Astronautical Research 1971

Esoteric recordings are pleased to announce the release of a newly remastered and expanded edition of Tangerine Dream’s classic 1971 album "Alpha Centauri". Recorded at the Dierks Studio in Stommeln, the album featured a line up of Edgar Froese, Chris Franke and Steve Schroyder with guests Udo Dennebourg (flute) and Roland Pualyck (synthesiser). Released in Germany on the OHR label, the influence of the album was immense, with the band creating imaginative sound-scapes previously unheard on record. This Esoteric Reactive edition is newly re-mastered and includes three bonus tracks: ‘Oszillator Planet Concert’ has never been released on CD and was issued as part of the 1971 double album “Ossiach Live”. Also included are both sides of the classic ‘Ultima Thule’ single issued in Germany in 1971. The release fully restores the original album artwork and includes a lavishly illustrated booklet.

Following the demise of the legendary Blossom Toes in December ’69, guitarist Brian Godding and bassist Brian Belshaw backed vocalist Julie Driscoll at two London concerts in early 1970, along with drummer Barry Jenkins. The second of these concerts took place at The Roundhouse on 27th February 1970. A highlight of the performance was a rendition of Godding’s rousing composition ‘New Day’, a song recorded by Blossom Toes but sadly not released.
The concert was enthusiastically reviewed by the underground press prompting the event organiser, Peter Swales, to propose the band re-record ‘New Day’. By this time Jenkins had departed and so former Blossom Toes drummer Kevin Westlake stepped in. Recording sessions took place at Olympic Studios with guest contributions from musicians such as Driscoll, Mick Taylor and Brian Auger along with jazz musicians Marc Charig and Nick Evans…

Polyphony was a short-lived US outfit active in the early 70's. The band, consisting of Martin Ruddy (bass, vocals), Christopher Spong (drums), Craig Massey (vocals, organ, moog), Glenn Howard (vocals, guitars) and Chatty Cooper (percussion), recorded the album Without "Introduction" which was released in 1971. Polyphony comes close fusing Hendrix's psychedelic guitar style with ELP's take on Hammond-based symphonic progressive rock.