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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Joy Unlimited - Joy Unlimited "Overground" (1970 germany, marvelous funky psych blues rock, 2007 fallout release)

This psych-tinged German crew are best-known for 1971’s progressive Schmetterlinge (‘Butterflies’) LP, but their 1970 debut was just as good. Confusingly released as Overground at home, Turbulence in the UK and Joy Unlimited in the United States, it’s a superb blend of psych, funk and pop, boasting the powerhouse vocals of Joy Fleming, an array of guitar and organ textures and breaks and samples galore. This release here, contains three rare bonus tracks.

“The career of Joy Unlimited started at the Mannheim Conservatory during 1965. Writing film scores and appearing with the Beatles, the Flock, Tom Jones, John Mayall and Henry Mancini have been but a few of their TV and radio appearances. After topping the German polls two years in succession, the group are in demand all over the Continent, and after their appearance at the Dusseldorf Jazz And Pop Festival, Joy Unlimited made this album, their first to be released in England, actually entitled Turbulence. All arrangements are done collectively by the group. The additional brass was scored by Dieter Reith, the bass guitarist and saxophone player of Joy Unlimited”. 

original UK sleevenotes, 1970

“Joy, of Joy Unlimited, is one incredible singer. Her performances create a truth and believability in melody, lyrics and emotion that is all too rare in rock music. The group, which is led by guitarist Klaus, is a tight, knowing, energetic band, comprised of Roland on organ, Dieter on guitar, Albin on bass and Hans on drums. This combination has produced music that set them as top group of the year in 1968 and 1969, as determined by the German music poll, and has got a straight line to groovin’ ears all around the world. Getting it together takes time and talent. They’ve got it together so that you can get it. Now that you’ve got it, enjoy it! In this business a combination of energy, feeling and extraordinary talent is a pure joy… truly a Joy Unlimited”.

original US sleevenotes, 1970

Tracks
1. Save Me Save Me (Young, English) - 2:26
2. Groove With What You’ve Got (Burns, Vegas) - 2:22
3. All Together Now (Lennon, McCartney) - 2:36
4. I Hold No Grudge (Badale, Clifford) - 3:11
5. Feelin’ (Faltermeier, Zauner, Nagel) - 2:45
6. Take Me To The Pilot (John, Taupin) - 2:30
7. Have You Met Anyone Lately? (Bernstein, Millrose) - 2:27
8. It’s Not Alright (Heck, Herkenne) - 2:39
9. I Just Made Up My Mind (Hawkshaw) - 2:25
10.Mr. Pseudonym (Kindl, Herkenne) - 3:48
11.Mr. Slater (Fletscher) - 2:34
12.Helpless Child (Heck, Herkenne) - 3:14
13.Sunshine (Heck, Herkenne) - 2:16
14.Oh Darlin’ (Lennon, McCartney) - 3:17
15.Daytime Nighttime (Hugg) - 3:04
Bonus tracks 13-15

Joy Unlimited
*Joy Fleming -Vocals
*Klaus Nagel - Guitar, Flute, Vocals
*Dieter Kindl - Bass, Sax, Vocals
*Roland Heck - Keyboards, Vocals
*Albin Metz - Bass, Trumpet, Trombone
*Hans W. Herkenne - Drums

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