Crypto - s/t (1974 Netherlands) Known as the Dutch Placebo, though I found this more funky and less “cool” than Marc Moulin’s outfit. Fairly typical of the era, especially the synth work. The guitar and Rhodes playing is a bit more exceptional, however. Overall a good example of the European instrumental funky fusion sound. File next to Saluki. Never issued on CD.
Spektar - s/t (1974 Croatia). Heard this at a friend’s house about 3 years ago, and nice to finally have a copy for myself. A keyboard trio, Spektar’s sound vacillates between funk (lots of clavinet), progressive (with organ featured) and straight ahead rock with some marginal vocals. There’s definitely some weeds to clear here, but underneath is some prime turf. All the 8 tracks are short. Probably the most obscure album coming from the former Yugoslavia, even more so than Izvir. Adding to the obscurity factor, Suzy was generally known for releasing straight pop music, and Spektar was sort of the odd album out. Not on CD.
Cry Freedom - Volcano (1976 Germany). One of the earlier entries in Germany’s huge fascination with everything jazz fusion. By the 1980s it seems there were dozens of such releases. Primarily instrumental sax/guitar/organ/synthesizer driven numbers, with a stronger than usual emphasis on melody. Not quite at the level of Embryo or Missus Beastly, but more thought out than Kraan, Headband, Morpheus, etc… File next to Katamaran. They have two later albums, but I’ve been told they aren’t quite up to standard. Another one that lacks a CD issue.