Kraan

Release Overview

"Wiederhören," meaning "Listen Again," is the fifth studio album by the German jazz-rock fusion band Kraan. Released in 1977 on EMI Electrola's Harvest label, this album was recorded between November and December 1976 in Hamburg and Neunkirchen-Wolperath. It is cataloged under the number 1C 064-32 201.

Lineup Changes and Production

This album marks a notable transition for Kraan. It is the first studio recording following the departure of saxophonist Johannes "Alto" Pappert. With this change, keyboardist Ingo Bischof became fully integrated into the band's core lineup. Bischof contributed significantly with instruments such as the Fender Rhodes, Minimoog synthesizer, acoustic piano, and string synth. The lineup also includes Hellmut Hattler on bass guitar, Peter Wolbrandt on electric guitar and vocals, and Jan Fride Wolbrandt on drums. Guest percussionist Tommy Goldschmidt from Karthago appears on select tracks.

Musical Style and Composition

"Wiederhören" presents a shift in Kraan's sound toward a polished and melodically sophisticated jazz-rock fusion. The band delivers tight funk grooves, fluid synthesizer-guitar interplay, and intricate arrangements. The production is handled by the band alongside notable engineers Conny Plank and Walter Quintus. The album draws comparisons to other influential acts like Return to Forever, Passport, and Steely Dan, reflecting a blend of rock and jazz influences.

Track Highlights

The album comprises eight tracks that span a range of styles within the jazz-rock and fusion genres. Noteworthy tracks include "Just One Way," "Vollgas Ahoi," and the title track "Wiederhören," which runs for an impressive seven minutes. Each piece showcases the band's versatility and musicality, creating an engaging listening experience.

Cover Art

The cover artwork for "Wiederhören" was created by Peter Wolbrandt, further complementing the album's artistic vision. The visual presentation aligns with the innovative soundscape crafted by the band within the vinyl format.

Technical Details

"Wiederhören" was engineered by Conny Plank, a prominent figure in the music production scene. His contributions played a key role in shaping the album's sound during its recording process in 1976.