German-based Tramp Records, who have been one of the leading labels over the past two decades when it comes to unearthing some of the rarest funk, soul and jazz recordings, has just put out a previously never-released-before album from the Stuttgart-based jazz fusion combo Baobab.

This limited-edition gatefold vinyl release includes four extended tracks that span from progressive and modal, to funky jazz dance with Latin-rooted and rock influences. Blending together a mix of both acoustic and electric instrumentation with some warm tone and adventurous grooves, the recording has a very unique and original feel that’s on the level of some of the most notable fusion albums at the time it was recorded.

These sessions were recorded between 1978 and 1981, and include saxophonist and flautist Karl-Heinz Huschka, trumpeter Uwe Zaiser, bassist Michael Radke, keyboardist Joachim Pflieger, drummer Dieter Ben Kauffmann, percussionist Helmut Kristmann and vocalist Beatrice Mathé. Following the death of Kristmann, the group briefly re-united to re-record “Keine Nummer”, with the singer’s brother Matthias Mathé, which can be found on the CD/digital version of the release, and as a separate 45rpm single.

Overall, Tramp Records has once again dug deep and put together a well quality release that celebrates one of Germany’s most talented, yet underrated, jazz fusion bands of the late 70s. Don’t sleep, limited to only 500 copies!

Baobab — ