Kraan - 1975 - Kraan Live

Kraan

1975

Kraan Live

01. Jerk of Life (5:09)
02. Nam Nam (15:09)
03. Holiday am Matterhorn including Gipfelsturm (12:59)
04. Sarahs Ritt durch den Schwarzwald (6:00)
05. Andy Nogger (3:30)
06. Andy Nogger - Gutter King (6:59)
07. Hallo Ja Ja, I don't know (10:18)
08. Lonesome Liftboy (5:12)
09. Kraan Arabia (12:30)

Jan Fride / drums
Helmut Hattler / bass
Johannes Pappert / Alto saxophone
Peter Wolbrandt / guitar, vocals

This is a double live album that blends different styles to great effect.This record is full of energy and the musicians are nothing short of incredible.The bass playing especially stands out clearly and at times leading the way. The drummer and percussionist may be the star of the show with his amazing style and playing. The lead guitarist can play with the best of them and the sax player adds a jazz feel to this performance at times, and creates different tones with his instrument that adds a unique flavour.

"Jerk Of Life" is the perfect choice to lead things off. An uptempo tune driven by the percussion.This song is so fun it's hard not to move to the beat. Sax is great as well and the guitar tries to keep up (or so it seems) with the beat. "Nam Nam" is an instrumental.The bass really stands out in this one. It starts slow but becomes a fast paced song with great guitar and sax melodies. "Holiday Am Marterhorn Including Gipfelsturm" sounds like a song where someone is adding ingredients one by one as they prepare a meal. Bass to open followed by drums, then guitar and finally sax, and our feast is ready to be enjoyed. The sax is very warm sonding and the whole sound is beautiful. Some good guitar solos later.

"Sarah's Ritt Durch Den Schwarzwald" takes a couple of minutes to get going but when it does it sounds great ! Man these guys can play ! "Andy Nogger" reminds me of the DIXIE DREGS and the next song is a continuation of it called "Andy Nogger-Gutter King" where the bass playing is quite prominant. "Hallo Ja Ja, I Don't Know" is kind of funky with a sax melody that comes and goes that is so catchy. Good contrast of styles in this song. Cool vocal melody later as well. "Lonesome Liftboy" is slower paced with the drumming standing out more. The intro of "Kraan Arabia" reminds me of the start of "Sympathy For The Devil". Great percussion and Arabian sounding sax. Some amazing guitar later.

This is one of the better live albums I have heard, with excellent compositions that are so well played.These guys have a sense of humour too as is witnessed by the cover art that was drawn by the lead guitarist. It was a picture of three girls who were in the front row of this live event in Munich, Germany. The record label really didn't want this picture on the cover but finally relented.