STRETCH

GERMANY's TETRAGON recorded two albums back in 1971 but this the second one didn't get released. "Stretch" was recorded in Hamburg at the end of 1971. It had been carefully stored thankfully and was still in mint condition.The Garden of Delights label released this in 2009. I love both albums by the way.

"Snowstorm" starts out sounding a lot like COLOSSEUM as it's uptempo and keyboard driven. It settles some after a minute as the guitar lets loose, then the organ comes in. It picks up again before 2 minutes as they proceed to kick some ass. More excellent guitar after 5 1/2 minutes that goes on and on. "Listen Here" is a cover of a Eddie Harris tune although they confess their version is more like Brian Auger's cover of the same tune. Drums to start then keyboards and bass join in.This is great ! Such a catchy rhythm too. Guitar 1 1/2 minutes in. Drums and bass only before 5 minutes. How good is this ! The keyboards return. Love this stuff as they continue to jam.

"The Light" has an almost DOORS-like pulsating rhythm here and then the guitar joins in and eventually leads. Great sound ! The guitar stops around 4 1/2 minutes but not for long.The organ and guitar dominate the rest of the way. "Hovering Stones" opens with pounding bass and drums as the organ plays over top. Check out the guitar before 2 1/2 minutes as it solos in a laid back fashion until before 4 minutes. Drums and organ then dominate.

"Dragon Song" is a John McLaughlin cover but again like the other cover they followed more closely to Brian Auger's version than the original. Drums to start then the guitar and bass join in.This is an incredible track really with the guitar shining bright.

A solid 4 stars for this 1971 beauty.