Kraan

Live Performance and Recording

Kraan's double live album, titled "Live," was recorded in October 1974 at the Quartier Latin club in West Berlin. The release came out in early 1975 under the Spiegelei label. The album was recorded and mixed by Conny Plank, a notable producer in the music scene, utilizing his mobile recording studio. He was assisted by Hans Lampe during the process, while the stage sound was managed by Gunni Heidler. The cover artwork was created by Peter Wolbrandt, who is also a member of the band.

Band Lineup and Style

The lineup for Kraan during this performance included Hellmut Hattler on bass guitar and vocals, Peter Wolbrandt on electric guitar and vocals, Jan Fride Wolbrandt on drums and percussion, and Johannes "Alto" Pappert on alto saxophone. Tommy Goldschmidt, who was affiliated with the band Karthago, joined as a guest percussionist. The music on "Live" is a blend of jazz-rock, Krautrock, and fusion elements. The album features energetic improvisations and showcases Hattler's dynamic slap bass techniques, alongside intricate guitar solos and a vibrant saxophone-percussion interplay.

Track Highlights

The album consists of nine tracks spanning across four vinyl sides. Among these, the 15-minute "Nam Nam" and the 13-minute "Holiday Am Marterhorn Including Gipfelsturm" stand out for their extended improvisational sections. Other tracks like "Jerk Of Life" and "Hallo Ja Ja, I Don't Know" further illustrate the band's ability to fuse various musical styles into a cohesive performance. Each piece provides a glimpse into the live energy that Kraan was known for during this era.

Technical Details

The album was released as a 2xLP vinyl format. The catalog number for this release is 26 410-1 U. It captures a specific moment in Kraan's career, reflecting their live performance capabilities and the unique sound they cultivated during the 1970s.