LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Sunbirds’ self-titled album is a rare early-1970s German jazz-rock recording, originally released on BASF in 1971. The group were led by bassist Jimmy Woode, with Belgian guitarist Philip Catherine adding one of the album’s most distinctive voices. Rather than following the heavier Krautrock path, Sunbirds move in a warm, fluid direction shaped by jazz improvisation, Latin colour and light progressive touches.

The album has an open, elegant feel, with pieces such as Kwaeli, Sunrise, Spanish Sun and Sunbirds developing through melodic guitar, electric piano, flute and relaxed but intricate rhythm work. This Garden Of Delights CD edition presents the original six-track album and adds two previously unreleased studio recordings, Dreams and Fire Dance, as bonus tracks.

1. Kwaeli – 3:43
2. Sunrise – 5:26
3. Spanish Sun – 12:10
4. Sunshine – 6:46
5. Sunbirds – 9:31
6. Blues For D.S. – 7:53

7. Dreams – 9:42
8. Fire Dance – 6:54