Jane

Release Overview

Jane Live, also known as Live at Home, is a double live album by the German progressive rock band Jane. Released in 1976 by Brain Records, the album captures a performance recorded on August 13, 1976, at Niedersachsenhalle in Hannover. This release is particularly significant as it marks the live debut of keyboardist Manfred Wieczorke, who joined Jane after his tenure with Eloy.

Performance and Production

The album features a variety of material from Jane's first five albums. It includes live renditions of tracks such as "All My Friends," "Lady," "River," and "Out In The Rain." The performance is characterized by a mix of rock and Krautrock elements, showcasing the band's signature sound. The recording was engineered by Conny Plank, utilizing his mobile recording unit, which allowed for high-quality capture of the live performance. The mixing was completed at Conny's Studio, ensuring a polished final product.

Band Lineup

Jane's lineup for this performance consisted of Klaus Hess on electric guitar and vocals, Martin Hesse on bass guitar and vocals, and Peter Panka on drums and vocals. Each member contributed to the band's layered sound, with Wieczorke’s keyboards, synthesizers, and Mellotron adding depth to the live arrangements. The collaboration of these musicians resulted in a cohesive performance that highlights their individual talents.

Track Highlights

The four-sided LP features a mix of shorter songs and extended pieces, culminating in a 20-minute epic titled "Windows." This structure allows listeners to experience both the dynamic energy of the band and the intricate compositions typical of the progressive rock genre. The album's live nature captures the spontaneity and excitement of a concert setting, providing a different experience than their studio recordings.

Technical Details

The recording and mixing process involved a team of skilled engineers. Conny Plank served as the recording and mixing engineer, with Achim Schulze handling the live mix and recording mix. Udo Klemt Giesing assisted in the recording and mixing process. These technical details reflect the professional approach taken in capturing the band’s live sound.

Jane Live was released under the catalog number Brain 2/1084.