JUD'S GALLERY

"Inspiration" is heavy to start then it settles back and the guitar starts to solo in a raw yet laid back manner.It kicks back into that earlier soundscape as the contrasts continue. "Danger Of Shoot" is on this this recording twice.This earlier version pales to the later one. I just find the violin too prominant here for my tastes.The last half is better though as the guitar gets more prominance. "Follow Me" is mellow with acoustic guitar and piano leading the way. Bass and electric guitar join in and it turns heavier 2 1/2 minutes in. It picks up 4 minutes in but settles back with the guitar soloing in a relaxed manner. It's heavier again 7 minutes then it picks up.Violin joins in. "Friends" is a peace song. Gentle guitar and reserved vocals lead the way.Some female backing vocals as well. It's all about the lyrics. "Catch The Fly" is experimental at first then the violin and bass kick in then guitar before 2 minutes. A heavy rhythm follows.Violin continues until it stops before 4 minutes. Nice bass with a beat and the guitar joins in. Love this ! The violin is back before 7 minutes to end it.

"Reaching" is the start of the later sessions. This is uptempo as the vocals join in quickly.The guitar is prominant everytime the vocals stop. Bass, drums and guitar put on a show 2 1/2 minutes in.Vocals are back after 5 minutes. "Danger Of Shoot" has this laid back guitar as bass,cymbals the vocal melodies join in.This is great ! Reserved vocals after 2 minutes but they do become passionate.The guitar is more aggressive before 6 minutes. "Nordrach" is uptempo with the guitar leading early. Organ joins in and the drums are relentless.This is repetitive but oh so good ! A change before 8 1/2 minutes as the guitar and sound get louder. Another change before 10 minutes as wind, floating organ, vocal melodies then guitar ends it. What a song ! "White Woman" doesn't do much for me with those crazy vocal outbursts.

"New Day's Dawning" is the bonus track. A haunting atmosphere to start as some sparse algean flute comes in and distant sounding vocals. A beat and psychedelic sounding guitar arrive 4 minutes in as the vocals echo.The bass becomes prominant.Amazing stuff right here, so psychedelic. It kicks in heavily after 10 minutes but then settles back with percussion as the tempo then picks up with guitar and bass. It's catchy too as he sings over and over "Morning, morning, a new day's dawning".

A must for those who are into the Krautrock scene.

Due to the pioneering work of the radio station SWF Baden-Baden with the intention to present talented german bands there are existing some very good conditioned treasures which were digged out some years ago. This is another nearly unknown enjoyable release with a melange of styles like many kraut bands of the 70s managed. JUD'S GALLERY's music is unique in its variety and entirety - all songs are written by band leader 'Judy' Winter. But - no wonder - not without noticable influences from several other bands.

'SWF Sessions Vol.1' is a split CD including songs recorded at the radio station studio U1 in the same way as COUPLA PROG did - without overdubs and any other reworking. Split because with two different line-ups and the only constants were Jürgen Winter and Peter Oehler. The first refers to a blend of heavy blues and folk with Gremminger's violin. The second delivers more jazz rock and some psychedelic with Clem Winterhalter's (mainly decent) Hammond organ. Interesting for a comparison - the song 'Danger of shoots' is offered twice.

This diversified album starts with the blues based Inspiration, Jethro Tull inspired and the guitar style remembers much at Martin Barre - a promising opener. Danger of shoot (early version) sounds completely different in the vein of the band String Driven Thing with violin and piano. Follow me is an excellent song rising with every minute to a heavy rock tune forced by Oehler's compelling guitar work and piano accompaniment. Nice male/female vocal harmonies are dominating the acoustic ballad Friends and Catch the fly is composed and played very dramatically but also delivered with a floating jamming part in the second half.

Reaching stands for the new stylistical orientation two years later. Starting as simple rock and sounding disappointing first but then suddenly it all developes to an impressing haunting jazz rock part. Danger of shoot (final version) is matured compared to the early version - compelling heavy rock. Nordach looks like to be the all-time band favourite - and it's true - fantastic jazz rock with jam character and psychedelic additions by guitar and hammond embedded in a blues theme - wow - a jewel!

Definetely recommended - a versatile document of the prog history in Germany.