Secret Oyster

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SECRET OYSTER became somewhat of a super group when members of BURNIN'RED IVANHOE, CORONARIAS DANS and HURDY GURDY formed this unit. By the end of BURNIN' RED IVANHOE's career (that spawned seven years), Karsten Vogel started forming a new band taking along with him BRI's drummer Thrige and often jazz-partner bassist Vinding with him. Knowing from the Danish circuit guitarist Claus Bohling, he enticed him into the band that took its name from a track from BRI's second album Secret Oysters Service.

I got in touch with Karsten Vogel and here is the story of this band.
#########################################################################################

If I am not mistaken, Secret Oyster
was/is almost a super group with ex members of Burnin Red Ivanhoe
(yourself), Hurdy Gurdy and Coronarias Dans. When, why and how did
all of you gather your talents together as Secret Oyster? Why did you
choose that band name?

After the split up of Burnin Red
Ivanhoe in February 1972 I intended to go on with an instrumental
group based on what I’ve experienced with Burnin. Five musician,
all with ability to improvise, all should be very skilled musicians
and the three front figures should be capable of playing long,
interesting solo’s.

The drummer from Burnin, Bo Thrige
Andersen was my first obvious choice. Then I hoped for Mads Vinding
on the bass and Claus Bøhling on guitar. Kenneth Knudsen I only knew
a little about, but I was sure, he would be the right man on keyboard
- but he until that had been playing only grand piano! Well, I called
them on the phone, and they all said yes to my plans. Kenneth then
had to get hold of a fender Rhodes which he did.

The band name I already had in mind. It
came from the title of one track from the second Burnin album, Secret
Oyster Service. But why+ Well - you can call it poetry!

How much of these three previous
bands did you carry over to Secret Oyster?

All musical material was composed
especially for Secret Oyster. I had some songs ready right from the
beginning, Kenneth soon wrote some good stuff, and after a year or so
also Claus began to contribute with some funky riff based songs.

You have so far released four albums
if I am not mistaken. Please tell us more about...... 

Furtive Pearl from 1973

After a year doing gigs around places
in Denmark CBS invited us to do an album. Mostly as a guinea pig, so
they gave us two days in a two track (Revox) studio in Nibe, North in
Jutland. It was recorded in a very creative atmosphere.

Sea Son from 1974

Furtive pearl (the Danish release was
only called Secret Oyster) had good reviews and CBS wanted us to go
further on with recordings. Sea Son also was created in a good
atmosphere, many ideas came up, some good songs already had been on
trial on some gigs. And we even got the possibility to have very fine
musicians to do additional work. We had three days for recording, and
three days for mixing and things. 

If you are going to buy only one Secret
Oyster album I’m still suggesting this.

Astarte / Vidunderlige Kælling from
1975

Astarte and Straight to the Krankenhaus
were recorded over the same period of time. 

Astarte is music composed and recorded
to a ballet choreographed by famed Flemming Flindt. 

The music was played back as an
important part of the show, which became a great success, making a
good profit also to the band. Part of the music is strictly programme
music, but also the album has some genuine Oyster stuff. 

Straight To The Krankenhaus from
1976

After four years with hard work the
atmosphere in the band became a little tensed. This was a very
ambitious bunch of musicians, and it was a very ambitious band. So we
were not always polite to each other. But we still worked together on
the project hoping that the world could be ours. CBS took us on tour
with Captain Beefheart to find out whether we could stand the
distance or not - and we could. But in the studio it was not always a
perfect idyll. Finally we had to send the tapes to USA to be mixed
without any intervention from any band member.

Also it was confusing working with two
very different projects in the studio at the same time.

The cover is splendid! We found the
cover art in an art gallery in Stockholm.

But after all, some of the best Secret
Oyster tracks are to be found on this album.

and the live album Live in the USA
2007 from 2008

That live album was the result of
the re-release of your studio albums in USA (all your albums are now
widely available) which meant you got back together after some
decades apart and gigged in USA. 

How was it to get back together
again and will this reunion result in new studio albums? 

