GROBSCHNITT

GROBSCHNITT - Germany (1972)
Kraut Rock & Symphonic Progressive Rock
Classic album: Rockpommel's Land (77)

Formed in 1970 the band existed till 1989, GROBSCHNITT (which translates to ROUGH CUT) was the best German band from the mid-Seventies (ELOY were then in a more PINK FLOYD... and ambient style). All of the members of the band adopted pseudonyms, namely "Eroc", "Mist", "Wildschwein", "Lupo" and "Popo". The band was created by Joachim "Eroc" Ehrig (drums, percussion), Stefan "Wildschwein" Daneliak (guitars & vocals), and Gerd-Otto "Lupo" Kühn (guitar, vocals). This nucleus was later completed by Wolgang "Popo" Jäger (bass) and Volker "Mist" Kahrs (keyboards, Mellotron, synthesizers). They were best known as a clone of YES (symphonic progressive group), but they also explored other progressive rock styles (either psychedelic prog or more cohesive "Krautrock" with some stunning instrumental passages that will be familiar to anyone into the likes of MAN, AMON DUUL II, WISHBONE ASH and many similar bands). Their sound was characterized by sometimes long suites allowing ambitious composition developments, with intermingled themes, rhythms, climates changes and symphonic passages. A VERY COMPELLING BRAND OF MUSICAL MOODS: haunting melodies, funny voices (by Eroc), wonderful guitar work, great synthesizer sounds, strange drumming/effects man, and sophisticated arrangements. This eclectic German band became one of the most popular live acts in German history.

The group released about fifteen albums and added touches of absurd humor to their records and live shows. Their first five albums are all classics. Vocals are mostly in English, although some albums were released with German vocals for the home market and English vocals for export. "Ballermann" (1974) consisted of two LP's, one filled with symphonic progressive rock, and the other that contained a space rock suite... the original version of "Solar Music". "Rockpommel's Land", the fourth studio album exhibited intricate ensemble work, delicate dual lead guitars and theatrical vocals which dominate the music. A solid concept album in the YES/GENESIS tradition, the record told the story of a boy's adventures in a strange land and ultimately finding some sort of wisdom about human nature, as well as piece of mind. The beautiful cover painting looks exactly like an early Roger Dean cover. "Solar Music Live" (1978) is sometimes considered one of the best live albums of all time (similar to early PINK FLOYD's albums in space/cosmic rock).

DISCOGRAPHY:
Grobschnitt (72) / Ballermann (74) / Jumbo (75) / Rockpommel's Land (77) / Solar Music - Live (78) / Merry-Go-Round (79) / Volle Molle (80) / Illegal (81) / Razzia (82) / Kinder + Narren (84) / Sonnentanz (85) / Fantasten (87) / Last Party - Live (89) / Die Grobschnitt Story (94) / Die Grobschnitt Story 2 (98) / The History Of Solar Music Vol. 1 (01) / The History Of Solar Music Vol. 2 (02) / The History Of Solar Music Vol. 3 (02) / The History Of Solar Music Vol. 4 (03) / The Grobschnitt Story 4 - Illegal Live (03) / Die Grobschnitt Story 5 (2004) / The International Story (06) / Story 6 - Rockpommel's Land And Elsewhere... (06)

BEST ALBUMS:
Ballermann (74), Rockpommel's Land (77), Solar Music - Live (78)