LIVE CUTS ESBJERG 1979

In May 1979, SBB gave five concerts which have stirred great emotions among the band's fans to this day. The short Danish tour, whose parts would later be broadcast by the Polish Radio, opened a new chapter for SBB. The musicians returned to tried and tested solutions and along with their highlights (including "Going Away" suite or "Follow My Dream") again went on to play long and extended improvisations.

The two-disc album features the recording of the full concert which took place on 1 May 1979 in Esbjerg (Denmark), reconstructed and remastered based on original tapes from the band's archives. The release cover artwork is previously unpublished graphic by Marek Goebel, known from the LP project "Ze słowem biegnę do ciebie". The booklet includes a new liner notes, photos and memorabilia.

In the year 1978 SBB got a lot of praise during their tour in Scandinavia. After a 3-month break in the spring of 1979 the band played in Poland, Germany and then returned to Scandinavia, to Esjberg (the longest North Sea Port) in Denmark, at a local hotel, the relaxed setting was a real boost for the musicians. After a classic set of pieces in the first part, they filled the second set with improvisations, including a short one by a technician from the band on the Polymoog! The line-up was Józef Skrzek (vocals and synthesizers), Apostolis Antymos (guitars) and Jerzy Piotrowski (drums). These recordings on two CD's are from May 1st, 1979 in Esbjerg, Denmark (total running time 97:29).

On CD-1 you can hear that in 1979 the band has turned into a tight and experienced unit, due to extensive touring. Jozef Skrzek surrounded himself with a wide range of keyboards and synthesizers, inspired by Keith Emerson. On several tracks he delivers exciting work on the Minimoog with sensational use of the pitchbend, especially in Walkin' Around The Stormy Bay and Mountain Melody, apart from delicate play on soaring strings and the distinctive electric piano. The composition 3rd Reanimation contains a catchy mid-tempo, with a dynamic rhythm-section, strong interplay, and a long and fiery guitar solo, finally a mellow atmosphere featuring soaring strings and spacy sounds. And Loneliness - Theme delivers a slow rhythm, with soaring strings, and a moving electric guitar solo with howling runs. The final track Improv: Esbjerg Run showcases the awesome interplay from the trio, in a swinging rhythm with a funky sound, embellished with fiery guitar, dynamic drums and bombastic synthesizer layers, the crowd loves it!

CD-2 features 7 improvisations, I am pleasantly surprised that it is not too freaky or too experimental, and it showcases the varied sound of the band, from electronic or soaring strings with tender guitar, to a funky rhythm or rock guitar.

My rating: 3,5 star.