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STEFAN ZAUNER

Crossover Prog • Germany


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Stefan Zauner biography
Stefan ZAUNER is an German vocalist and keyboardist from Gottingen. His humble beginning as a musician started around 1967 when a successful film music producer Harold MAYER was looking for a bass player for his band; ZAUNER didn't know how to play bass at the time but inspired by his role model Paul MCCARTNEY, he learned very quickly which ultimately resulted in a successful cooperation. After that however, he still wasn't sure he would have a career as a musician seeing as he was 15 at the time.

Later on in the early 70's, ZAUNER finished his art studies in Switzerland and made his first album in Munchener Studios which wasn't a success but it was a worthy keyboard oriented rock album inspired by YES and GENESIS. Around the same time he was asked to play with AMON DUUL II, and played with the band on albums from 'Pyragony X' to 'Vortex' in 1981, mostly playing on synthesizers but occasionally contributed on the guitar. In 1978, guitarist Klaus EBERT who was also in AMON DUUL II at the time helped out on ZAUNER's second album 'Prism & Views' which was released in English. The album was less inspired by symphonic bands and is closer to music the likes of ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA and similar art rock.

Afterwards, ZAUNER would become a part of a pop rock band MUNCHENER FREIHEIT that enjoyed a successful career even in the English-speaking world for hits like 'Keeping The Dream Alive'. Comparing this period with the hard times
in the 70's when ZAUNER had trouble making and selling records, time spent with MUNCHENER FREIHEIT became a bigger highlight in his musical career. Recently he left the band after a few releases following their 30 years anniversary and
made a solo pop album on which he features his wife on vocals with whom he currently resides in Ibiza.

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STEFAN ZAUNER discography


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STEFAN ZAUNER top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.04 | 8 ratings
Narziss
1976
3.83 | 6 ratings
Prism & Views
1978

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STEFAN ZAUNER Reviews


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 Narziss by ZAUNER, STEFAN album cover Studio Album, 1976
3.04 | 8 ratings

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Narziss
Stefan Zauner Crossover Prog

Review by apps79
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars German musician and composer Stefan Zauner was born in 1952 in Göttingen as son of the German director George Zauner.He studied graphic design in Munich and Basel but his love for music soon overcame his studies to the point he even made it to the line-up of Psych/Kraut Rockers Amon Düül II from mid-70's to early-80's as a keyboard player.Around the period he officially became an Amon Düül II member, Zauner produced his first solo output ''Narziss'', recorded at the studios of Ariola Records in Munich and released in 1976 by the top German label.

Heavily influenced by bands like GENESIS and YES as well as pinpointing the direction NOVALIS would take around the same period, Zauner created an album of sensitive and easy- listening Symphonic Rock with many romantic moments but also some superb keyboard playing.He also handles all instruments and vocals except drums, took over by Renard Hatzke.Unlike the hillarious, commercial style Amon Duul were delivering in 1976, Zauner chose a more adventurous and demanding style for his solo debut, of course there are a few tracks of cheesy straightforward Blues/Rock'n'Roll music, totally unacceptable for his talent and completely unrelated to the majority of the compositions.So, fortunately, the rest of the album is highly-inspired keyboard-based Progressive Rock with plenty of great TONY BANKS- like moog workouts and a strong Classical influence on the isolated piano passages, offering nice moments of pure grandieur.Touches of Mellotron here and there is definitely to satisfy all lovers of vintage Prog, while the vocals of Zauner are smooth yet trully decent and expressive.The acoustic guitars blended with Zauner's keys are another reason followers of GENESIS will like this album a lot.

A one-man effort, which not only deserves a CD reissue but also a greater exposure to the public.Lovely GENESIS/YES-influenced Symphonic Rock with massive interesting keyboard parts and a very delicate atmosphere.Warmly recommended.

Thanks to historian9 for the artist addition.

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