Guru Guru

Label: Brain
Country: Germany
Released: 1976
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Tango Fango

Released in April 1976, Tango Fango is the eighth studio album by the German band Guru Guru. The album was issued on Brain Records under catalog number Brain 1089 (60.005). This LP marks a departure from the band's earlier power-trio Krautrock format, introducing a broader instrumentation and a more eclectic sound.

Recording and Personnel

Recorded in February 1976 at Conny's Studio and Guru Berg Studio, Tango Fango features a versatile sextet. Drummer Mani Neumeier leads the group and contributes not only drums and percussion but also vocals and effects. He shares production duties with Roland Schaeffer, who plays alto and soprano saxophones, as well as electric and acoustic guitar. Schaeffer was formerly with Brainstorm.

Bassist Jogi Karpenkiel, previously of Kollektiv, adds depth to the low end, while guitarist Sepp Jandrisits brings a unique flair with his guitar and accordion work. Ingo Bischof, known for his role in Kraan, provides electric piano and percussion, and Tommy "Pedro" Goldschmitt rounds out the ensemble with congas and additional percussion. The album's sound engineering was handled by Petrus Wippel, with percussion contributions from Larry Muff on the track "Soba Soave Bossanova."

Musical Exploration

Tango Fango is characterized by its eclectic blend of jazz-rock fusion, Latin grooves, and progressive rock elements. The title track, "Tango Fango," showcases the band's playful and quirky style. The driving jazz-rock piece "Tomorrow" stands out with its energetic rhythm. Other notable tracks include the instrumentally complex "Nightbear," the lively "Banana Flip," and "Salto Mortadella." The album also features a radio-parody suite titled "Das Lebendige Radio," which reflects the band's sense of humor and experimentation.

Conclusion

This album represents a creative evolution for Guru Guru, emphasizing their ability to blend various musical styles into a cohesive whole. Tango Fango was recorded in February 1976 at Conny's Studio and Guru Berg Studio.

Tracklist

A1	Tomorrow Written-By – JandrisitsWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – Schaeffer*	4:14
A2	Tango Fango Written-By – NeumeierWritten-By – Schaeffer	3:48
A3	Soba Soave Bossanova Percussion – Larry MuffWritten-By – Schaeffer*	5:00
A4	Un, Deux, Trois Written-By – Jandrisits*	0:44
A5	Nightbear Written-By – Schaeffer*	6:29
B1	Banana Flip Written-By – Jogi KarpenkielWritten-By – JandrisitsWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – Schaeffer*	6:14
B2	L. Torro Mixed By – Conny PlankWritten-By – Jogi KarpenkielWritten-By – JandrisitsWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – Schaeffer*	4:53
B3	Salto Mortadella Written-By – Jogi KarpenkielWritten-By – JandrisitsWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – Schaeffer*	3:14
Das Lebendige Radio

Credits

Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Roland Schaeffer
Bass, Backing Vocals [Chor] – Jogi Karpenkiel
Congas, Percussion, Backing Vocals [Chor] – Tommy "Pedro" Goldschmitt*
Design Concept [Coveridee] – Guru Guru
Design, Photography By – Tai Lüdicke
Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Effects – Mani Neumeier
Electric Guitar, Accordion, Backing Vocals, Voice [Jodeln] – Sepp Jandrisits*
Lacquer Cut By – SST
Piano, Percussion – Ingo Bischof
Producer – Mani Neumeier
Producer – Roland Schaeffer
Recorded By, Mixed By – Petrus Wippel
Supervised By – A. Scheuerle