0611 CAT QUARTER

Early German blues-jazz obviously inspired by the new electric developments coming from New York City as well as the portable electric organ work of some of the extraordinary keyboard players who were pushing boundaries in the late1960s. One thing that makes this album stand out is that it is made up entirely of original compositions--mostly by saxophonist Gustl Mayr.

1. "Lollipop Mainliner" (4:22) sounds so Sixties-ish: like a mash up of "surf rock" and organ blues-rock. The construct definitely comes from the blues idiom. Interesting long slow down at the three-minute mark followed by the reprise- restart of the main theme to close. (8.75/10)

2. "Goose Pimples" (4:42) opens up sounding like a variation on Gerwshin's "Porgy and Bess," but then it goes full blues with some soprano saxophone soloing above the organ, bass, and drums. Organ takes over the lead soloing throughout the second minute before giving way to the sax again. (8.75/10)

3. "Chicks" (4:25) James Brown-like R&B--like "Mustang Sally" with a slight influx of surfer music. (8.5/10)

4. "Gargoyle" (4:46) the closest song to proto-prog Blues-Rock like something Brian Auger, Rod Argent, or even Keith Emerson might do. Gustl Mayr's wonderful soprano sax play is more akin to that of John Coltrane. This song really swings! My favorite song on the album. (9/10)

5. "Mood Blue" (4:10) a great movin' Jazz-Rock piece which really showcases Klaus Gobel's talents on the organ. The chorus bridge is a bit like the structure and chords of Steve Winwood's "I'm a Man." (8.875/10)

Side Two: "Fancy Suite" : 6. "Cat Quarter" (5:49) more organ and sax supporting jazzy R&B. (8.75/10)

7. "Dig It" (5:28) old-time blues construct that was probably very popular in the band's local beer halls. Sax gets the lead over the standard jazz drumming and fret-walking bass line but, of course, Klaus gets his time in the sun as well. (8.6666667/10)

8. "Fancy Soul" (5:15) opens with some adventurous bass play before sax, brushed drums, and sustained organ chords join in. This is jazz from the deep South: sad and emotive. Nice work from bassist Dieter Von Goetze and Gustl Mayr on the soprano sax--and I really like Klaus's restrained, respectful organ: giving full support and shine to Gustl. At the halfway point Gustl takes over the lead, mirroring Dieter's melody lines with great care and respect while still adding his virtuosic riffs and flourishes, and then Dieter is given the lead for the final minute and more. Nice! Another one of my top three songs. (8.875/10)

9. "Ruck-a-Sack" (4:10) another song that feels as if it would have been a great favorite in the local pubs and beer halls- -it feels like an "old standard": full of simple catchy melodies and playing patterns. Nice cymbal play from drummer Kurt Bong. (8.666667/10)

Total time: 44:46

On the positive side, these songs are all recorded extremely well: with all instruments being rendered clearly and cleanly defined, but the soundscapes are a bit too sparse and spacious for my tastes. From a distance, this really is less Jazz-Rock Fusion despite its used of electric bass and organ; it's more jazzy Blues Rock.

B/four stars; a beautifully-rendered collection of original music that all feels familiar in the way that popular jazz "standards" do. If you like melodic organ and sax play within a competent jazz combo, you might love this.