LOOKING THRU

"Looking Thru" is a good though not essential fusion album from the 70s featuring the songs of Klaus Doldinger who plays sax and keys. He is joined by keyboardist Kristian Schultze, guitarist Wolfgang Schmid, and drummer Curt Cress. I'm no jazz expert but the sound here seems to be more playful and light, and sometimes spacier, than some of the heavier fusion stalwarts. "Eternal Spiral" features some insanely good drum fills and solid basslines along with what I believe is the moog and e-piano. Very good and hard hitting opener. Good warm 70s dynamic. The title track is second and seems to be the most determined and accomplished, very elegant and nimble. The sax and keys have a conversation that flows well with softer moments and occasional crescendo. "Zwischenspiel" is a delightful but short piano piece with classical guitar, very nice. "Rockport" picks up again with a hard driving bass and a playful funky sound. "Tarantula" is another funky raving swirl of sax, keys and bass. Sax is the dominating lead instrument in most places, definitely not an electric guitar lovers album. Drumming by Cress is excellent throughout. "Eloquence" has a very eclectic vibe and is a favorite of mine with much space as the players take turns with punchy bursts. Jamming bass, sax, keys and drums throughout. "Things to Come" is a very spacey freakout ending the album on a manic note.

Looking Thru is not going to top many lists as the best fusion album but it is easily recommended to fans of the genre, and in fact is an easy to like and accessible choice for people who may not be jazz nuts. It has a consistently upbeat, approachable sound. Very enjoyable album and a safe bet for most proggers. 3 ½ stars.