6.    I Must Tell Jesus  (3:26)
 Elisha A. Hoffman 
7.    Working Out Just Fine  (6:36)
 Cyrus Chestnut 
8.    There Will Never Be Another You  (4:18)
 Mack Gordon / Harry Warren 
9.    But Beautiful  (2:58)
 Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen 
10.    Epilogue  (5:57)
 Cyrus Chestnut 
Credits :
Bass – Peter Washington (tracks: 1 to 5, 7 to 10)
Cover – Johnathan Glass
Drums – Lewis Nash (tracks: 1 to 5, 7 to 10)
Piano, Arranged By, Producer – Cyrus Chestnut

BOB JAMES — Jazz Hands (2023) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Bob James–    Mambalicious     3:43
2.    Bob James–    The Otherside    5:28
3.    Bob James, Cee-Lo–    Jazz Hands (ft. CeeLo Green)    3:18
4.    Bob James, Dave Koz–    Come Into My Dream (ft. Dave Koz)    5:15
5.    Bob James–    Beerbohm    4:37
6.    Bob James–    The Alchemist    4:39
7.    Bob James–    Mophead    4:39
8.    Bob James, DJ Jazzy Jeff–    That Bop (ft. DJ Jazzy Jeff)    4:45
9.    Bob James–    The Secret Drawer    4:01
10.    Bob James–    Sea Goddess    9:59
Notas :
Jazz Hands is Bob James’ third outing for evosound, following in the wake of 2018’s Espresso and 2022’s Feel Like Makin’ LIVE. Produced by the pianist with his manager Sonny Abelardo, the ten-track album was mostly recorded during the months of the Covid pandemic and featured James in a number of different musical settings. It also features a stellar cameo from the ex-Gnarls Barkley singer CeeLo Green on the sensuous title track and includes production input from the legendary hip-hop turntablist DJ Jazzy Jeff, who rose to fame as half of the hit-making ‘80s/’90s rap duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince, early samplers of James’ music. Blending cool jazz tropes with funky dance floor grooves, blues-tinged ballads, cinematic mood pieces, and sensuous slow jams, Jazz Hands is the Missouri pianist’s most eclectic album of his long career. Simultaneously classic and contemporary, it’s Bob James at his majestic, ground-breaking, and timeless best. The album will be available on 180g Solid Blue and black vinyl LP, SACD- Hybrid Stereo and MQA-CD on the 15th September 2023. discogs.com

JOHN PATITUCCI — On The Corner (1989) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    On The Corner    4:04
2.    Avenue "D"    4:11
3.    Venetian Moonlight    4:46
4.    A Better Mousetrap    3:02
5.    Vaya Con Dios    4:58
6.    Kingston Blues    4:40
7.    Painting    5:11
8.    Strength To The Weak    5:16
9.    Flatbush Ave    4:09
10.    The Storyteller    6:31
11.    Bertha's Bop    6:53
Credits :
Bass – John Patitucci
Drums – Al Foster (tracks: 3, 11), Alex Acuña (tracks: 5, 7), Vinnie Colaiuta (tracks: 2, 6, 10)
Drums, Percussion – Dave Weckl (tracks: 1, 4, 8, 9)
Electronics – Judd Miller (tracks: 1, 9)
Percussion – Jay Oliver (tracks: 4)
Piano – Chick Corea (tracks: 3, 11)
Piano, Synthesizer – John Beasley (tracks: 1, 2, 7 to 10)
Soprano Saxophone – Eric Marienthal (tracks: 6)
Synthesizer – David Witham (tracks: 1 to 10)
Tenor Saxophone – Kirk Whalum (tracks: 8), Michael Brecker (tracks: 2)
Vocals – Alfie Silas (tracks: 6), Howard McCrary (tracks: 6), Phyllis St. James (tracks: 6), Rick Riso (tracks: 6)

