SUNRISE

Before they were Sahara, this band were known as Subject Esq. Sahara's second album "Sunrise" is a stunning album mixing pop, folk and fusion elements. Hard to exactly peg this album into one category but imagine a heavy mix of Jethro Tull, with early Yes and snippets of Nektar and you might have an idea of their sound. Musically these guys blend mellotron/organ/piano symphonia with flutes, guitars and accentuated bass in a well crafted format not unlike Yes did. The band lineup was Hennes Hering (Keyboards), Michael Hofmann (Wind, Moog, Mellotron, Vocals), Alex Pittwohn (Harmonica, Saxophone, Vocals), Harry Rosenkind (Drums, Percussion), Stefan Wissnet (Bass, Vocals), Nicholas Woodland (Guitar). Vocals are sung in English and are very well done making this album a real little gem of the progressive era. Although both sides are amazing, it is side 2 that really got my interest with a 27 min long 2 suite epic track (no matter how old I get I still love the epic numbers!!!) . I have the newly re-mastered version and the sound from all accounts is far superior to the previous versions. A great album