Rufus Zuphall ‎– Weiß Der Teufel (1971) [Reissue 2004]

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Rufus Zuphall ‎– Weiß Der Teufel (1971) [Reissue 2004]

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In original sleeve artwork this is a reissue of the bands debut killer album from late 69. Excellent German prog recorded live in the studio with flute, guitar keyboards etc.Largely instrumental raw edged progressive rock and a few surprises chucked in.Informative booklet and bonus tracks making up more than 70 minutes of music.One of the legendary rare album from this band (hailing from Aachen next to Belgium and The Netherlands), this was released as a private pressing and an original pressing goes for fortunes. This high cost is probably not increasing of late as the re-formed group has made a new pressing of both the vinyl and the CD. This group is one of the German groups I have been aware early in my life as they passed to Bilzen festival in the early 70’s, and although too young to attend at the time, I managed to remember their weird name. Much later in the 70’s I was able to “score” a used copy of this album (with a different artwork than the famous toilet cover), which held cult status in my eyes, because I loved their rough and raw sound.
RZ is often unjustly compared to Jethro Tull because of the presence of a flauter (but this one is not mad does not sing and speaks perfect French), but not only is this reductive but also incorrect: sure there are similarities but RZ is much more bluesish and jazzy, have a tendency to expand instrumentally much more than Tull would. If any comparison to Tull should be made, it would be towards a much proggier version of Tull’s debut Time Was and a sort of progressive garage rock.
Two short tracks and two 7-min+ monsters make-up the first side of the album and Knight of The Third Degree is an excellent acoustic laced Gershwin-type of jazzy tune. Very happy and aerial, this music is made for good mood and loaded with positive vibes. The two shorter tracks (which came as the A and B-side of a single) are quite superb also. Freitag (Friday) could not be anything else than joyful too, and just like a Friday night on the town is raw, live, naughty and bluesy fun. Must be said that guitarist Gunter Krause’s vocals are not a highlight of RZ’s overall sound, but it is not a problem either: just apt and adequate.

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Rufus Zuphall ‎– Weiß Der Teufel (1971) [Reissue 2004]

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Rufus Zuphall ‎– Weiß Der Teufel (1971) [Reissue 2004]

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