Triumvirat

Label: Harvest
Country: Germany
Released: 1978
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring Triumvirat's "À La Carte"

"À La Carte" is the sixth studio album by the German progressive rock band Triumvirat, released in 1978. This album, produced by Jürgen Fritz, showcases the band's evolution into a blend of electronic, rock, and pop influences. The recording took place in both Cologne, Germany, and Los Angeles, California, providing a transatlantic flavor to the music.

Musical Contributions and Collaborations

The lineup features Jürgen Fritz on various keyboards, including the Yamaha CS-80 and Minimoog, along with lead vocals from David Hanselmann and Barry Palmer. Hanselmann delivers vocals on five tracks, while Palmer takes lead on three. This duality in vocal styles adds a unique dynamic to the album. Noteworthy guest musicians contribute to the richness of the sound. Mark Isham plays flugelhorn, while Ed Carter, known for his work with The Beach Boys, adds electric guitar. Malando Gassama enhances the percussion with congas and timbales, adding to the album's rhythmic complexity.

Track Highlights

The album opens with "Waterfall," featuring Palmer's vocals. This track sets a melodic tone that continues throughout the album. The energetic "(Oh, I'm) Late Again" introduces a funkier edge. The cover of The Beach Boys’ "Darlin'" exemplifies Triumvirat's ability to reinterpret classic tracks, melding their progressive style with established pop sensibilities. The humorous "A Bavarian In New York" and the poignant closer "Good Bye" illustrate the band's range in lyrical content and musical expression.

Recording Details

EMI Studios in Cologne and Sound City in Los Angeles were the primary recording locations. The sound engineers, Wolfgang Thierbach and Hugh B. Davis, played crucial roles in capturing the album's vibrant sound. The album's distinct production reflects the late-70s prog-pop landscape, merging sophisticated arrangements with accessible melodies.

Triumvirat's "À La Carte" was released under the Harvest label, catalog number 1C 064-45 142, in 1978. The album's diverse influences and collaborative spirit mark a significant point in the band's discography.

Tracklist

A1	Waterfall Backing Vocals – SantiagoBell Tree, Tambourine, Timbales – Malando GassamaLead Vocals – Barry Palmer	4:58
A2	(Oh, I'm) Late Again Arranged By [Horns & Woodwinds], Directed By [Horns & Woodwinds] – Michael AndreasCabasa, Shaker, Tambourine, Vibraslap, Voice – Malando Gassama	6:48
A3	Jo Ann Walker Arranged By [Strings], Directed By [Strings] – Gordon MarronBacking Vocals – Diana LeeBacking Vocals – Marty McCall*Backing Vocals – Myrna MatthewsElectric Guitar – Ed CarterFlugelhorn, Soloist – Mark IshamMarimba – Matthias HoltmannTambourine, Cowbell – Malando Gassama	4:46
A4	For You Arranged By [Choir] – Jürgen FritzArranged By [Strings], Directed By [Strings] – Gordon MarronBell Tree, Tambourine, Gong, Cymbal – Malando GassamaDirected By [Choir] – Bill Cole	5:53
B1	I Don't Even Know Your Name Arranged By [Horns], Directed By [Horns] – Michael AndreasElectric Guitar – Wolfgang MausLead Vocals – Barry PalmerTambourine, Congas, Vibraslap, Percussion [Assorted] – Malando Gassama	4:47
B2	A Bavarian In New York Arranged By [Horns & Woodwinds], Directed By [Horns & Woodwinds] – Michael AndreasArranged By [Strings], Directed By [Strings] – Gordon Marron	5:38
B3	Original Soundtrack From The Movie "O.C.S.I.D." Arranged By [Horns], Directed By [Horns] – Michael AndreasCongas, Cowbell – Malando GassamaWritten-By – Jürgen FritzWritten-By – Matthias HoltmannWritten-By – Werner Kopal	3:48
B4	Darlin' Arranged By [Horns], Directed By [Horns] – Michael AndreasBacking Vocals – SantiagoElectric Guitar – Ed CarterElectric Guitar – Wolfgang MausLead Vocals – Barry PalmerSaxophone [Sax], Soloist – Michael AndreasSaxophone [Saxes] – Charly SchlimbachTambourine – Jürgen FritzTrumpet, Soloist – Richard HurwitzWritten-By – Brian WilsonWritten-By – Mike Love	3:46
B5	Good Bye Arranged By [Strings], Directed By [Strings] – Gordon MarronCongas, Maracas – Malando GassamaElectric Guitar – Wolfgang MausMarimba, Wood Block [Wood Blocks] – Matthias Holtmann	4:29

