Zeus B. Held

Introduction to Zeus' Amusement

Released in 1978, "Zeus' Amusement" marks the debut solo album of German musician Zeus B. Held, also known as Bernd Held. The album was issued by the Brain label and recorded in Cologne, Germany, at Studio Hömberg. This project features a blend of various genres, including electronic, rock, Krautrock, and space disco.

Artist and Collaborators

Zeus B. Held is recognized for his role as the keyboardist of the band Birth Control. In this album, he handles an array of instruments, including synthesizers like the Minimoog and ARP 2600, keyboards such as the Rhodes and Clavinet, and also contributes vocals and flute. He is joined by notable musicians from the German music scene. Manfred von Bohr plays drums and percussion, while Horst Stachelhaus provides bass guitar. Georg Fisher contributes vocals, and Christoph Noppeney plays viola. Claudia Simeaux-Levy offers spoken voice elements, supporting the album's eclectic sound.

Production Details

The album was engineered by Martin Hömberg, who played a crucial role in shaping its sound. The recording sessions took place in Cologne, where Held and his collaborators crafted a unique sonic environment characterized by the heavy use of analog synthesizers and a Sennheiser vocoder. This technology contributes to the album's distinct electronic textures and vocal manipulations.

Musical Exploration

"Zeus' Amusement" features a variety of tracks that explore different musical themes. One of the standout pieces is a vocoder-driven reinterpretation of The Beatles' "The Fool On The Hill." This track later gained recognition from contemporary DJs like 2manydjs. Other original compositions include "Off The Cuff," "Goodbye Europe," and the three-part suite "Madmen's Rag." Each song reflects a fusion of electro-funk, jazz-fusion, and prog rock elements, showcasing the versatility of Held's musical vision.

Legacy of Zeus B. Held

Following the release of "Zeus' Amusement," Zeus B. Held continued to make an impact in the music industry as a producer. He worked on influential tracks for various artists, including Gina X Performance and Dead or Alive. His contributions helped shape the sound of the new wave and synth-pop movements in the years to follow.

Recording Location

The album was recorded at Studio Hömberg in Cologne, Germany, during 1978.