Sunbirds - Zagara (1973) {2015 Reissue}

A killer bit of jazz rock from early 70s Germany – an album that should have been right at home on the MPS label, given the sorts of all-star talents in the group! The set was produced by mighty drummer Klaus Weiss – who's at his soulful best here, able to kick things when needed, but not with as jamming a sound as on his more over the top 70s efforts – which is perfect, as the album's got loads of sweet, subtle colors from Ferdinand Povel and Leszek Zadlo on flutes, plus great electric and acoustic piano, as well as organ, from Fritz Pauer. The guitar of Lucas Costa completes the group – but the set's also got some great basswork from Clarke-Boland mainman Jimmy Woode, save for a few tracks that have Ron Carter stepping in