VIKINGS INVASION — Vol. 1 (1975-2006) Two Version | APE (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Vikings Invasion from the German-speaking part of Switzerland played quite a rough type of blues-rock with progressive touch. Charles Sterchi on guitar and vocals, Eric Eberhard on bass, and Gerhard Burri on drums had played together in this simplest possible configuration already since 1970 and originally called themselves after a character by Brecht. In 1975, their only LP was released exclusively in England where they lived and had concerts for some time; it carried the optimistic title “Vol.1”. The creature on the cover is meant to represent Basle’s heraldic dragon which was, however, considerably manipulated. In Switzerland a bootleg LP of “Vol. 1” was released in 1997, on which a permanent grinding noise significantly disturbs the pleasure of listening. The work is of interest mainly because of the high collectors’ price fixed for the original LP. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    The Mirror    3:00
2.    The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock    6:15
3.    Blues Special    5:50
4.    Listen To Four Guitars On Your Corner    6:23
5.    Shadow Boogie    2:44
6.    Rolling Times    3:50
7.    Dark Lane Child    4:53
8.    Moon Of Alabama    5:58
9.    Rhapsody On A Windy Night    3:49
10.    Answer For My Life    3:36
- BONUS TRACK -    
11    Across The Street    11:22
Credits :
Bass – Eric Eberhard
Drums – Garhard Burri
Guitar, Vocals – Charles Sterchi
Lyrics By – Brecht (pistas: 8), Eliot (pistas: 2, 9)
Written-By – Sterchi, Eberhard (pistas: 2, 3, 7)

GRAVESTONE — War (1980-2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In the eighties, Gravestone from Illertissen, Swabia, became quite famous as a hard rock and metal group. What many people don’t know is that they initially - and with a different line-up - released two LPs with progressive rock and critical lyrics, namely “Doomsday” (AVC K 793102 ST) from 1979 and “War” (AVC LP 80020 ST) from 1980, in small editions of 1000 copies each. Meanwhile both albums have been released as CDs on Garden of Delights; both drawn from the master tapes. In addition to a very detailed band history the booklets of both CDs contain a lot of photographs, a complete discography also of the group’s late period, cover and label reproductions, etc. “War” contains much more vocals than “Doomsday”, namely four tracks sung in English, two in German, and one instrumental piece. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    War 3:54
Written-By – Berti Majdan, Wolfgang Rittner
2.    Waiting For Peace 5:52
Written-By – Andy Müller, Dietmar Orlitta
3.    Durchbruch 80 4:42
Written-By – Rudi Dorner
4.    Mörike 3:41
Written-By – Wolfgang Rittner
5.    It's Over 2:58
Written-By – D. Behle, J. Stockmar, R. Dorner
6.    Hascher-Blues 4:37
Written-By – J. Schilder
7.    Summer 79 10:27
Written-By – Jürgen Stockmar, Rudi Dorner, Taki Gradl
Credits :    
Bass, Vocals, Harmonica – Dietmar Orlitta
Drums – Dieter Behle
Guitar [Lead] – Rudi Dorner
Keyboards – Andy Müller
Rhythm Guitar – Taki Gradl

SOUL CARAVAN — Live 1969 (1969-2006) Two Version | WV + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

What are Soul Caravan doing on a label like Garden of Delights? Well, during their first years, they actually played pure soul music, sometimes jazz or blues. But this concert was given in the last days before their renaming into Xhol Caravan, at the beginning of 1969. Here, the direction that should be followed can already be discerned. The sound is excellent, even amazingly good for those days. Unfortunately, the recordings are not complete. At least, the nearly forty minutes conserved are just enough for one CD. Apart from two inevitable old soul classics (“(Sittin’ on) the dock of the bay” by Otis Redding and “Lick a stick” by James Brown) and a jazz standard (“My favorite things” by John Coltrane), Soul Caravan present a very early version of their self-written track “All green” and a drum solo by Skip. A testimonial to their times. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    My Favorite Things 8'37
Written-By – Richard Rogers/Oscar Hammerstein
2.    All Green 13'15
Written-By – Soul Caravan
3.    Skipping 4'00
Written-By – Skip Van Wyck
4.    (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay 4'16
Vocals – Leon
Written-By – Otis Redding
5.    Lick A Stick 7'20
Vocals – Unknown Artist
Written-By – Ellis, Byrd, Brown
Credits :
Bass – Klaus Briest
Guitar – Werner Funk
Organ – Öcki von Brevern
Percussion – Skip Van Wyck
Soprano Saxophone – Hansi Fischer
Tenor Saxophone – Tim Belbe

