Joy Unlimited - Schmetterlinge (1971 germany, excellent concept fusion progressive rock, bonus tracks issue)

This group began their life as Joy and The Hit Kids, fronted by the talented female vocalist Joy Fleming, and they released four singles on Decca in 1967 and 1968. Their name was changed into Joy Unlimited in 1969, and five further singles were released on Polydor in 1969 and 1970. 

Polydor also released their first album Overground (1970), a befitting title, as it contained 12 short pop-blues rock songs, clearly inspired by Janis Joplin. For this reason, it is a bit dated today and only completists should investigate. 

By then, the group was a sextet. Schmetterlinge ('butterflies') was a solid step in a progressive direction. Indeed a very versatile album, ranging from the gutsy Joplin blues of "Rankness" via free jazz improvisations like "Sensual Impressions" to excellent progressive rock songs like "Rudiment". This album saw the arrival of a seventh member: Cord Kothe. 

The arrangements were refined, benefiting from the group's strong musical muscle. This, and both of the subsequent albums, contained ballet music! The female vocals placed Joy Unlimited in the European tradition of bands like Sandrose, Circus 2,000 and Earth & Fire. 

However, this was to change when Joy Fleming departed to start a solo career in 1972.

Cosmic Dreams At Play 

Tracks
1. Contacts
.a.Rudiment (Roland Heck, Klaus Nagel,  Han Herkenne, Lothar Höfgen) - 4:27
.b.Connection (Dieter Kindl, Albin Metz, Erna Strube) - 1:30
.c.That's The Key (Dieter Kindl, Gerd Köthe, Han Herkenne, Lothar Höfgen) - 2:32
.d.For You And Me (Dieter Kindl, Gerd Köthe, Han Herkenne, Lothar Höfgen) - 1:40
2. Manifestations
.a.Suppression (Roland Heck, Gerd Köthe) - 2:55
.b.Rankness (Roland Heck, Erna Strube) - 2:37
.c.Face Of War (Gerd Köthe, Lothar Höfgen) - 3:28
.d.Free (Dieter Kindl, Albin Metz, Klaus Nagel) - 2:08
.e.Sensual Impressions (Gerd Köthe, Klaus Nagel) - 7:14
.f.Quintessence (Roland Heck, Albin Metz, Gerd Köthe, Erna Strube) - 2:35
3. Emotions
.a.Eden Park (Roland Heck, Dieter Kindl, Albin Metz, Klaus Nagel) - 2:58
.b.Metamorphosis (Dieter Kindl, Strube, Han Herkenne, Lothar Höfgen) - 3:08
.c.In Search For The Last Word (Roland Heck, Klaus Nagel,  Han Herkenne, Lothar Höfgen) - 1:59
.d.Rising Mind (Dieter Kindl, Gerd Köthe, Han Herkenne, Lothar Höfgen) - 2:55
.e.Eden Park Again (Roland Heck, Dieter Kindl, Albin Metz, Klaus Nagel) - 1:44
4. Neckarbrücken-Blues (Albin Metz, Roland Heck) - 3:20
5. All Heaven And All Earth Are Silent (Roland Heck, Dieter Kindl, Gerd Köthe, Ken Traylor) - 8:13
6. Silver Gun (David Swinford, Kevin Derring, Gerd Köthe, Ken Traylor) - 4:32
7. Peace Train (Cat Stevens) - 3:58
Bonus tracks 4-7

Joy Unlimited
*Joy Fleming - Vocals
*Han Herkenne - Drums, Percussion
*Albin Metz - Trumpet, Bass
*Roland Heck - Organ, Piano, Vibes, Marimba, Percussion, Vocals
*Dieter Kindle - Bass, Guitar, Percussion
*Gerd Kothe - Saxes, Flute
*Klaus Nagel - Guitar, Woodwind, Tympani, Percussion, Flute

1970  Joy Unlimited (Overground)

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