Zbigniew Seifert - Man Of The Light

Polish violinist Zbigniew Seifert (1946 - 1979), affectionately known as Zbiggy, was one of the most promising figures of the jazz scene in Poland until his early death at the age of 32. He was a member of Tomasz Stanko's quintet (1969-73), Hans Koller's Free Sound and he recorded with Joachim Kuhn, Oregon, Volker Kriegel, Jasper Van’t Hof, Wolfgang Dauner and Charlie Mariano. As a solo artist his music ranged from free jazz to fusion to funk. Although he played sax, Seifert switched to violin and became known for his fierce improvisational style. This record was recorded in 1976 and it has now been remastered and re-released on CD in 2010 by Promising Music. Personnel are Billy Hart on drums, Joachim Kühn on piano, Jasper Van’t Hof on keyboards, Cecil McBee on bass along with Seifert on violin.

Track Listing:

1. City Of Spring (sampled above)

2. Man Of The Light

3. Stillness

4. Turbulent Plover

5. Love In The Garden

6. Coral

Buy it at Promising Sound or Amazon Man Of The Light

George Duke - Follow The Rainbow

This funky 1979 release “Follow The Rainbow” brings Duke closer to pop and disco, but make no mistake, it really funks like a locomotive. You can feel the influence of Earth Wind & Fire, the gospel touch and the Zappa-esque humor mixed with jive from the neighborhood. This time the Brazilian influence is still present by the Latin percussion touch brings a new element into Duke's fusion melting pot. Like most of Duke’s releases, his jazz influences merge into the instrumental tracks and this release contains two amazing instrumentals, the Latin influenced “Festival” (sampled below) and “Corinne”, which evokes Ramsey Lewis’ “Sun Goddess”. Personnel includes Duke on keyboards, pianos, synthesizers, bassist Byron Miller, Ricky Lawson and Leon "Ndugu" Chandler on drums, Charles “Icarus” Johnson and Roland Bautista on guitars, Sheila Escovedo on percussion and vocals plus vocals by Napoleon Murphy Brook, Lynn Davis and Josie James plus horns by Jerry Hey on trumpet, Larry Williams on saxes and Eric Culver on trombone. This CD was only available as a Japanese import, but now it's readily available as noted below.

Track Listing:

1. Party Down

2. Say That You Will

3. Funkin' For The Thrill

4. Sunrise

5. Festival (sampled above)

6. I Am For Real

7. Straight From The Heart

8. Corine

9. Pluck

10. Follow The Rainbow

Buy it at George Duke’s Website (Cheapest),  or
Buy Follow the Rainbow at Amazon

George Duke - From Me To You

This is Duke’s first record for Epic Records. Duke himself states: “My first record for Epic. I tried to do a lot on this record! For me, the best tunes on this LP are the instrumental tracks. This was the first time I had a decent budget to do a record, so I went a little overboard - but I had grand plans! I wanted to demonstrate that I could orchestrate, write, sing, arrange, play keyboards and be funky, jazzy and heavy, all at the same time.” This album also marked a milestone in Duke’s career as it was the first time he collaborated with Stanley Clarke and Dianne Reeves. Zappa's influence is still felt quite heavily on several tracks and the musical diversity is still the backbone of Duke’s style. Personnel are: Personnel includes Duke on keyboards, pianos, synthesizers and vocals, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler on drums, Stanley Clarke on electric and acoustic bass, Byron Miller on bass, Mike Sembello on guitar, Emil Richards on percussion plus vocals by Dianne Reeves, Maxime Willard Waters, Julia Tilman Waters and Jessica Smith. Horns played by Ernie Watts and Bill Green on saxophones, flutes and piccolos, Bobby Bryant and Walter Fowler on trumpets and Glenn Ferris and Lou McCreary on trombones. Read more...

