Coma - Financial Tycoon. 1977.
Coma – Amoc. 1980. “Financial Tycoon” is like a direct cross between two of Denmark’s finest bands: Dr. Dopo Jam and Secret Oyster. From Dr. Dopo Jam they inherit the obvious Zappa influence, including humorous bits and complex composition style. From Secret Oyster they get the fusion tendencies and instrumental dexterity. Some splendid sax and ripping guitar solos really add spice to the album. I’ve heard some folks say “Financial Tycoon” is Canterbury influenced, but I can’t say I do. Overall, a good one. Not surprisingly, “Amoc” from three years later is much more in the fuzak area, with plenty of soft sax and early digital synth action. All is not a total loss, as there’s plenty of rough edged guitar moments and a couple of moodier electric piano driven pieces, with the highlight being the final title track. Easily 2 points lower than the debut.
Coronarias Dans – Breathe. 1970.
Coronarias Dans – Visitor. 1973. Coronarias Dans are one of Denmark’s most famous embryonic jazz rock groups. “Breathe†is pretty much straight up jazz, but in a European free style kind of way. The standup bass gets a good workout and, combined with some superb drumming, makes for an interesting work from a purely jazz perspective. By the time of “Visitor†the band is still focused squarely on the jazz aesthetic, but now they’ve added rock guitarist Claus Bohling (from Hurdy Gurdy), and his psychedelic shredding is a much needed boost, and distinguishes “Visitor†from other albums of its ilk. Claus would go on to help form Secret Oyster, and add the same style of guitar to all of their albums as well.