PALERMO 1972

4.5 stars. This really is a treasure for those who appreciate this brilliant band from Germany. They released three amazing albums in the early seventies and it was some time after their second self titled release that they were sponsered by the "Goethe Institute" to take a tour of Italy. This happened in 1972. The concert in Palmero was the best one according to the band. The crowd really embraced them and didn't want them to leave. You can hear the crowds enthusiasm on this recording. Interestingly enough the caretaker of the venue walked across the stage after the first encore with a step ladder and unscrewed the fuse so that the band had no power. He got down and left. The band continued acoustically until the guitarist walked over and screwed the fuse back in, and away they played once more. Back came the caretaker who wanted to go home obviously and close the venue. This happened five times. The audience thought it was an act as they laughed at the goings on between the band and this caretaker. After the fifth time they just played acoustically for the audience that didn't want to go home. By the way the sax / flute player kept a diary of this tour which was used to give lots of detailed information (like the story I just mentioned) in the liner notes. Of the six tracks only two were recorded on an album (both from the self titled second album) while the rest will be new to fans. I find it interesting that we have a German band singing in English to an Italian audience.

I must say I was moved on two different tracks by the singers passion as he sang about human rights. He pleads on the first song "Please treat us right, please". And on "Fly Bird Fly" the over 20 minute political track where I completey agree with his views he gives a performance worthy of "Woodstock". The music here is absolutely incredible. The extended jams with sax, then guitar, then flute, it's all the kind of music I love. The Krautrock spirit is alive and well here on these Jazzy jams. All but one of the tracks blends into one another. They just played.

I would give 5 stars but the drum and organ solos go on too long for my tastes. I still dig them though. How about the fuzzed out organ on "Cafe Stiletto" where he solos for over 5 minutes. Each member though gets his turn to take the spotlight at some point. Even the singer on the final track screams and carries on. What a show !