XHOL — Motherfuckers GmbH & Co KG (1972-1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Xhol's last studio release is certainly the one with the highest portion of Krautrock atmosphere by them and a highly experimental one. Actually three of the six tracks on here consist mainly of sound experiments whereas the other three depict really brilliant jammin' jazz-rock done in the best tradition of Canterbury bands. BTW they cancelled the part Caravan from their name later on to avoid confusion with this well-known band. I guess it's worth mentioning that the material presented here has been recorded already in 1970 which is shown by the label "2 years old" on the cover. Taking this fact into account this band certainly has to be considered as one of the most inventive and adventurous ones of those days.

The album starts quite oddly with tuning of a radio and interferences, bits of announcements and excerpts from some soul/blues songs (all of them from their debut still under the name Soul Caravan BTW). The last one reminding slightly to SOFT MACHINE leads over to "Leistungsprinzip" which is basically jazz-rock in Canterbury vein with organ, playful sax, droning bass and drums. Next one "Orgelsolo" is exactly what it's titled that is a quite extended spacey and "kosmische" weird solo on organ. Last song on side one of the vinyl "Side One First Day" is a rather up-tempo jammin' piece of jazz-rock with organ, flute, bass and drums. Second side starts with the next sound experiment "Grille" which is actually just the recorded sound of a cricket with some descrete flute and percussion in the back. The rest of the record is occupied by the long jammin' piece "Love Potion 25" which is actually a jazz-rocking rendition of a song by doo-wop band The Clovers from 1959. Having plenty of slightly psychedelic organ sound and great sax playing in its middle part and quite a fiery and rocking finish, this song is for me the highlight on here and offers a kind of final reward for listening to this admittedly wearisome album.

This oddly named album is certainly not suitable for every Prog fan and might be considered as aquired taste, at least in its experimental parts but anyway I'd highly recommend it to any fan of Krautrock and adventurous music. Essential Early German Progressive Rock! progarchives
Tracklist :
1. Radio (2:30)
2. Leistungsprinzig (1:30)
3. Orgelsolo (9:26)
4. Side 1 first day (7:05)
5. Grille (6:58)
6. Love Potion 25 (13:11)
Total Time: 40:40
Line-up / Musicians
Skip van Wyk - Drums
Tim Belbe - Saxophone
Klaus Briest - Bass
Öcki - Keyboards 

XHOL — Essen 1970 (1970-1999) Two Version | WV + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Xhol’s sound was a mix of jazz-rock and psychedelia. The band from Wiesbaden and former Xhol Caravan stood out for their pretty lengthy improvisations holding barely any vocals. The band became quite well-known with their two LPs released on Ohr. On Saturday, October 24, 1970, they performed at the third Essen Pop & Blues Festival at the Gruga hall. At that time, Hansi Fischer, one of the founders, had already gone on to Embryo. The whole festival had been recorded semi-professionally on soundboard by Roland Verheyen, an assistant to the promoter Konrad Mallison. The event’s master tapes are partly preserved. Lavishly remastered the CD provides a quite acceptable sound, although the drums seem to be too loud. Xhol’s gig had been divided into four pieces blending perfectly into each other. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    Sparkling Geysers    23:26
2.    „A“ Freak-out Blues    7:44
3.    Weird Bossa    6:16
4.    Surrealistic Scenery    12:11
Credits :
Bass [Baß] – Klaus Briest
Drums [Schlagzeug], Vocals [Uncredited] – Skip
Organ [Orgel] – Öcki Brevern
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor-Saxophon], Concert Flute [Querflöte] – Tim Belbe
Written-By [All Tracks Written By] – Xhol