Track Listing:

1. From Me To You

2. Carry On
3. What Do They Really Fear?
4. ‘Scume Me Miss
5. You and Me
6. Broken Dreams
7. Up On It
8. Seasons (sampled above)
9. Down In It
10. Sing It
Buy at George Duke’s Website or  

Buy it at Amazon

George Duke - My Soul - The Complete MPS Fusion Recordings

George Duke’s career expands four solid decades melting the boundaries of jazz, funk, R&B, rock, fusion and even humoresque songwriting. As an accomplished performer, keyboardist, producer and singer he has worked on and he has produced successful albums and tracks for Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson, Philip Bailey, Jeffrey Osborne, Deniece Williams, George Howard, Dianne Reeves, The Pointer Sisters, 101 North, Najee, Jeffrey Osborne, Take 6, Howard Hewett, Chante Moore, Everette Harp, Rachelle Ferrell, Miles Davis, Al Jarreau and Gladys Knight among others. His collaboration with Stanley Clarke even penned them the number one single “Sweet Baby” with The Clarke/Duke Project. He has also collaborated with some the best jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Billy Cobham, Flora Purim, John Scofield, Jean-Luc Ponty, Alphonso Johnson and he was a member of Frank Zappa’s band. But his solo career is where we find Duke at his best. His fusion of jazz, R&B, Brazilian rhythms, amazing song-writing and humor makes his solo albums treasures for any fan of these musical styles. His Fender Rhodes electric piano and his synthesizer sounds are unmistakable. Duke got his early career start at the European Label MPS and “My Soul - The Complete MPS Fusion Recordings” documents Duke’s chronological growth as a pianist, keyboardist, composer and producer on his six releases (less his 1966 MPS debut) grouped on four CDs. This testament of Duke’s career remains strong and compelling over three decades later. Six amazing albums put together, back to back, re-mastered and at a great price available at George Duke's website.

1971's “Solus (The Inner Source)” was a double album featuring two releases intended to be put out separately “Solus” and “The Inner Source” and it is the jazziest session of the box-set. It features bassist John Heard and drummer Dick Berk. Duke's collaboration with saxophonist Cannonball Adderley is evident as he mixes his trademark electric and acoustic pianos with the traditional jazz tendencies of his early career. On “The Inner Source” the influence of Duke’s participation on Cannonball Adderley’s band becomes apparent as Duke expands the band with Luis Gasca on trumpet and flugelhorn, Jerome Richardson on saxophone and Armando Peraza on congas.

“Solus / The Inner Source” - Original Track Listing:

1. Au-Right
2. Love Reborn
3. Peace
4. So There You Go
5. The Followers
6. Solus
7. Nigerian Numberuma
8. My Soul
9. The Inner Source
10. Life
11. Sometime Ago
12. Feels So Good (sampled above)
13. Manya
14. Sweet Bite
15. Twenty-five
16. Always Constant

Duke's next record, 1974's “Faces in Reflection” still features the trio format with bassist John Heard and drummer Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, but the influence of Zappa begins to creep into the more complex, challenging and rhythmically aggressive compositions. Duke begins to increment the use of synthesizers, clavinets and electric pianos as he utilizes those to compliment the textures of the recording and to perform amazing solos. His vocals appear as layered textures.

"Faces in Reflection"- Original Track Listing:
1. The Opening (sampled above)
2. Capricorn
3. Piano Solo No. 1
4. Piano Solo No. 2
5. Psychocomatic Drug
6. Faces in Reflection No. 1
7. Maria Tres Filhos
8. North Beach
9. Da Somba
10. Faces in Reflection No. 2
Buy "Faces In Reflection" at Amazon or ITunes

On “Feel” (1974), Duke begins to show his stronger tendencies towards fusion based on funk and R&B while extending the use of synthesizers and vocals. "Feel" features the same trio of bassist John Heard and drummer Leon "Ndugu" Chancler as in “Faces in Reflection”, but this time personnel includes percussionist Airto Moreira, singer Flora Purim and guitar solos by "Obdewl'l X" (Frank Zappa, playing under a pseudonymous).

“Fell”- Original Track Listing:
1. Funny Funk
2. Love
3. The Once Over
4. Feel
5. Corea Jobege
6. Old Slippers
7. Theme from The Opera "Tzina"
8. Yana Aminah
9. Rashid (sampled above)
10. Statement

Buy "Feel" at Amazon or Buy it at Itunes

“I Love The Blues, She Heard My Cry” expands the funk/R&B feel in grandiose form while keeping the jazz-rock fusion element present at all times. Duke’s songwriting has become more focused on the pop-form and the extensive use of guitars makes this release stand out as a milestone in Duke’ career. Duke’s amazing chops and his extensive use of layered and solo synthesizers complement the influence of Zappa. Personnel includes percussionist Ruth Underwood, trombonist Tom Fowler, bassist Tom Fowler, percussionist Airto Moreira, singer Flora Purim and drummer Leon "Ndugu" Chancler with guest appearances from guitarists George Johnson (The Brothers Johnson), Lee Ritenour, Daryl Stuermer (Jean-Luc Ponty, Phil Collins, Genesis) and Johnny "Guitar" Watson.