Kenneth decided some ten years ago not
to perform on stage any more. Jess Stæhr, the bass player to follow
Mads Vinding, decided not to be part of the re-union, so we had two
new members on these places. But that was sheer pleasure playing with
this band after all these years! After a few concerts in Denmark we
did the NEARfest close to New York City, and that was one of the
greatest moments in my musical life!

After that we played quite a lot of
gigs (including one more festival in US) and began working on new
songs to be part of a new album.

But around Christmas Claus Bøhling got
into serious private problems, resulting in a not scheduled break -
that until today unfortunately still goes on.

Following on from that, what is your
current status and what are your plans? 

As said - we have not being playing
together for 9 month. But I’m sure, that all band members hope for
the possibilities to work together again. Including doing that album!

To wrap up this interview, is there
anything you want to add to this interview? 

The best Secret Oyster concerts were
the best concerts I ever did. Such energy! And also I learned a lot
from playing with this band, especially from Kenneth Knudsen. But it
was from time to time no fun to be part of this band travelling
around in Europe.

Still I’m proud having created this
unique unit and being part of the international scene for electric
jazz and fusion.

Thank you to Karsten Vogel for this interview

Their PA profile is here and the homepage's here

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toroddfuglesteg Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Retired Joined: March 04 2008 Location: Retirement Home Status: Offline Points: 3658	Topic: Secret Oyster Posted: August 30 2011 at 14:46
	SECRET OYSTER became somewhat of a super group when members of BURNIN'RED IVANHOE, CORONARIAS DANS and HURDY GURDY formed this unit. By the end of BURNIN' RED IVANHOE's career (that spawned seven years), Karsten Vogel started forming a new band taking along with him BRI's drummer Thrige and often jazz-partner bassist Vinding with him. Knowing from the Danish circuit guitarist Claus Bohling, he enticed him into the band that took its name from a track from BRI's second album Secret Oysters Service. I got in touch with Karsten Vogel and here is the story of this band. ######################################################################################### If I am not mistaken, Secret Oyster was/is almost a super group with ex members of Burnin Red Ivanhoe (yourself), Hurdy Gurdy and Coronarias Dans. When, why and how did all of you gather your talents together as Secret Oyster? Why did you choose that band name? After the split up of Burnin Red Ivanhoe in February 1972 I intended to go on with an instrumental group based on what I’ve experienced with Burnin. Five musician, all with ability to improvise, all should be very skilled musicians and the three front figures should be capable of playing long, interesting solo’s. The drummer from Burnin, Bo Thrige Andersen was my first obvious choice. Then I hoped for Mads Vinding on the bass and Claus Bøhling on guitar. Kenneth Knudsen I only knew a little about, but I was sure, he would be the right man on keyboard - but he until that had been playing only grand piano! Well, I called them on the phone, and they all said yes to my plans. Kenneth then had to get hold of a fender Rhodes which he did. The band name I already had in mind. It came from the title of one track from the second Burnin album, Secret Oyster Service. But why+ Well - you can call it poetry! How much of these three previous bands did you carry over to Secret Oyster? All musical material was composed especially for Secret Oyster. I had some songs ready right from the beginning, Kenneth soon wrote some good stuff, and after a year or so also Claus began to contribute with some funky riff based songs. You have so far released four albums if I am not mistaken. Please tell us more about...... Furtive Pearl from 1973 After a year doing gigs around places in Denmark CBS invited us to do an album. Mostly as a guinea pig, so they gave us two days in a two track (Revox) studio in Nibe, North in Jutland. It was recorded in a very creative atmosphere. Sea Son from 1974 Furtive pearl (the Danish release was only called Secret Oyster) had good reviews and CBS wanted us to go further on with recordings. Sea Son also was created in a good atmosphere, many ideas came up, some good songs already had been on trial on some gigs. And we even got the possibility to have very fine musicians to do additional work. We had three days for recording, and three days for mixing and things. If you are going to buy only one Secret Oyster album I’m still suggesting this. Astarte / Vidunderlige Kælling from 1975 Astarte and Straight to the Krankenhaus were recorded over the same period of time. Astarte is music composed and recorded to a ballet choreographed by famed Flemming Flindt. The music was played back as an important part of the show, which became a great success, making a good profit also to the band. Part of the music is strictly programme music, but also the album has some genuine Oyster stuff. Straight To The Krankenhaus from 1976 After four years with hard work the atmosphere in the band became a little tensed. This was a very ambitious bunch of musicians, and it was a very ambitious band. So we were not always polite to each other. But we still worked together on the project hoping that the world could be ours. CBS took us on tour with Captain Beefheart to find out whether we could stand the distance or not - and we could. But in the studio it was not always a perfect idyll. Finally we had to send the tapes to USA to be mixed without any intervention from any band member. Also it was confusing working with two very different projects in the studio at the same time. The cover is splendid! We found the cover art in an art gallery in Stockholm. But after all, some of the best Secret Oyster tracks are to be found on this album. and the live album Live in the USA 2007 from 2008 That live album was the result of the re-release of your studio albums in USA (all your albums are now widely available) which meant you got back together after some decades apart and gigged in USA. How was it to get back together again and will this reunion result in new studio albums? Kenneth decided some ten years ago not to perform on stage any more. Jess Stæhr, the bass player to follow Mads Vinding, decided not to be part of the re-union, so we had two new members on these places. But that was sheer pleasure playing with this band after all these years! After a few concerts in Denmark we did the NEARfest close to New York City, and that was one of the greatest moments in my musical life! After that we played quite a lot of gigs (including one more festival in US) and began working on new songs to be part of a new album. But around Christmas Claus Bøhling got into serious private problems, resulting in a not scheduled break - that until today unfortunately still goes on. Following on from that, what is your current status and what are your plans? As said - we have not being playing together for 9 month. But I’m sure, that all band members hope for the possibilities to work together again. Including doing that album! To wrap up this interview, is there anything you want to add to this interview? The best Secret Oyster concerts were the best concerts I ever did. Such energy! And also I learned a lot from playing with this band, especially from Kenneth Knudsen. But it was from time to time no fun to be part of this band travelling around in Europe. Still I’m proud having created this unique unit and being part of the international scene for electric jazz and fusion. Thank you to Karsten Vogel for this interview Their PA profile is here and the homepage's here

