KOLIBRI

Kolibri´s second album is a much bolder and interesting work than their debut, albeit less melodic. First of all there are no vocals, it´s an all instrumental record where there is more originality and, yes, it´s more progressive. Both main soloists Ingo Höricht (guitar, violin) and Hans Kumfert (bass, classical guitar, transverse flute) plus new member Torsten Ribbe (transverse flute) are much more creative and the most important new element in their musical pot is a jazzier sound (they even included the classic Dave Brubeck song Take Five on this LP). Everything here is totally acoustic except for the bass parts. There is very little percussion to spice up a bit some parts of a few tracks.

The best tune is the last one, Yedigün, more classical oriented and melodic, and still very original, with several tempo and mood changes. Nothing to write home about it, of course, but it is a valid statement and a pleasant listening all along. It is only a shame they did not explore their obvious talents a little more. With a wider instrumentation they would probably make a bigger impact on the prog scene (like having some keyboards and a rhythm section, but I´m just guessing). Anyway, an interesting and well made album that should please anyone who enjoys good instrumental prog folk.

Rating: 3,5 stars.

Nice little CD by this obscure folk group from Germany. They released a couple of albums during the 80 before they broke up. The band was led by guitarist and violinist Ingo H'richt. Tsamadou is a collection of folk songs with little or no prog in it, although I must admit that the instrumental parts are very good, with some really esquisite flute and violin solos, both the highlights of this work. Vocals on the other hand are average at best, and, strangely for a german folk band, the lyrics are all sung in english. There is even a cover of the late american singer/songwriter Jim Groce (Time In A Bottle), but the remaining of the songs are quite european sounding.

There are some extra instruments played occasionally (harmonica, drums, percussion), but they are not credited on my CD sleeve. Most of the time the basic instrumentation is kept to the basic: two acoustic guitars, bass, flute and/or violin. The instrumental tracks are far better than the vocal ones, but generally this album is very smooth and pleasant with no real lows. There are few surprises though. If you like acoustic folk music and don't bother with the rather banal (with some accent) vocals, then this disc is recommended. Good, sometimes very good, but it would be better if they had as much care with the vocal parts as they had with the instrumental ones, like getting someone with a real good voice.

Rating: 3 stars.