“I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry”- Original Track Listing:
1. Chariot
2. Look Into Her Eyes
3. Sister Serene
4. That's What She Said (sampled above)
5. Mashavu
6. Rokkinrowl, I Don't Know
7. Prepare Yourself
8. Giant Child Within Us – Ego
9. Someday
10. I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry

Buy “I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry” at iTunes

In 1975 Duke released “The Aura Will Prevail”, which resembles more the style of the album “Feel”. The power trio format returns with long-time partner drummer Leon "Ndugu" Chancler and the new addition to the band bassist Alphonso Johnson of Weather Report fame. Airto Moreria lends a large hand on the percussion department. Although this is a largely instrumental album with plenty of amazing solos and performances, Duke ventures again into the singing realm with great success and the rhythms contributed by Airto Moreira provide a beautiful back up for the Brazilian influenced compositions.

“Liberated Fantasies” released in 1976 is Duke's final fusion disc for MPS and as such it completes this cycle of Duke’s career by consolidating all the musical styles and influences that converged and paved the way for the rest of his career until nowadays. This melting-pot of fusion combines the jazz, the soul, the funk, the gospel, the Zappa-esque, the Brazilian, the keyboardist, the composer, the producer, the songwriter and the amazing pianist within Duke. Personnel includes Duke on keyboards, pianos, synthesizers and bass, drummer Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, bassist Alphonso Johnson, Airto Moreria on percussion, George Johnson, Daryl Stuermer, David Amaro on guitars, Emil Richards on marimba plus vocals by Napoleon Murphy Brook, Janet Ferguson Holf, Bonnie Bowden Amaro, Rashid Duke and Ruth Underwood.

Buy "My Soul - Box Set" at Duke's Website

More MPS recordings at: MPS-Love, Promising Music or MPS Germany

Head Hearts & Hands

Head, Heart & Hands was a group based in Germany formed by members of Klaus Doldinger’s Passport, Roy Louis on guitar, Guillermo Marchena on drums & vocals, Elmer Louis on congas & percussion, Wolfgang Schmid on bass plus Geoff Stradling on piano & keyboards, and Bobby Stern on sax. This first LP was released in 1978 on Metronome Records and it showcases the talent of these musicians striving to make a statement on their own and achieving it through good writing and great performances. Unfortunately this item has never been released on CD. Rip generously provided by Smooth of the former blog My Jazz World.

Track Listing:

1. Funky Bunker

2. Force (Part I & II)

3. The Source

4. Dahtz (sampled above)

5. Kayal

6. Convergence Of Unities

7. Bottom Line

8. Arauca

Download

Head Heart & Hands - Flor Di Anglo

This is the second album released by the German-based group formed by members of Klaus Doldinger’s Passport, Roy Louis on guitar, Guillermo Marchena on drums & vocals, Elmer Louis on congas & percussion, Wolfgang Schmid on bass plus Geoff Stradling on piano & keyboards, and Bobby Stern on sax. This LP was released in 1980 on Mood Records. As a follow-up this production looses a bit of the fusion steam of their first release and it includes some vocals, which don’t really help. It also includes the Venezuelan folklore song “El Diablo Suelto”, which seems totally out of context with the rest of the album. Nevertheless it completes the cycle of a very interesting band worth listening to. This CD release is still available at good prices from different vendors.

