NANU URWERK

NANU URWERK released this lone album back in 1978 and most detect a Canterbury vibe because this is a fairly subtle style of Jazz with plenty of flute, sax and trombone besides the usual instruments. There's no guitar but the electric piano and bass are what impress me the most about this album and thankfully those two instruments dominate. There are some vocals and vocal melodies but for the most part this is an instrumental album. I'm surprised that it took me four listens to even start liking this recording but again it's fairly laid back overall and it took some time for it's subtleties to rise to the top for me. I so enjoy the overall mood of this record. And there is that Krautrock spirit at times but for me this is a Jazz/ Rock record.

"Hier Und Jetzt, Jungs" is a top three for me. Talk about subtle, this one starts out with cymbals and some relaxed beats along with electric piano and bass. What a beautiful melody right here, just gorgeous. Percussion comes to the fore after 5 minutes as the bass and electric piano continue. Drums are back after 7 minutes. "Ungrad" is a short 2 1/2 minute song that starts with a horn, piano and more before the flute arrives around a minute then it settles back. I like this a lot with the atmosphere adding to my enjoyment. So much going on late.

"Die Holzauber" is another top three tune for me. Drums, electric piano, bass and atmosphere to start. I like the mood here as it starts to pick up before a minute and vocal melodies join in. So good! Spoken words replace the vocal melodies as the bass becomes more prominent. This has a determined sound to it. Vocal melodies are back before 3 1/2 minutes. Sax replaces them before 4 minutes changing the dynamic somewhat. Catchy stuff. Vocal melodies are back late to end it.

"Give It A Try" might be a short song but it's my final top three. Vocal melodies and piano lead the way to begin with but soon he's singing. I just really enjoy this one. "Nanu" is the longest track at 12 1/2 minutes. It sounds like wind chimes and e-piano to start as the bass joins in. Eventually pulsating keys lead the way with bass and percussion-like sounds. I like the bass 4 1/2 minutes in and that atmosphere bringing Krautrock to mind. The tempo picks up a minute later as drums come to the fore and the pulsating keys continue. Flute 6 minutes in. So good! It's building as the bass returns. Soon it settles to a smooth sound as the sax and flute take turns leading the rest of the way.

"Zhawoh" has a jazzy start with e-piano, a beat and bass. There's a kind of lame melody to my ears that arrives but that changes when it quickly gets fuller. This happens again later on. "Der Illusionist-Der Clown" is pretty much trombone and piano throughout.

A solid 4 stars in my opinion with some real high points, and really it's only the way it ends with the last two tracks that makes me settle on four stars and nothing higher. No Funk here either which is surprising for a late seventies release.