Virgin’s Dream - Sophisty (1980 Germany). A couple of years ago, I received a package from Rolf Trenkler, former leader of Virgin’s Dream. It contained a CD compiled from unreleased demos called “The X-Tapes” and dated primarily from 1972 (and I reviewed it for Gnosis). But there was no mention of this “Sophisty” album (maybe because he wasn’t on it)! In fact, I see no similar members between the 2 albums. A similar thing happened with the band Moira, and yet there was a tie-in, just not on album. So this certainly could be the same band. The Krautrock Musikzirkus website lists them together, as a band from Essen. But the history provided is strictly from “The X-Tapes” era. In any case, I never knew of its existence until a good friend recently provided me with a CDR burn. Virgin’s Dream, on “Sophisty” at least, are very much a product of the late 70s and early 80s German fusion scene. Perhaps a bit more tropical, and funky, than most. Comparisons to Michael Borner’s Sun or some of Syncrises’ work wouldn’t be out of line. As usual, the guitar work is exemplary, a trademark of the time and place. No CD exists.
Key - s/t (1977 Germany). Key are yet another fusion band from Germany from the late 1970s scene. Though I’d say Key definitely are on the jazz side of the equation. Featuring long sections for trumpet and sax solos, not to mention the piano and standup bass providing the backdrop and atmosphere. A pleasant enough album, though I find it hard to believe this would motivate too many potential buyers in the CD reissue market, and indeed it remains unissued. Drummer Kurt Bilker went on to play the kit on Katamaran’s “Footprints”.
Deja Vu - Cosmic Zack (1977 Germany). I recently revisited this album for the first time in 7 years. My last listen prompted me to write the following review for Gnosis, and my viewpoint hasn’t changed one bit. “A very obscure release from Germany circa 1977. Typical of many private releases from late 70’s Deutschland, Deja Vu attempt the Novalis style of progressive rock. The primary instrument is electric guitar and is accompanied by electric piano, sax, flute, bass and drums. There are also vocals with a traditional heavy Teutonic accent (some in English, some in German). I often wonder why these bands bothered with the vocals as it only detracts from the compositions. Fortunately, side two eschews the vocals for a more energetic instrumental approach. Musically, the band plays a safe, straightforward and somewhat jazzy (especially side 2) progressive music with some well done guitar/sax work amongst the otherwise mediocre compositions. File along with Credemus, Poseidon, Eden and a host of other well-meaning, but ultimately lacking, German bands from the late 70’s/early 80’s.” Still hasn’t been reissued on CD.