ZWAI

Originating from Hannover, Germans Hax Cel were formed in late-1971 by flutist/singer Dieter Neumann, keyboardist Achim Neubauer, bassist Michael Moebus and drummer Rainer Greffrath.They played Classical Rock, influenced by the works of Albinoni, Bach, Beethoven or Haendel and were eventually discovered by jazz drummer Dietmar Siebrasse, who happened to be also the owner of the small label Dizzy Records.Among the live performances the band recorded a single for Dizzy in 1972, followed by a full-length LP, entitled ''Zwai'' at the end of the year.This was actually a live performance of the band, captured on October 29th at Beethovensaal in Hannover.

As you may notice the four guys had no interest to add any guitar sounds in their style in order to come as closer as it gets to Classical Music.''Zwai'' is an interesting yet a bit outdated album concerning the style with flutes and keyboard in evidence, creating passages with dramatic, romantic and melancholic melodies, even if some psychedelic leftovers are still present in the faster paces.They appear to borrow themes from famous composers and add a fair dose of originality to come up with a strongly Classical-drenched style, characterized by smooth interplays, sweet arrangements and some rare takeoffs with a heavier rhythm section and frenetic flute solos.Neubauer performs apparently on acoustic/electric piano and harsichord, propably another reason why ''Zwai'' sounds so much influenced by Classical Music.Vocals are sporadic and rather mediocre, so the main focus here should be on the good interplays between keyboard and flutes and the well-executed shifting tempos and atmospheres.The bulk of the instrumental themes are much inspired by the Baroque period and the execution is solid and confident, even if this was a live performance by the band.

Good Classical Prog, that struggles a bit to fight against the sand of time.Great flute solos and some beautiful keyboard-based melodies are the main reasons to purchase the album.Recommended.