Prosper - Broken Door (Reissue) (1975/2003)

Formed 1973 in Bottrop, Germany - Disbanded in 1980

PROSPER was born in Bottrop, a town situated in the northwestern part of the german Ruhrgebiet which is dominated by an eponymous coal mine. The band's story began 1973 as PROSPER I with heavy line-up changes. Jürgen Pluta (keys) was a co-founder but soon went to WALLENSTEIN to play the bass. Evert Brettschneider (guitar) and Matthias Geisen (bass) were early members to form a constant line-up and to reduce the name to PROSPER. They were later followed by Friedhelm Misiejuk (drums, percussion), Fritz A. Frey (guitar, vocals) und Ernst Müller (keys). This five musicians finally produced the self-released, very professional and diversified debut 'Broken Door' from 1975.

PROSPER's sound is a typical mix of different styles. Jazz rock respectively Fusion are having a dominant role but there are also psychedelic parts to point out. Composed with a versatile structure the eight songs contain many instrumental parts interspersed with e-piano, mellotron, moog or nice twin guitar work. Brettschneider, also known as a member of the band CONTACT TRIO, often provides the jazzy attitude inspired by John McLaughlin or Gary Boyle.

Unfortunately the current line-up didn't manage to record other releases afterwards. Some member changes occured and PROSPER became less important until 1979 when the band tried to make a new start. Only bass player Geisen remained and he gathered some other musicians to record new material. Finally in 2006 some songs of this rehearsals were digged out and released as a vinyl named 'Second Running - The Basement Tapes' with music similar to Doldinger's Passport. More other songs are in a waiting position and therefore PROSPER's story might not be closed yet.