Credits

Arranged By, Producer [Produced By] – Jürgen Fritz
Bass – Buell Neidlinger
Bass – Steve Edelman
Bass – Werner Kopal
Cello – Fred Seykora*
Cello – Glenn Grab
Cello – Gloria Strassner
Cello – Juliana Buffom*
Concertmaster – Israel Baker
Conductor [Violins] – Gordon Marron
Contractor – Bill Cole
Contractor – Jules Chaikin
Cover [Concept] – Jürgen Fritz
Cover [Concept] – Sondra Fritz
Design [Cover] – Ada Temme
Drums – Matthias Holtmann
Engineer [Assistant], Mixed By [Assistant] – Jürgen Krämer
Engineer [Engineered By At Capitol], Supervised By, Mixed By [Capitol] – Hugh B. Davies*
Engineer [Engineered By At Studio 1], Mixed By [EMI] – Wolfgang Thierbach
French Horn – Alan Robinson
French Horn – Marie Robinson
Keyboards, Mixed By [Conny's Studio] – Jürgen Fritz
Mastered By – John Cremer
Mastered By [Capitol] – Wally Traugott
Photography By [Cover] – Alfred Särchinger
Trombone – Randy Alcroft*
Trombone – Vinnie Fannele
Trumpet – Bill Lamb
Trumpet – Mark Isham
Trumpet – Richard Hurwitz
Tuba – Jene Cipriano*
Tuba – Tommy Johnson*
Tuba – Bob Hardaway*
Viola – Dan Neufels*
Viola – Denise Buffom*
Viola – Linda Lipsett
Viola – Sam Bogossian*
Violin – Bonnie Douglas
Violin – Brian Leonard
Violin – John Wittenberg
Violin – Ken Yerke*
Violin – Linda Rose
Violin – Mari Tsumura
Violin – Michelle Grab
Violin – Peter Kent
Violin – Robert Dubow
Violin – Robert Lipsett
Violin – Spiro Stamof*
Vocals – David Hanselmann
Vocals [Singer] – Allan Davies
Vocals [Singer] – Darice Richman
Vocals [Singer] – Diana Lee
Vocals [Singer] – Fred Frank
Vocals [Singer] – Gene Merlino
Vocals [Singer] – Gene Moredro
Vocals [Singer] – Gloria G. Prosper*
Vocals [Singer] – Jackie Ward
Vocals [Singer] – Jan Gassman*
Vocals [Singer] – Jerry Whitman
Vocals [Singer] – Jon Osbrink*
Vocals [Singer] – Karen Kenton
Vocals [Singer] – Larry Kenton
Vocals [Singer] – Linda Harmon
Vocals [Singer] – Myrna Matthews
Vocals [Singer] – Peggy Clark
Vocals [Singer] – Rob Stevens*
Vocals [Singer] – Sally Stevens
Vocals [Singer] – Stan Farber
Vocals [Singer] – Sue Allen
Vocals [Singer] – Susie McCyne
Vocals [Singer] – Terry Stilwell
Vocals [Singer] – Walt Harrah
Vocals [Singer] – Bill Brown*
Written-By – Jürgen Fritz