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: August 30 2011 at 15:31
	Great work, as usual. I got their second album, "Sea Son", excellent jazz-rock!

Man With Hat Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Collaborator Jazz-Rock/Fusion/Canterbury Team Joined: March 12 2005 Location: Neurotica Status: Offline Points: 166183	Posted: August 30 2011 at 15:55
	Cool. And I agree with him, if there's one to get it's Sea Son. Pretty fun band overall. I hope the problems go away and they can make that new album soon!
	Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect.

Mellotron Storm Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: August 27 2006 Location: The Beach Status: Offline Points: 13593	Posted: August 30 2011 at 21:38
	These guys put out three incredible albums and it's hard to argue against Sea Son as being the best.
	"The wind is slowly tearing her apart" "Sad Rain" ANEKDOTEN

memowakeman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: May 19 2005 Location: Mexico City Status: Offline Points: 13032	Posted: August 31 2011 at 00:34
	Great band with a couple of wonderful albums!
	Follow me on twitter @memowakeman

Saperlipopette! Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: December 20 2010 Location: Tomorrowland Status: Offline Points: 11962	Posted: August 31 2011 at 01:47
	Great band and interview. A little short though. I kind of miss some talk of their inspirations and maybe a top five albums. I love to hear about artists own favorites (I know some of that was covered in the Burnin' Red Ivanhoe interview).

HolyMoly Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Retired Admin Joined: April 01 2009 Location: Atlanta Status: Offline Points: 26138	Posted: December 30 2011 at 12:21
	One of my favorite groups. Just found this. Thanks! "Straight to the Krankenhaus" is my favorite from them, and one of my all time favorites as well.
	My other avatar is a Porsche It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased. -Kehlog Albran

Guldbamsen Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Retired Admin Joined: January 22 2009 Location: Magic Theatre Status: Offline Points: 23104	Posted: December 30 2011 at 13:24
	Thanks Torodd Karsten is one of my all-time faves, and he certainly is one of the biggest forces inside "progressive" music in my country. I think he´ll be playing his saxophone until his last breath.
	“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” - Douglas Adams