Schicke

Symphonic Pictures (1976). Esoteric Recordings are pleased to launch their new Reactive imprint, dedicated to reissues of classic German rock, in April 2010 with the first ever UK CD release of the stunning "Symphonic Pictures" by Schicke, Führs & Fröhling. Drummer Eduard Schicke, Keyboard player Gerd Führs and guitarist and bassist Heinz Fröhling were a uniquely gifted trio who blended ambient synthesiser music and space rock with jazz rock to create a style all of their own. "Symphonic Pictures"was their debut album, originally released on the Brain label in 1976. A classic of the genre, this expanded CD reissue has been newly re-mastered and also includes a bonus CD of a rare live performance by the band recorded in 1975. This Reactive reissue includes liner notes by Heinz Fröhling.

Symphonic Pictures (1976). Esoteric Recordings are pleased to launch their new Reactive imprint, dedicated to reissues of classic German rock, in April 2010 with the first ever UK CD release of the stunning "Symphonic Pictures" by Schicke, Führs & Fröhling. Drummer Eduard Schicke, Keyboard player Gerd Führs and guitarist and bassist Heinz Fröhling were a uniquely gifted trio who blended ambient synthesiser music and space rock with jazz rock to create a style all of their own. "Symphonic Pictures"was their debut album, originally released on the Brain label in 1976. A classic of the genre, this expanded CD reissue has been newly re-mastered and also includes a bonus CD of a rare live performance by the band recorded in 1975. This Reactive reissue includes liner notes by Heinz Fröhling.

Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music (for all Mellotron lovers, included me).
A high source of inspiration to many.
When it comes to name the main influences for today's prog we name the usual suspects: Yes, King Crimson, ELP yadiyadiyada…But who will name SFF? Me neither! Never!

Cornelia Froboess is a German actress and a teen idol of the 1950s and early 1960s. During that time, Froboess appeared in many West German and Austrian musical films, especially after the rock and roll wave had hit Germany. In those comedy films, she would often portray the typical Berliner Göre (brat from [West] Berlin) who craves independence from her strict parents.

Hoelderlin (formed as Hölderlin) started out playing cover tunes in Germany in the 1960s until they received an offer for a record contract in the early 1970s. The band was led by two brothers, Christian and Joachim Grumbkow, who wrote most of the music. The debut-album "Hölderlin's Traum" was released in 1972 with a nine-piece line up, including female vocals and instruments like the Mellotron, Grand piano, violin, cello, sitar, tablas and flute. Their sound is a progressive blend of rock, jazz and folk. Troubles soon arose when the band's producer wanted to have the band change their sound. After a long three year legal battle, the band was able to get rid of their contract, slightly change their name and release their second album, "Hoelderlin" in 1975. The band called their music 'romantic rock', it sounded more jazzy and it contained echoes from King Crimson and Genesis…