ART BOYS COLLECTION — Stoned Wall (1972-2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A mixture of somewhat shallow pop and beat music and good progressive tracks. This so far relatively unknown group from Andorf in Austria released one LP "Stoned wall", which is valued at around US$700 in mint condition by collectors, and, between 1970 and 1972, another four 7"-singles, the last two of which are included in the LP, with the first two being added as bonus tracks to the CD. This means that Art Boys Collection’s entire works are featured on one CD. The musical transition period of the late 1960s, which took place in the USA and England, was reflected in the efforts of the five musicians a couple of years later. Next to a detailed story of the band in German and English, the 32-page colour booklet also shows full-page pictures of the sleeves of the four singles, a complete discography, an overview of all labels and other things. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    Freedom, Voice Of My Soul    3:10
2.    Stoned Wall    4:38
3.    Roll Engine Roll    3:50
4.    Flying Machine    4:10
5.    Love    3:45
6.    All My Life    2:05
7.    I'm Riding On An Arrow    3:15
8.    Wait For The Days    3:30
9.    Happy Woman    3:18
10.    Station Nowhere    4:27
11.    In A Foreign Country    2:27
12.    Jesus Said    3:00
- BONUS TRACKS -
13.    Lemon Tree    2:35
14.    A Walk In The Rain    3:00
15.    Life Is A Dream    3:06
16.    United Blues Generation    3:20
Credits :
Bass – Johann Aigner
Organ – Walter Holz
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Gerhard Bauer
Vocals, Drums, Piano – Hans Joachim Holz
Vocals, Lead Guitar – Hubert Perfahl
Written-By, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Gerhard Egger

AGITATION FREE — Fragments (1974) Three Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Agitation Free’s last gig (with guests) was on 11/14/1974. It was recorded by Klaus D. Müller. The gig was already released on CD in 1995 by Musique Intemporelle, and in 1996 by Spalax as far as the tapes were found. Though the sound was bad, because of the basses hardly being audible. With the CD now released by Garden of Delights the shortcoming was overcome – that makes the CD as different as chalk and cheese compared to the earlier ones. Here you can find a bonus track too, a blues. In addition to that “Someone’s secret” and “We are men” are to be heard in their full length. Only “Mediterranean flight” isn’t from the gig mentioned above. It is part of the radio play “Störenfried” of summer 1974. All in all “Fragments” isn’t as spherical and dainty as their masterpieces “Malesch” and “2nd”, but much more improvised and more like rock. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    Someone's Secret    17:56
2.    Mickey's Laugh    10:04
3.    We Are Men 18:54
4.    Mediterranean Flight    3:54
- BONUS TRACKS -    
5.    Blues    10:46
Credits :
Written-By [All Songs Written By] – Agitation Free
Lutz Ulbrich (g, key), Michael Hoenig (key), Bernhard Arndt (p), Jörg Schwenke (g), Mickie Duwe (g, voc), Gustl Lütjens (g, b), Michael Günther (b), Burghard Rausch (dr), Christoph Franke (dr)

