CALATEA

A strong debut, operating in a symphonic mode basically but also with a jazzy tinge unique on this one. Such was rather lost on ensuing albums, but here it lends a feel rather similar to the great EN REGARDANT PASSER LE TEMPS by the French group Carpe Diem.

Vocal chores on this maiden-voyage outing are shared by guitarist Urs Waldispühl and woodwinds player Peter Wolf (no relation to the Austrian keyboardist or the J. Geils Band singer). Vocals seem like an afterthought to the lengthy instrumental passages, though. Often, the two sing in unison alongside bass player Urs Hochuli.

Waldispühl's guitar playing is utterly peripheral, the odd riff here or unison melody with the sax there, but it's hardly a guitar extravaganza. Keysman Roland Ruckstuhl is star of the show, and he doesn't let you forget it. Organ, synths and Fender Rhodes are prominent, with some Mellotron for added dimension. But it's the sumptuous, classically-derived acoustic piano work that's the cornerstone of Ruckstuhl's playing. What is it with all these Swiss bands and this absolutely delicious piano playing? You get much the same on albums by Dragonfly, Blue Motion and the like as well.