Solis Lacus - s/t. 1975 Belgium

Solis Lacus' sole album is a mix of deep grooves and sweet melodies, which is the blueprint for the mid 70's instrumental jazz rock scene. One could easily see Solis Lacus operating as the 4th Placebo album. Though by 1975, some of the rougher edges have been smoothed over, and it's not ever going to win any underground awards. But it definitely serves well for 70's styled "gettin' in the mood" with plush coaches, wood paneled walls, and shag carpet. Trumpet and saxophone lead the solo parade, while band leader Michel Herr provides the Fender Rhodes and monophonic synthesizers. This is the right music for the right time.

Personal collection
CD: 2012 Heavenly Sweetness (France)

The CD is housed in a fine tri-fold digipak using the original cover (scan 1). Comes with a history in English and French, and further on the band members each reflect back on the album, but this time only in French and Flemish. Also displays the two other album covers, as the LP was surprisingly reissued twice in the late 70s and early 80s by different labels (see scans 2 and 3)

Sideline ~ Germany

Sidesteps (1979)

The music on Sideline is a bit edgier and more melodic than your standard late 70s/early 80's breezy Kraut Fusion album. And it sounds like it was recorded a few years earlier when jazz musicians were still exploring the exciting possibilities of rock. Violin, as would be expected from a leader, is the dominant instrument (though the music is all composed by guitarist Hugo Vogel). Sometimes electric violin can be too flashy (Jean-Luc Ponty) or too hoedown like the Appalachian Americana influenced bands. Here the sound, style, and playing by Koehler is just perfect. If I had a preference though, I would have preferred the guitarist to go beyond the electric jazz tone here. If only he'd let 'er rip psychedelic style (as the violin will on occasion), then this album would've jumped a full two Gnosis points.

No legit reissues exist as I update this post (2/22/25).

Former ownership: 1979 JA Records (LP)

9/28/13 (first listen); 1/5/18 (review / new entry)

Third Eye ~ Netherlands ~ Germany

Third Eye (1976)

On the surface, Third Eye would seem to be a typical mid to late 1970s kraut fusion album, of which there are dozens. That is, until you hear the mellotron being played like a flutist would play his solo (just check out 'Sound Circle' as an example)! It's really odd to hear this traditional symphonic prog / electronik musik instrument used in this context. As if Tangerine Dream, circa Phaedra, played the piano lounge at some swanky hotel. For this alone, Third Eye is worth seeking out. There's also a classically inspired romantic piece, cocktail piano, a drum solo, typical fusion runs. A somewhat bizarre mix, but quite good all the same.

Former ownership: 1976 Ring (LP)

No legit reissues exist as I update this post (2/22/25)

7/22/09 (review); 1/5/18 (new entry)

Alcatraz ~ Germany

Live: Trockeneis zum Frühstück (1980)

Alcatraz were always an interesting lot, never staying in one musical place too long. By the time of this live album, the band had released a Krautrock classic (Vampire State Building) and a politrock album. So naturally this is a jazz fusion work... All new material, it is in effect a brand new studio release and the recording is stellar. Perhaps most extraordinary is how adept Alcatraz are at the style. Though it must be said that Vampire State Building had jazz qualities, it was nowhere near this obvious. There are two standout leads here: Rainier Hansen on sax and flute - and steady member Klaus Holst on guitar. Hansen, in general, has a very pleasing tone concerning his saxophone with a bit of the psychedelic similar to Xhol Caravan would deploy on occasion. At times he gets a little too loose, but pulls back just at the moment of annoyance. His flute playing is exemplary throughout. Best of all though is Holst, who apparently was completely unaware of any musical trends since 1971. You will have to look long and hard in 1980 for the kind of fiery psychedelic leads he lays down. It's really extraordinary, and reminds me of the second Moira album concerning the out-of-its-time sound. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find a modern retro band that "gets it" like Holst does here. The songs are all well written and melodic and not just exercises in solo jamming. The latter enhances the former that is to say.

The cover itself is telling. While the band is sitting in the kitchen enjoying a meal of ice (?), there are albums perched up against the wall. Among them include Soft Machine Third, Bitches Brew, and Hendrix's Axis' Bold as Love. And there you have it.

Ownership: 1980 private (LP)

No legit reissues exist as I update this post (2/22/25)

2001 (first listen); 1/4/18 (review)

1/4/18 (new entry)

Andreas Aarflot ~ Sweden

Det Rivna Pianot (1978)

Andreas Aarflot's sole album is like a direct cross between National Health and Quebec's Contraction. Though the female vocals are in Swedish, the delivery is similar to Contraction's French. Meanwhile the music maintains a strong Canterbury structure, including some familiar melody lines. On Det Rivna Pianot you'll encounter a classical component (pipe organ, strings), sweet female vocals sung in Swedish, and wonderful flute solos. The album breaks down a bit on side 2, before gathering itself on the finale. Aarflot appeared to be quite the talent, and yet he pretty much disappeared without a trace after this. Too bad, as his one album is excellent.

Ownership: 1978 Manifest (LP). 

No legit reissues exist as I update this post (2/22/25) 

6/16/10 (review); 1/1/18 (new entry)