JUMBO

'Jumbo' is 'Grobschnitt's' third record and was released in a German- and an English- sung version.While the first 'Grobschnitt' record was more classical-oriented, the second one more psychedelic 'Jumbo' integrates influences of bands like the 'Allman Brothers' or 'Wishbone Ash' and their double guitar play, with long melody lines by lead guitarist Lupo and the rhythm-guitar play of Stefan 'Wildschwein' Danielak. After the short gimmick track 'Jupp' the record starts with 'The Excursion of Father Smith', a long dynamic track served by the trademark Hi-hat playing of Eroc, organ breaks and the double guitar work of Lupo and Wildschwein. 'The Clown' opens with a organ/bass interplay leading into an uptempo groove served again by Eroc's typical hi-hat playing. Both tracks are nicely crafted, but the second side of the record is more interesting. 'Dream and Reality' starts slowly with acoustic guitar, than Lupo adds a melody on the electric and Eroc enters with the hi-hat and establishes a nice medium tempo groove not unlike the 'Allman Brothers'.After a short organ break the track resumes his Westcoast journey. 'Sunny Sunday's Sunset' is the masterpiece of the record . It starts with synthesizer swirling by drummer Eroc (reminding his first solo record) than a melody line by lupo, hi-hat , vocals the track speeds up and leads to a break, after which the track slows down to a slow blues over which Lupo lays a melodic solo in typical Duane Eddy fashion, which works very well. The last track 'Goodbye' is a little tongue in cheek 'thank you' to the listener for having bought the record and a warm goodbye by all band members. 'Jumbo' is the most accesible of the early 'Grobschnitt' records with a nice mixture of Westcoast and german Prog.