SUMMER SESSIONS VOL. 1

Originally CAUSA SUI are more hailing from the stoner rock realm. They produced two studio albums until the decision came up to take a step to something more loose and experimental. They recorded hours and hours of free jams, less structured songs, quite different in style - however - besides several krautrock and jazz rock/fusion traces the preference on psychedelic/spacey sounds is obvious. The essence of this improvisational excursions was put on three different albums entitled 'Summer Sessions' up to now - each released by German Elektrohasch label on vinyl in a limited edition of 500 copies.

Occupying one LP side all alone Visions Of Summer is an incredible session. Initiated by a spacey intro reduced on synth and percussion this is mostly fusion oriented as for the rhythmic fundament but also provided with a special hypnotic/repetitive behaviour - little by little escalating to heavier stoner impressions. Even Jimi Hendrix reminiscences are shimmering through here and there. The fallback will come soon to a relaxed approach with a bunch of spacey guitar, organ, electronics - all skillfully played by Jonas Munk. This is partially rather warm, gently grooving - excellent!

And it's nearly the same with Red Sun In June, the first song of the flipside. The emphasis is more on multiple guitar layers though - really soaring when the jam is escalating in between. Twittering synths are leading over to the next song Portixeddu where the title seems to be derivated from a Sardinian origin. This obviously works in the vein of Soft Machine featuring Allan Holdsworth. Clearly an intensive jazz rock outfit - also reminding me of Santana's proggy times - later decorated with contributions by guest sax player Johan Riedenlow.

Soledad starts really dreamy spacey as for the contrary - nice guitar work once more. But then the band changes to a heavier stoner mood again which fashions the middle section of the song. Comprising different styles 'Summer Sessions Vol. 1' is a fantastic atmospheric album in it's entirety for someone who loves well-elaborated jam sessions - 4.5 stars.