US psych/prog band formed in New York 1967, but after moving to Germany two years later and managing their carreer from there up to dissolving 1974 often seen as a German band or even kalled krautrockers. Yet typical kraut is not the first thing I get when listening to this debute album, instead very adventurous American prog - part with emphasis on jazz and part on r&b. Though with only two entitled songs, one on each side, it's diverse enough to be divided into eight or ten separate tracks. Still so coherent I find it hard to separate and designate any special part. But as a whole it is a trip well worth taking for any prog lover and may also do it for jazz and blues fans. Apparently a mix of pre-written and studio jams, partially with vocals. Melodic blended with experimental, tight and free spirited at the same time. I especially like the flute, sound reminding of Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson in a jazz-bluesy mood, and the guitars moving between sentiments. More a 32 minute jouney than a regular collection of separate songs, but one you don't wanna interrupt once you started. Premiere German on blue Columbia (1C 062-28 886). Issued and reissued on vinyl and CD in most European countries through the years, but never in UK or US. First French 1970 on black/silver label, the one shown here is from 1971. Both issued in the same thin laminated flip/back cover. (MFÄX*)
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