LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Originally released in 1972, Father, Son and Holy Ghosts finds Embryo developing an adventurous blend of progressive rock, jazz improvisation and psychedelic experimentation. Christian Burchard’s percussion, marimba and vibraphone are joined by Edgar Hofmann’s saxophone and violin, David King’s bass and flute, and Sigi Schwab’s guitars and Indian string instruments.

The music shifts naturally between compact compositions and spacious instrumental passages. “The Sun Song” and “Forgotten Sea” highlight the group’s melodic and improvisational strengths, while the brief “Nightmares” and marimba-led “Marimbaroos” provide contrasting interludes. The Garden of Delights edition adds an extended live performance of “You Don’t Know What’s Happening,” recorded at the third Essen Pop and Blues Festival in October 1970.

1. The Special Trip – 5:50
2. Nightmares – 0:58
3. King Insano – 4:41
4. Free – 6:15
5. The Sun Song – 8:44
6. Marimbaroos – 2:57
7. Forgotten Sea – 9:12

8. You Don’t Know What’s Happening – 20:14

CD reissue with one extended live bonus track and 32-page booklet

Studio recordings: Studio 70, Munich, March 1972

Bonus track recorded: Third Essen Pop and Blues Festival, 23 October 1970

Original release: 1972