Secret Oyster – s/t (1973 Denmark).
Secret Oyster – Straight to the Krankenhaus (1976 Denmark). Secret Oyster were one of the more well known European fusion groups back in the day, as their albums sold quite well back home, as well as benefitting from good distribution around the world, especially in the US. In fact they were one of the first European fusion groups I’d heard, having stumbled upon “Furtive Pearl” (the US release on Peters International of the self-titled debut) as far back as 1985. Founded by members from Burnin’ Red Ivanhoe, Secret Oyster subsequently added psychedelic guitarist Claus Bohling from Hurdy Gurdy and jazz pianist Kenneth Knudsen from Coronarias Dans to form one very hot quintet. Their 4 albums, released between 1973 to 1976, are all remarkably similar, but never repetitive or lacking inspiration. The debut mixed in a little more avant jazz, as Knudsen’s songwriting was still geared towards that direction. But the album also features some of their more unhinged rock moments, as Bohling lets loose on the guitar like never before or again. The only minor gripe I have with the band, is that Karsten Vogel’s wind of choice was the soprano saxophone, an instrument I don’t personally enjoy as much as the tenor or alto. Secret Oyster closed their career with “Straight to the Krankenhaus”, a return to the more straightforward hard fusion found on their second album “Sea Son”. Many say it’s their best, and it very well could be from my standpoint as well. Due to their international popularity, Secret Oyster were often one of the most requested bands to have their album reissued, especially as none had surfaced as late as 2005. Perhaps that’s for the best, as this allowed a quality label like The Laser’s Edge to gain control. These two albums close out the series. All feature unique liner notes from band members, unreleased photos, bonus tracks and high quality sound. Done the way reissues should be. And now we hear their may be a new album in the works. Secret Oyster strike me as the type of band who would put out a relevant reformation album. Would be an instant purchase for me.