Track Listing:

1. Caribbean Shuffle
2. Stone Fruit
3. Sweet Secrets
4. El Diablo Suelto
5. Native Tongue
6. Daniel
7. Echoes of the Light
8. Flor Di Anglo (sampled above)

Buy Flor Di Anglo at Amazon

Caldera - Dreamer

Caldera released their forth and last album, Dreamer in 1979 produced by Eduardo del Barrio, Jorge Strunz. The super group continued to solidify an adventurous, captivating collage of heritage, ethnic backgrounds, amazing musicianship and superb writing, successfully interacting jazz, funk, and rock in a sort of concept album form. This time the band consists of keyboardist Eduardo del Barrio, guitarist Jorge Strunz, saxophonist Steve Tavaglione, bassist Greg Lee, drummer Alex Acuna and percussionists Mike "Baiano" Azevedo and Luis Conte. Guest musicians include George Del Barrio on electric piano, former member Dean Cortez on bass, Gino D’Auri on flamenco guitar, Kathlyn Powell on Celtic harp and Antonio Sanchez and Ernesto Herrera on palmas. Rip generously provided by Smooth from the former blog My Jazz World. Unfortunately this album has never been released on CD or downloads.

Track Listing:

1. To Capture The Moon

2. Rain Forest

3. Dreamchild

4. Celebration

5. Reflections on Don Quixote

6. Brujerias

7. Himalaya (sampled above)

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Caldera - Time and Change

Caldera released their third album, Sky Islands in 1978. The production by Eduardo del Barrio and Jorge Strunz seems reached the perfect sound and concept of the band. This time the band consists of keyboardist Eduardo del Barrio, guitarist Jorge Strunz, saxophonist Steve Tavaglione, bassist Greggg Lee replaces Dean Cortez, percussionists Mike "Baiano" Azevedo and Hector Andrade. Guest musicians include drummer Alex Acuna who replaces former member Carlos Vega, Roberto Da Silva on Drums (on “Shanty”), Luis Conte and Akim Robert Davis on percussion, keyboardist Larry Dunn of Earth Wind & Fire fame, George Del Barrio on acoustic and electric piano, plus background vocals by Dianne Reeves, Michelle Willey and Ella Faulk. Rip generously provided by Smooth of the former blog My Jazz World. Unfortunately this album has never been released on CD or downloads.

Track Listing:

1. The Arousing

2. Reviviscence

3. Mosaico

4. Magewind

5. Crosscountry

6. Passages

7. Dreamborne

8. Shanty

9. Horizon’s End (sampled above)

 Download

Caldera - Sky Islands

Caldera released their second album, Sky Islands in 1977 produced by Eduardo del Barrio, Jorge Strunz and Larry Dunn. The super group expands on the ethnic influenced compositions and comes across with a consistently superb follow-up to their debut album. This time the band consists of keyboardist Eduardo del Barrio (Argentina), guitarist Jorge Strunz (Costa Rica), bassist Dean Cortez (U.S.), saxophonist Steve Tavaglione (U.S), drummer Carlos Vega (born in Cuba) and percussionists Mike "Baiano" Azevedo (Brazil) and Hector Andrade. Guest musicians include keyboardist Larry Dunn of Earth Wind & Fire fame, little known at the time singer Dianne Reeves, drummer Chester Thompson of Weather Report and Genesis fame, Ralph Rickert on flugelhorn, percussionists Ray Armando and Steve Barrios Jr. plus a string section arranged and conducted by George Del Barrio. Rip generously provided by Smooth of the former blog My Jazz World. Finally this album has been released on CD by EMI Japan and is available on limited quantities from Amazon and other sources as you can see below.

Track Listing:

1. Sky Islands
2. Ancient Source
3. It Used To Be
4. Pegasus
5. Carnavalito (sampled above)
6. Seraphim
7. Indigo Fire
8. Triste
9. Pescador

