So we get to the 3rd and final Ratzer pickup, after being stunned by Street Talk. From the beginning, Fingerprints sounds more professional than its predecessors. Too bad. 'New Walz' defines the newer sound, that of a slicker jazz fusion, though still very satisfying. The highlight is served early this time and it comes in the package known as 'Between the Lines', where Ratzer goes nuts on the guitar straight from the get. The sound isn't as raw as prior, and it has more of a phased sound, one that was more in vogue by the late 70s (Ratzer's former tone was born from the early 70s style). After which, the proceedings become more typical, with special note to the fine organ work on the title track, easily the next best song on here. Had I heard Fingerprints first, I would have been happy enough with it, but probably wouldn't have investigated his back catalog further. As a conclusion to Street Talk, it doesn't hold a candle. All the same, I'm keeping it.
Ownership: LP: 1979 CMP (Germany). Recent online acquisition (sealed no less). Single sleeve. Ah - CMP, there they are. I associate the label more with the 80s, and they have many fine edgy fusion works on the imprint. Ratzer is a perfect fit for the label. No reissues exist.
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