Guru Guru - Live ´98 in Finkenbach (1998)

"We`re not cosmic rock, we`re comic rock."
Mani Neumeier, 1973

A free form jazz mentality, avoiding musical clichés and commercialism, has always characterized the music and philosophies of German freak `n roll band GURU GURU who have categorically occupied their own special stage within the realms of modern music. From it`s LSD induced origins in the late `60s to it`s present day configuration which still rocks and grooves with intensity, countless personnel changes have occurred making it more of a succession of musical ventures and concepts under the moniker GURU GURU, which came about as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the BEATLES and their guru worshipping of the late `60s. GURU GURU were one of the first bands to become associated with the German Krautrock movement from that era along with bands such as XHOL CARAVAN, AMON DUUL and CAN. However, the band was not partial to the absurd stereo-typing and preferred the terms "acid space" or simply, "acid rock" which better described their loud, trippy, improvisational music.

The constant driving force behind GURU GURU since it`s inception as THE GURU GURU GROOVE BAND in 1968 has been the unusual intellect and masterful musicianship of drummer MANI NEUMEIER. During the first half of the 1960s he embraced the jazz interpretations of JOHN COLTRANE, THELONIOUS MONK, MAX ROACH and other jazz mentors from which he would develop his own style of impulsive drumming. During this period he played with various traditional jazz groups in Zurich, Switzerland culminating with work with Swiss jazz pianist IRENE SCHWEIZER. It was during this time that he hooked up with bassist ULI TREPTE with whom he shared the desire to create louder more adventurous music which would follow the paradigms of JIMI HENDRIX and FRANK ZAPPA. Joined by guitarist EDY NAGELI, they played their first gig in Heidelberg, Germany in August 1968 and shocked audiences who had been familiar with Neumeier`s work in the more mainstream European jazz scene.

Tracklisting:

Guru Guru Live
1.01 Der Euro Kommt (5:57)
1.02 Idli Killer (3:46)
1.03 Space Baby (8:49)
1.04 Jet Lag (4:52)
1.05 Moshi Moshi (4:10)
1.06 Kleines Pyjama (4:32)
1.07 Ooga Booga Spec. (10:41)
1.08 Incarnation Stomp (6:41)
1.09 Der Elektrolurch (12:43)

Supersession Live
2.01 30 Years Celebration (5:29)
2.02 The Ghost Of (3:48)
2.03 House Of Wah Wah (5:29)
2.04 Odenwald Ritt (3:12)
2.05 Canguru-Jam (6:07)
2.06 Pfad (7:18)
2.07 The Owls Go To Bed (11:00)