Buy it from Amazon US or Amazon France or from Audiophile Imports

Caldera - Caldera

Caldera was one of the most innovative jazz-fusion super groups of the late 70s. An All-star line-up of studio musicians who deeply embedded soul, funk, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban rhythms, Andean influenced music and beautiful melodies to create a magnificent real fusion melting pot. They truly lived and breathed their ethnic cultural heritages through their music. Members were keyboardist Eduardo del Barrio (Argentina), guitarist Jorge Strunz (Costa Rica), bassist Dean Cortez (United States), saxophonist Steve Tavaglione United States), drummer & world famous session player the late Carlos Vega (Cuba) and percussionist Mike "Baiano" Azevedo (Brazil). In 1976, Caldera signed with Capitol Records and recorded this self-titled debut album produced by Wayne Henderson of Crusaders fame. The band called it quits in 1979. Strunz went on to form the guitar duo Strunz & Farah with Iranian/Persian guitarist Ardeshir Farah, Eduardo del Barrio went on to work with artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Stan Getz and Dianne Reeves, Steve Tavaglione went on to work as a solo artist and session player, Dean Cortez left the group after two albums to join pop singer Boz Scaggs and then the group Hiroshima and Carlos Vega went on to work as a world class drummer with artists such as James Taylor until his death in April 7th, 1998. On this album they are supported by Raul De Souza (Brazil) on trombone, Roberto da Silva (Brazil) on percussion and Carolyn Dennis (U.S) on vocals. Unfortunately the CD is out of print.

Track Listing:

1. Guanacaste (sampled above)
2. Coastin'
3. Exaltation
4. Synesthesia
5. Out Of The Blue
6. El Juguete

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Stardrive featuring Robert Mason

Synth pioneer Robert Mason released this sophomore effort in 1974 on Columbia Records. It further develops the synthesizer as a lead instrument. Keyboardist, Robert Mason uses his multi-voiced synthesizers to create funky spacey innovative experimental sounds that really rock. The live energy of the backing real instruments makes this a kind of ELP (Emerson Lake & Palmer) without the organ. Now 35 years later and thanks to Wounded Bird Records this album sounds better now than it did when it was released. Personnel is Robert Mason on synthesizer, Howard Rego on drums, Harvey Sarch on guitar and Jaime Austria on bass.

Track Listing:

1. Funkascensions
2. Ballad I
3. Jupiterjump
4. Pulsar (sampled above)
5. Ballad II
6. Air Sauce
7. Ballad III
8. Journey

Buy it at Wounded Bird Records or Amazon Stardrive

Stardrive - Intergalactic Trot

Stardrive's Intergalactic Trot (with Robert Mason) first album released in 1973 is a significant contribution to the development of the synthesizer as a fulyl devoted instrument. At the time this album was recorded all synthesizers were only capable of playing only one or two notes at the time. As stated on the liner notes “Using a few pre-constructed parts plus a lot of custom-designed electronic gear and great ingenuity, Robert Mason has built the world’s first multi-voiced synthesizer that can be played like a real keyboard instrument with full chords and tonal clusters. All the music on this album was performed live on the Stardrive synthesizer, thus accounting for the unprecedented fullness and spontaneity of the electronic sound.” Although the compositions and covers are not as appealing this is a curiosity item worth having. Personnel are keyboardist Robert Mason, Michael Brecker on saxophones, Steve Gadd on drums, Harvey Sarch on guitar, Jaime Austria on bass and Bruce Ditmas on percussion. Originally issued in 1973, it is now making its worldwide CD debut thanks to Wounded Bird Records.

Track Listing:

1. Rushes (sampled above)

2. Strawberry Fields Forever
3. Stardrive
4. Dr. Tandem
5. Want To Take You Higher
6. Everything at Once
7. Intergalactic Trot

Buy it at Wounded Bird Records or Amazon Intergalactic Trot

John Lee & Gerry Brown - Chasers

The formidable duo of bassist John Lee and drummer Gerry Brown recorded Chaser for Columbia in 1979. This time they produced yet another solid fusion effort blending jazz, rock, funk and a bit of disco. Unlike their third album Still Can't Say Enough, it departs from the vocals and it concentrates on formidable instrumentals. It features Eef Alberts and Darryl Thompson on guitars, Kenneth Knudsen on keyboards and synthesizers, Palle Mikkelborg on trumpet and Bobby Malach on tenor sax. Rip generously provided by Smooth of the former blog My Jazz World.

