Embryo - Father Son and Holy Ghosts. 1972 Germany

It's a well known tale now, but Father Son and Holy Ghosts was in reality the 5th album by Embryo, and the 3rd attempt to appease United Artists as a followup to Embryo's Rache. The label wanted a more commercial release, and thus rejected both Steig Aus and Rocksession, both later purchased by Metronome and released on their Brain imprint (in 1973). Father Son and Holy Ghosts is by no means commercial, and one suspects the label gave up at this point - and released Embryo out of their contractual obligation afterwards. One of the highlights of this release, in particular, is the contribution of Sigi Schwab on guitar and other stringed instruments, including many from the far east. 'King Insano' represents the track that defines the album best. Moody and introspective with flute and Schwab's exotic electric stringed instruments (veena, tarang). Edgar Hoffman adds some amplified sax while the band grooves hard (and wonderfully phased I might add). At close to five minutes, it's Embryo concentrate - just add water. 'The Sun Song' is another wonder as it displays Embryo enjoying their early ventures towards Asian world fusion. Nine minute closer 'Forgotten Sea' is a classic laid back Krautrock jam, and reminds me why I love the genre so much. No rules or expectations. It just was.

---7/9/24

The CD adds a 20 minute live version of 'You Don't Know What's Happening' from their Opal album. This track was performed at the 3rd Essener Pop and Blues Festival in 1970. While the recording is a bit rough, the music is nothing short of phenomenal. Long jams with guitar, violin, and flute all played in that Krautrock manner, which is unorthodox and awesome. Tribal and raw.

Ownership: LP: 1972 United Artists. Gatefold. Acquired from Forever Young in the DFW area (1988).

CD: 2022 Garden of Delights. Jewel case. Contains full historical liners and photos. The label tells Embryo's origins via the Bremen 1971 archival CD, so they pick up the story from there. Includes the bonus track as mentioned above. This is a repress of their 2003 release.

The GoD CD replaced the 1999 Disconforme release.

1988 (first listen); 1/6/10 (review / new entry); 7/9/24 (update)