Katamaran

Introduction to Katamaran

Katamaran, the self-titled debut album from the German jazz-rock septet formed in Münster, was released in 1977 by the pläne label. The album features a blend of jazz, fusion, and progressive rock elements, showcasing the band's versatility and musicianship.

Band Composition

The lineup of Katamaran includes Wolf Burbat on synthesizers and flute, who also serves as the composer and arranger. Calle Bisping plays both tenor and soprano saxophones. Franz Holtmann contributes guitar work, while Heiner Kleinjohann handles piano and Fender Rhodes electric piano. The rhythm section consists of Dagobert Dombrowski on electric bass, Heinz-Günter Hemkendreis on drums and percussion, and Hermann Mensing on percussion.

Musical Characteristics

This album exemplifies the German progressive jazz-rock fusion genre. It features intricate brass counterpoints and warm Fender Rhodes chords. Agile flute and synthesizer melodies are complemented by fluid guitar solos. The percussion section employs driving polyrhythms that enhance the album's dynamic range. Comparisons can be drawn to groups like Passport, Kraan, Association P.C., and Weather Report due to the album's rich instrumental tapestry.

Track Highlights

Katamaran consists of five tracks, each contributing to the album's overall texture. The opening track, "Poseidon," sets the stage with its melodic explorations. "Gehe Zurück Nach Der Badstraße" offers further depth with varied instrumentation. "Fender Spiel" showcases the band's affinity for the Fender Rhodes piano. The centerpiece of the album is the nearly sixteen-minute suite titled "Gerd Und Die Welt," which occupies the entire second side and brings together the various musical themes presented throughout the album.

Production Details

The album was recorded at Rhein-Ruhr-Film Tonstudio, with engineering by Helmut Rohlfing. This technical aspect contributes to the clarity and richness of the sound. The catalog number for the release is JAZZ S 3003 / pläne G-0030.