Guru Guru

Label: Brain
Country: Germany
Released: 1977
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring "Globetrotter" by Guru Guru

In 1977, the German Krautrock band Guru Guru released their ninth studio album, "Globetrotter," under the Brain label. This album is characterized by its eclectic mix of rhythmic influences and a variety of musical styles. Notably, the album integrates elements of jazz-rock, funk, and world music. The recording took place at Guru Berg Studio, with mixing done by Conny Plank and Petrus Wippel at Conny's Studio.

Musical Composition

"Globetrotter" features an array of instruments and musicians. Mani Neumeier, the band's drummer, also contributes lead vocals, steel drums, kalimba, and timbales. His diverse playing style underpins many of the album's tracks. Roland Schaeffer, who plays electric and acoustic guitars as well as saxophones, shares production duties with Neumeier. The album boasts contributions from various notable musicians, including Ingo Bischof on keyboards and Helmut Hattler, a member of Kraan, on electric bass.

The album demonstrates a global influence, as reflected in its rhythmic diversity. Tracks like "Da-Wee" explore Latin funk grooves, while "May Dream" and "Globetrotter" incorporate African kalimba and other world music elements. The title track, running at seven minutes, delves into a complex arrangement that showcases the band's improvisational skills. Other highlights include "I'm Rolling Through The City" and "Moroso," which further exemplify the fusion of styles present throughout the album.

Production Insights

The production of "Globetrotter" is noteworthy, as it involved the expertise of renowned engineer Conny Plank. His approach to mixing has significantly shaped the sound of numerous influential albums in the Krautrock genre. The collaboration between the band and Plank resulted in a production that captures the band's live energy while allowing for intricate studio experimentation.

Release and Availability

"Globetrotter" was released in 1977, cataloged as Brain 60.039. It is available in vinyl LP format, reflecting the era's trend of physical media. The album has continued to attract interest from Krautrock enthusiasts and collectors alike, underscoring its place within the genre.

The album features contributions from the Luxembourgish free-jazz bass clarinetist Michel Pilz on the tracks "May Dream" and "Globetrotter."

Tracklist

A1	I'm Rolling Through The City Bass – HelhatBass – JogiDrums, Vocals – ManiGuitar – RolloPercussion – TommiPiano, Synthesizer [Moog] – IngoWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – Schaeffer	4:30
A2	I'm Really Into Rock'n'Roll, Man Bass – Peter K.Drums – ManiGuitar – SeppGuitar, Vocals – RolloWritten-By – Schaeffer*	4:47
A3	Moroso Drums – ManiElectric Bass [Electro] – HelhatGuitar – RolloPiano, Synthesizer [Moog] – IngoWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – Schaeffer	4:11
A4	When The Lights Go Out Bass – JogiDrums – ManiGuitar, Vocals – RolloPiano, Synthesizer [Moog] – IngoWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – Schaeffer	3:12
B1	Da-Wee Bass, Piano – IngoCongas – LarryDrums, Congas – TommiGuitar, Alto Saxophone, Vocals – RolloTimbales – ManiWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – SchaefferWritten-By – Goldschmitt	5:12
B2	May Dream Bass Clarinet – MichelDrums – ManiElectric Bass [Electro] – HelhatPercussion – TommiPiano – IngoSoprano Saxophone – RolloWritten-By – BischoffWritten-By – Goldschmitt	4:03
B3	Simba Ka-Limba Alto Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar – RolloGuitar – SeppKalimba – ManiPercussion – JogiWritten-By – Neumeier*	3:20
B4	Globetrotter Bass Clarinet – MichelDrums, Steel Drums – ManiElectric Bass [Electro] – HelhatPercussion – TommiPiano, Synthesizer [Moog] – IngoTrumpet [Chinatrumpet], Guitar – RolloWritten-By – HattlerWritten-By – BischoffWritten-By – NeumeierWritten-By – SchaefferWritten-By – Goldschmitt*	7:12