TOMORROW'S GIFT — Tomorrow's Gift (1970-2016) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Fantastic Kraut-Prog band from Hamburg with an original and groundbreaking sound few acts were producing in ealy-70's.The initial steps found Tomorrow's Gift covering tracks from tne famous British/American Rock bands of late-60's and material from the late-69'/70' can be heard in the ''Pop & Blues Festival 1970'' and ''Love And Peace'' compilations, but at the same time the band was preparing for its debut, writing and recording original songs.Tomorrow's Gift's self-titled double-LP debut was the first album to be released on the short-lived yet legendary Plus label in 1970 with a 6-piece line-up of Ellen Meier (vocals), Wolfgang Trescher (flute), Carlo Karges (guitars, percussion), Bernd Kiefer (bass), Gerd Paetzke (drums), Manfred Rürup (keyboards).
These talented Germans sound like a band struggling to stay calm with the ordinary Psych/Blues/Hard Rock style, which was pretty popular in 1970, and simultaneously trying to push the limits of Rock music to a next level.The album yet contains the basic elements of Hard/Blues Rock, characterized by the powerful grooves, the mindblowing guitar solos, the tremendous energy of the rhythm section, the dominant Hammond organ parts and the sharp riffs, while next to these you get a singer who sounds a lot like JANIS JOPLIN.But things are actually way more complicated.Along with the basic rockin' passages you will get series of driving flutes with both Kraut and symphonic leanings, Classical-inpired keyboard textures (even some lovely clavinet appears in one track), massive sudden breaks, elaborate and refined interplays and impressive changing tempos.The daring face of the group does not stop here.The longer tracks even contain the fundamental color of early German Kraut Rock: long, powerful and pounding jams, based on furious, psychedelic grooves with guitars and organ in the forefront and yet another solid performance by the tireless rhythm section.
Among the best ever Kraut Rock debuts.A fascinating mix of Psychedelic, Hard, Symphonic and early-70's Progressive Rock, that is sure to satisfy even the most demanding proghead out there.An instant and highly recommended purchase. porgarchives 
Tracklist :
1.    Riddle In A Swamp    8:03
2.    Prayin' To Satan    5:08
3.    One Of The Narrow Minded Thoughts    3:27
4.    Tenakel Gnag    2:55
5.    The First Seasons After The Destruction    13:01
6.    How You Want To Live    7:24
7.    Gray Aurora    1:50
8.    Ants    2:51
9.    Breeds There A: Man    3:17
10.    King In A Nook    4:25
11.    Sandy Concert 8:06
Alto Saxophone – Jochen Petersen
12.    Enough To Write A Song About Or Two    1:58
13.    Second Song    0:27
Credits :
Bass Guitar [Fender] – Bernd Kiefer
Drums – Gerd Paetzke
Engineer – Dieter Dierks, Wolfgang Klaus
Flute – Wolfgang Trescher
Guitar, Percussion – Carlo Karges
Keyboards – Manfred Rürup
Vocals – Ellen Meyer
Written-By – Karges (tracks: 1 to 10, 12, 13), Rürup (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6, 9, 11), Trescher (tracks: 4, 8, 13)

CRABS — Wheel of Fate (1997) Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

For once, no re-release of an old record from the 70s but a more recent band. The Crabs, from the northern edge of the Black Forest in the German region of Swabia, were founded in 1986 by former members of the group Otto Rhombisch and played psychedelic with a slight New Wave or Gothic touch, which is recognizable especially in the singing. In spring 1994 they recorded a couple of songs which were intended to form the material for their first LP. But the project was left un-finished since in the summer of that year the band broke up. It would have been a pity to let the tapes rot away unused, and so they were in the end released on CD after all. But be careful - to those who are totally dedicated to the 70s it will probably sound too new. The tasteful psychedelic cover artwork was created by singer Lea Bayer. GOD
Tracklist :
1.  Change Bad Horizons 
2.  Wheel Of Fate 
3.  We Are We 
4.  Nirvana (Tell Me No Lie) 
5.  Velvet Rain 
6.  Sentimental Blues 
7.  Mm 
8.  Wake Up 
9.  Clean Machine 
10.  Light Of Love 
11.  Radioactive 
12. Love Peace Harmony 
13. Into The World Of Sound
Credits :
Bass - Karl-Heinz Forg 
Drums - Andreas Rall 
Guitar - Ralf Hahnle 
Vocals - Lea Bayer 

