Product Description The first issue from new label Chickadisk - which will deal with European pearls of jazz and rock from the past - is a reissue of the sole studio album produced by this line-up, originally issued by Vertigo Records in 1976. It's a thought-provoking international project from the mid 1970s; a combination of jazz and rock that goes far beyond what is usually thought of as fusion. Originally issued in 1976 "Electric Circus" was the second solo project of the German guitarist Toto Blanke, but it was also the beginning of an unusual trio with Dutch pianist Jasper van't Hof and the Finnish drummer Edward Vesala. The three extremely strong personalities offered a very distinctive, original perspective on jazz-rock, full of astonishing experiments with synthesizers, references to krautrock and the avant, but also soothing, ethereal themes.
G**U
Five Stars
Excellent, even better than Spider's Dance that I love.
S**Y
Best Fusion by far!
With Vesala on drums, Jasper Vant Hof on keyboards (and with very unique sounds - all analog) and the 'Mahavishnu era Mclaughling' influenced Toto Blanke you get one hell of a dynamic trio. All the pieces seem to have been constructed around the analog keyboard (some tremendous sequencer drenched pieces!) and although the jazz element is always present there is also a strong progressive and mid 70s fusion style. Don't let the 'fusion' word scare you as here that is precisely what gives this record a strong original sound (rather than coming up with yet another Mahavishnu, Return to Forever or Weather Report copy). For example, Toto plays the mandolin on one piece and is one of the most memorable solos of the album. Also, Vant Hof really shines in his soloing and sounds picked. Vesala is, as always, just the perfect poly rhythmic drummer capable of monster grooves too. If you like melodic yet experimental fusion or like Krautrock at it's most creative than download this baby now! you won't regret it!
