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Ash Ra Tempel
Ash Ra Tempel (later Ashra) was one of the first bands to convert the more cosmic side of late-'60s psychedelia into the "kosmische" rock movement of the '70s. Most Ash Ra titles were solely the work of Manuel Göttsching, plus any other additional players who happened to be around during the recording of his ten albums. Göttsching trained in classical guitar and studied improvisational music plus electronics at school. In 1970, he formed Ash Ra Tempel with the legendary Klaus Schulze, who had just completed a brief stint in Tangerine Dream and Hartmut Enke. After a self-titled album in 1971, Schulze left for a solo career; and Göttsching continued on with a variety of band-members and guests, including Dr. Timothy Leary on 1973's 'Seven Up', and with Schulze again, for 'Join Inn'. By 1975, Göttsching had released his first solo album, 'Inventions for Electric Guitar' and subsequently, the next two records by the "group" were Göttsching-only albums. He reunited with Schulze to work on Alphaville's 1989 release, 'The Breathtaking Blue'. Since 1998 Manuel and Klaus have been working on a new studio production. Then early this year, they were invited by Julian Cope to perform at his Cornucopea festival in April 2000, the choice was clear and the two played a sold out concert at the Royal Festival in London in a one time reunion. For its sheer volume of new material and ideas, this album of polished hybrid textures makes for a very satisfying listen. The mood is relatively mellow and laid back throughout, though there are some very intense moments and powerful jams as well between electric guitar and Minimoog. Most listeners will be blown away by the first track. The sonic atmosphere created here is quite stunning, and is made all the more effective by some excellent use of very imaginative sampling, effects, and spatial imaging. Manual also adds some wonderful classical guitar in various segments, augmented perfectly by Klaus on keyboards. It seems that Manuel Göttsching and Klaus Schulze have finally adopted some of the best elements of their previous works and created a synthesis that sounds quite fresh and original. This album will surely turn heads, and is one of the better new electronic releases so far in 2000. Highly recommended. Review by Ben Kettlewell information: |
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Ash
Ra Tempel were the definitive pioneers of electronic music, progressive
rock, and space-psych. Along with their contemporaries; groups like like
Tangerine Dream, Can, Kraftwerk, and Amon Duul, they created amazing music
that would inspire countless avant- garde musicians. In 1970 Manuel Göttsching
and Klaus Schulze founded Ash Ra Tempel, along with Hartmut Enke on bass.
In this line-up they recorded two legendary albums. After their definite
split in 1973 they went their different musical ways, but their friendship
never diminished.