SUN — S.U.N. (1980-2008) Two Version | WV (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Sun from Hettenleidelheim near Eisenberg in the Palatinate were founded under the name of Punished Sun in 1969 and shortened their name to Sun in 1974. They played progressive rock with slight Zappa and jazz influences; the singing, however, is in parts a bit silly. In that very year of 1974 they filled with two long tracks a whole side of the double LP “Proton 1” (Kerston FK 65017), on which also the bands Zyma, Andorra, Penicillin, and Nexus are to be heard. In 1980, Sun finally released their first own LP which contained exclusively self- written tracks, in an edition of 1000 copies. The brimful CD at hand contains this complete LP, drawn from the master tapes, and as bonus tracks the two Proton tracks “Leisure” and “To Celia”, two as yet unreleased pieces from rehearsals as well as two later studio recordings, also unreleased as yet. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    Ohne Titte    5:51
2.    The Jester    6:15
3.    Seeing Similaun    6:42
4.    On Holiday    5:14
5.    Und Ewig Heulen Die Gitarren    4:49
6.    Neulich In Spanien    4:51
7.    Women's Lib. Blues    6:30
- BONUS TRACKS -     
8.    Leisure    10:50
9.    To Celia    8:50
10.    Communication Breakdown    6:32
11.    Slave Of Heaven    5:39
12.    Black Sheep Of The Family    4:06
13.    Morning Dream    4:11
Credits :
Bass, Vocals – Thomas Heldmann
Drums – Rudi Herrmann
Electric Piano, Organ – Reinhard Stephan
Guitar – Gunter Hübner
Guitar, Vocals – Harry Müller
Saxophone, Lyricon, Vocals – Bruno Mäder

TRIKOLON — Cluster (1969-2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trikolon were a very gifted trio from Osnabrück. As precursor of Tetragon, they played a very varied progressive rock. They even were influenced by classic and blues. Their only LP “Cluster” was already released in 1969. It was edited by themselves in a number of 150 copies. Thus it had been one of the most earliest works of this kind. Correspondingly modest were the means with which it was recorded, and here lies its only weak point. But whoever, for example, is listening to “Blue Rondo à la Turk”, will be excited about the true firework performed on organ, accompanied by racing drums. Hendrik Schaper on keyboards, the creative element of the band, performs brilliantly. As well do Ralf Schmieding on drums and Rolf Rettberg on bass – the latter nowadays a professor for music in Berlin. The bonus track of 22 minutes was recorded live. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    In Search Of The Sun 14'31
Arranged By – Hendrik Schaper
Written-By – Ambrose
2.    Trumpet For Example 7'22
Written-By – Hendrik Schaper
3.    Hendrik's Easy Groove 11'05
Written-By – Hendrik Schaper
4.    Blue Rondo 10'30
Arranged By – Trikolon
Composed By – Mozart
- BONUS TRACKS -
5.    Fuge 22'22
Arranged By – Trikolon
Composed By – Bach
Credits :
Bass – Rolf Rettberg
Drums – Ralf Schmieding
Organ, Piano, Trumpet, Vocals – Hendrik Schaper

THE SHIVER — Walpurgis (1969-2004) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The Shiver are for sure the most renowned psychedelic band of Switzerland. Their one and only LP "Walpurgis" is legendary and hardly affordable. So, evidently, a lot of bootleg versions appeared on the market over the years, but all of them very poorly done. The CD on Garden of Delights is produced, as usual, with a detailed band story, a lot of illustrations, a detailed discography inclusive label and cover repros, and, last but not least, three bonus tracks. Two of those are taken from the very rare compilation "1. Schweizer Rhythm and Blues Festival". The early version of "Repent Walpurgis" comes from a so-called split single from 1968, where you can find The Etc on its flip side. Thus, the complete released works of  The Shiver can be found on this CD. The fold-out cover artwork designed by H.R. Giger was taken over unchanged. GOD
Tracklist :
1.    Repent Walpurgis    7:10
2.    Ode To The Salvation Army    0:38
3.    Leave This Man Alone    5:15
4.    What's Wrong About The Blues    5:15
5.    Hey Mr. Holy Man    3:15
6.    Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood    4:40
7.    No Time    2:50
8.    The Peddle    4:45
- BONUS TRACKS -     
9.    You Don't Love Me    3:00
10.    Hear My Plea    4:05
11.    Repent Walpurgis    7:21
Credits :
Artwork – H.R. Giger
Bass Guitar, Flute, Vocals – Mario Conza
Drums, Vocals – Roger Maurer
Guitar, Harmonica – Dany Rühle
Keyboards – Jelly Postorini
Vocals – Peter Robinson