Austria Drei Illinois Eins

Here we have something Austrian that doesn't quite sound "austrian". It's mainly Werner Pirchner's Marimba that gives this fusion outfit an ethnic/world music feel and some of those tricky rhythmic structures make you forget completely about alpine idyllic scenes. Adelhard Roidinger's bass workouts might make you forget about everything else (Check Lonely Frog).  I'll also mention "fast fingers" Harry Pepl on guitar and "tight" Todd Canedy, former member of the legendary Rhythm Combination & Brass, on drums. I'll also mention that I hope you'll enjoy this fine album!
Cheers, Basso

Back to the Oasis

Hugest thanks to ONEDOTZERO.COM.PT who sent me on a trip to the beautiful shores of Portugal and made it possible to see some of Porto's record stores after a long night of incredible short films, nicest people, wonderful white wine (Douro!!!) and lots of music....
Back to the record shop: My wrecked eyes hoped to see some Rão Kyao LPs there and to my deepest pleasure they did.
Now here's the first one that I found last summer already and kept enjoying it ever since. It's a beautiful mix of oriental melodies and fado inspired jazz. A very unique sound and that's what I love it for. Check it out! Cheers, Basso

Software Sunrise

Here we have Brüning von Alten's Sunrise Orchestra with the "Malata Suite" LP. No year indicated on cover or label, but from the cat# I'm guessing this would have been released in 1984 or 1985 on Software. Software Music seems to be a guarantee for good music. I don't know a single bad record from this label (must admit I never heard this one). There's an ealier release buy these guys that I don't know yet but I hope to obtain it soon....
The album starts off with 10 minutes of some fine afro cuban jazz. Lots of percussions of course, beautiful piano and some real nice horns too. A2 is all about percussion. Voodoo! Side B kicks off with african fusion in "Latsemanja". I'm unsure about the chanting but hey, the guys obviously had fun.....you'll also find some relaxed moments on side 2. In one case (B2 "Lady U." with some great guitar shreds ; ) it's awesome - in fact my fave on this LP. The other one is kind of - ahhemm - okay (B3 "For Christina" - stewardess on the Love Boat, I guess). I have thought about leaving it out, but I have done that before and got rewarded with comments on the missing track only. Bloody completists!! For the closing track we return to the heart of africa with the "Kalabash Song". Everybody bring your calabash.....
Cheers!