Aera ~ Germany

The Bavarian Radio Recordings Vol. 2 (1977-1979 / 2010)

I bought this upon release and made the following note: "Nice radio broadcast from the Turkis era, and music is very similar - but more stretched out. Typically excellent Long Hair archival release with great sound. Includes thorough liner notes and photos." So it's been 13 years since I last heard it and unfortunately nothing has changed my perspective regarding the music. It's not edgy like some the best Kraut Fusion albums. In fact some of it is downright ECMish. There's a bit of "Sanford and Son" styled funk jazz as well. I recently reconciled with their 1980 Live album that has Embryo guitarist Roman Bunka all over it, but he's sorely missing here. I fear to say this falls into the dreaded "nice but inessential" category. 

2010; 9/5/23 (review)

 

Live (1980)

Aera's Live album, recorded in five different locations in five consecutive nights from November 22-26 (1979), starts off with a bang as Roman Bunka goes riffing mad on the guitar. Perhaps he wanted to strut his stuff after replacing original guitarist Muck Groh. This is followed by two shorter experimental pieces in 'Yellow Moon' and the psychedelic 'Stoned Out'. After this auspicious beginning, the band settles into its familiar funky jazz rock groove and closes side 1 in typical fashion. The second side starts with 'Sulheim Swinging' that makes one think of more funky fusion though it ultimately stretches out into a Krautrock styled jam with some fine guitar soloing from Bunka. Final track 'Scooter Future' is a long improvised version of an excellent Bunka composition that was later released on Embryo's Reise as 'Lost Scooters'. Very good extract of their live performances.

Ownership: 1980 Erlkonig (LP). Gatefold.

2004 (review); 7/13/18 (update)

Turkis (1979)

Turkis is Aera's 3rd album, where the band veers into funky fusion territory, similar to other German bands of the era like Kraan and Release Music Orchestra. Fuzz bass, organ, and extra percussion keep it a bit interesting anyway. Not the highlight of their catalog for certain. Best track is the three part suite 'Dracula' which mixes haunting organ with a late 70s midnight spacey vibe. Title track is pretty good as well. Watch out for tracks like 'You Need Some Speed' and 'Siebert' that are a bit generic in that Sanford & Son theme sort of way.

Former ownership: 1979 Erlkonig (LP)

1/7/10 (review); 7/12/18 (update)

1/7/10 (new entry)