LIVE CUTS ESBJERG 1979

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.