Kraan

Introduction to Kraan's "Tournee"

"Tournee" is the second official live album by the German jazz-rock and fusion band Kraan. Released in 1980 on EMI Electrola's Harvest label, this album captures the essence of the band's live performances from 1979. The recording took place across various locations in West Germany, including the Finkenbach Festival, Zitadelle in Jülich, Audimax in Aachen, and Stadthalle in Neuss.

Recording and Production

The album was produced and arranged by Kraan themselves. Notably, the recording and mixing were handled by Conny Plank, a respected figure in the German music scene, at his studio in Neunkirchen-Wolperath. The cover artwork was created by A. Backhausen. The use of Plank's mobile recording unit allowed the band to capture their energetic performances in a live setting, which is evident throughout the album.

Band Lineup and Musical Style

The lineup for "Tournee" features Hellmut Hattler on bass guitar and vocals, Peter Wolbrandt on electric guitar and vocals, Ingo Bischof on Minimoog synthesizer and Fender Rhodes electric piano, and Udo Dahmen on drums and percussion. This album marks Dahmen's final appearance with Kraan. The band's style blends elements of rock, jazz, and funk, showcasing Hattler's slap-bass technique, Bischof's synthesizer work, and Wolbrandt's rhythmic guitar playing.

Track Highlights

"Tournee" includes six extended tracks, each demonstrating the band's improvisational skills and tight musicianship. Noteworthy tracks like "Borgward" and "Almrausch" highlight the group's ability to fuse different genres seamlessly. The dynamic interplay between the musicians is a key feature throughout the album, making it a thrilling experience for listeners.

Conclusion

"Tournee" stands as a vibrant document of Kraan's live performances in the late 1970s. It captures their innovative approach to jazz-rock and fusion music. The album was released in 1980 with the catalog number 1C 064-45 838.