Coming from the jazz wing of the ever large Kraut Fusion movement, Second Direction provides the listener some of the genre's finest moments. In particular when band leader Fritz Münzer pulls out the flute (primarily on 'Storm Flute', 'Flying Carpet Ride', and the title track), the results can be divine. Second Direction have perfectly encapsulated the optimism of the era, with gorgeous melodies and sublime rhythms. Hearing this makes you want to take a ride through the countryside, and enjoy a picnic with a bottle of wine and a beautiful girl by your side. Overall I'd submit that Second Direction ties closest to the two Sunbirds' albums, though all remnants of Krautrock have been filtered out here.
The above was written a few years ago upon acquiring the CD. Now I own the 2 album archival set that includes an unreleased album called Steps Ahead (1978). It's definitely a fully realized album and well produced, but it never made it to vinyl originally. By this time, Fritz Münzer had entirely rebuilt his band. The two key changes are Toni Rabold on trumpet and Pit Löw on keyboards. The trumpet is a welcome addition, and I feel the electric piano has improved from the debut. Unfortunately Münzer put away the flute entirely for this session, and sticks to saxophone. Even worse, though, is that all the compositions, save maybe the album's best track 'Tony's Choice', have that predictable funky rhythm backbone, that was all the rage in the late 70s. The lack of sublime melodies that defined Four Corners really hampers Steps Ahead. Overall it's a fine album, and makes for great bonus tracks. On its own, however, Steps Ahead would have to be considered unnecessary.
Ownership: LP: 2018 Sonorama. Recent online acquisition. 2 LP set in a single sleeve. Like with the Fable, not the best way to package a double LP. There are unique liner notes on the back of the sleeve, which are different (and more thorough) than the Spinning Wheel CD (2000). The sound is very good, a little bit soft / no-noised, and you can hear (with headphones) that it's taken from vinyl. This replaces the aforementioned CD.
2/18/18
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