Burning Red Ivanhoe
Burnin' Red Ivanhoe

When I was still regularly visiting this site, that is before the darkest period of my life began, I promised myself to someday review this album, thus filling an unusual gap in the (by now immense) archives of Debaser.

Kim Menzer:  Winds, Trombone, Harmonica, Violin 

Ole Fick:  Vocals, Guitar

Karsten Vogel:  Saxophone, Keyboards, Winds

Jess Staehr:  Bass 

Bo Thrige Anderson:  Drums, Percussions

It was 1970 when the 5 Danes in question, after a debut not exactly explosive (with M144, 1969), decided to sit down together and create a unique and fascinating album that holds its own against the best progressive movement of the time.

The refined and perfectly blended instrumental interweavings, led by the pulsating bass of Staehr and the sax of the talented Vogel, give life to an intense and enveloping Jazz Prog with Blues hues, at times experimental, anything but predictable and manneristic.
The opening track "Across The Windowsill", a gem of rare beauty and inspiration, is a sign of great creativity and musical sensitivity, but above all of a harmony and grace they would hardly enjoy in the years to come. "Secret Oyster Service", "Gong-Gong, The Elephant Song", and "Roating Irons", among the standout tracks, provide further excellent proof.

Produced by Tony Reeves of the Colosseum, Burnin' Red Ivanhoe is the stifled cry of a group that never received the right attention and the deserved recognition. An album absorbed and appreciated in its entirety over time and with listens, but that, years later, continues to amaze and captivate.

In 1971, after releasing the excellent "W.W.W.", only a step below the self-titled, they began the inexorable decline that a few years later would lead to their separation. Save for a brief reunion in the 80s, which gave birth to a new last album, "Shorts".

To this day, Menzer, Fick, and Vogel, now aged but lively "old men", in search of their former vigor, continue to perform and convey emotions to those few but faithful and fortunate listeners, never tired of being enchanted by the atmosphere of the Burning Red Ivanhoe of Denmark.

Across The Windowsill - 7.39
Canaltrip - 5.31
Roating Irons - 8.18
Gong-Gong, The Elephant Song - 5.40  
Near The Sea - 3.56
Secret Oyster Service - 9.47

Tot 40.54m