Ruphus - Flying Colours (Reissue) (1978/2009)

"Flying Colors" from the year 1978 is the fifth album of the Norwegian Ruphus. Already for the predecessor "Inner Voice" they had found a suitable replacement for the departed Gudny Aspås with Sylvi Lillegard. Ruphus again offer sparkling jazz rock, which is worn by groovy arrangements, which sometimes have a funky coloring. The female vocals are powerful, but this one has a slightly squeaky undertone compared to Mrs. Aspås, but that is not disturbing, as it is wrapped in a powerful robe.

Even the dynamic opener "Foodlovers Diet" convinces with its lively catchiness. Stylistically, this successful entry is groundbreaking for the lively jazz rock of the Northerners, which is anything but distanced or overcooled. The funky passages close to the radio exude a crackling energy, which is provided with subtle progressive-symphonic swabs.

Certainly, the lively sound also tends to be a bit more mainstream, which jazz rock purists could probably fault. The varied compositions are, however, in their liveliness and catchiness a proof that the often quite top-heavy jazz rock can also be presented without problems in a melodic-light-footed manner, without immediately falling into the direction of a faceless AOR jazz sound. Here superficial melody lines and phases carried by sophisticated rhythm are pleasantly balanced.

The sound of the Vikings is also pleasant when, as in the title song "Flying Colors", elegiac tones are noticeable. Here then the soulful "Schubbidubbi" song fits perfectly. Sparkling key sounds of the e-piano, lively rhythm work and hearty string processing continue to contribute to success.

The largely dreamy longtrack "Moody Moments" concludes this convincing performance of the formation, which is not even that unknown in Germany, but unfortunately seems to be completely forgotten. So far, no CD release of this album is recorded. The LPs released on the Brain label can be found without any problems. Rarely has Jazzrock / Fusion been presented in a more catchy and convincing way than by the Norwegians. (google)