Track Listing:

1. Chaser
2. Will It Last?
3. Fate Ripper
4. Daily Planets
5. Celebration
6. What It If (sampled above)
7. New Waves
8. Prospect Park

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John Lee & Gerry Brown - Still Can't Say Enough

Still Can't Say Enough is the third of four albums by the formidable rhythm section duo of bassist John Lee and drummer Gerry Brown. Just as their 1975's Mango Sunrise, this album is also produced by Skip Drinkwater. It’s a perfect fusion of jazz, rock and funk that features Reggie Lucas and Ray Gomez on guitars, Hubert Eaves, Harold Ivory Williams IV and Rob Franken on keyboards, Ian Underwood on synthesizers and Mtume on congas and percussion. A horn with jazz luminaries as Randy Brecker and Jon Faddis on trumpets, Michael Brecker and Ernie Watts on tenor sax, David Sanborn and Gary Bartz on alto sax, Barry Rodgers on trombone and Ron Cuber on baritone sax. Vocals are provided by Donald Liston Smith, Tawatha Agee and C.P. Alexander. Even thou I have included a Rip from vinyl generously provided by Smooth of the former blog My Jazz World, this album has finally seen the light on CD as it's been released as a Japanese import available at Amazon US, Amazon Europe and at Dusty Groove to name a few.

Track Listing:

1. Freeze It Up
2. Love The Way You Make Me Feel
3. Rise On (sampled above)
4. Funky Row
5. Talkin’ ‘Bout The Right One
6. Strut ‘N’ Get Up
7. Breakin’
8. Down The Way
9. Out The Box

Buy at Dusty Groove, Amazon US or Amazon EU.

John Lee & Gerry Brown - Mango Sunrise

The formidable duo of bassist John Lee and drummer Gerry Brown recorded and played with fusion-oriented group, The Chris Hinze Combination, Joachim Kuhn and other jazz artists while living in Europe. After recording their debut album, Infinite Jones (Keytone, 1974, later reissued on CD as Bamboo Madness) they returned to America in 1975 and signed with the Blue Note label. Mango Sunrise was their first album for Blue Note. Produced by Skip Drinkwater it features Philip Catherine, Eef Alberts and Wah Wah Watson on guitars, Rob Franken, Eric Tagg, Mike Mandel and Jasper Van’t Hof on Keyboards and synthesizers. Even thou I have provided a Rip from vinyl generously provided by Smooth of former blog My Jazz World, it seems this album will finally be released on CD as seen on Dusty Groove.

Track Listing:

1. Mango Sunrise
2. Breakfast Of Champions
3. Ethereal Cereal (sampled above)
4. Keep It Real
5. The Stop And Go
6. Her Celestial Body
7. Pickin' The Bone
8. Haida
9. Magnum Opus

Pre-order it from Dusty Groove.

John Lee & Gerry Brown - Bamboo Madness (aka Infinite Jones)

Bassist John Lee and drummer Gerry Brown released this LP in 1974 on Keytone Records label. These two outstanding musicians teamed up as the basic rhythm sections for many outstanding performers and their recordings, such as Chris Hinze, Joachim Kuhn, Stanley Clarke, Joe Henderson, Max Roach, Jasper Van’t Hoff and Toots Thielemans just to name a few. In this funky, Jazzy first outing they are joined by Gary Bartz on alto & soprano saxophones, Chris Hinze on flute, alto & bass flute, piccolo, bamboo flute, Henny Vonk on vocals & percussion, Howard Kinng on percussion, Rob van de Broek, Hubert Eaves & Jasper Van 't Hof on piano and Wim Stolwijk on piano and voice.

Track Listing:

1. Infinite Jones (sampled above)

2. Deliverance

3. Jua

4. Abistively Posolutely

5. Rise On

6. Who Can See The Shadow of the Moon

7. Bamboo Madness

Buy it from Timeless Records or

Jasper Van't Hof - Eye Ball

Pianist Jasper Van’t Hof released this album in 1974 on the Keytone Record Label. Jasper Van’t Hof jazz style is based on the blues, swing, bebop, and free jazz mixed with rock influences. He was a member of the Pierre Courbois Association and later formed the group Pork Pie featuring the late Charlie Mariano. Produced by Chris Hinze, this jazz-fusion cult classic has become one of the pianist’s trademark albums. Bass player John Lee and drummer Gerry Brown provide their incredible energy as the rhythm section and they are joined by Wim Overgaauw on guitars and the late polish violinist Zbigniew Seifert.

Track Listing:

1. Bax

2. Viper Snake

3. Eyeball I

4. Hyrax (sampled above)

5. Schwester Johanna

6. Laur

7. One Leg Missing

8. Eyeball II

9. The Rev

Buy it from Timeless Records or