Franz Koglmann

Steve Lacy had plenty of fantastic moments on the European scene of the 70s – but this unique album may well stand as one of his best!

The set's very different than any of Steve's recordings with his own group – partly because the core energy here comes from trumpeter Franz Koglmann – who sets things up in a really unusual way, by often embracing rhythm – but also setting it free in all these other erratic patterns too – which proves to be a perfect foil for Steve's soprano sax, and Franz's work on trumpet and flugelhorn. There's no piano at all – just wonderful bass from Toni Michlymayr, percussion from Muhammad Mali, and slight but distinct electronics from Gerd Geier – a trio of players who are less familiar than most on Euro avant jazz sets of this type – and really bring a lot of distinct qualities to the set.

PERSONNEL:

• Steve Lacy - soprano sax
• Franz Koglmann - trumpet, flugelhorn
• Gerd Geier - electronics
• Toni Michlmayr - bass
• Muhammad Malli - drums

Recorded April 26, 1973, Mueller Sound Studio 1, Vienna

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Flaps (To Pee Wee Russel)
• A2. Misera Plebs, Take 1
• A3. Misera Plebs, Take 2
• A4. Bowery 1

• SIDE B
• B1. Steirish WC Nr. 2
• B2. Flops (To Charles Chaplin)
• B3. Bowery 2
• B4. Hommage To An Old Raincoat (To Fritz Kotrba)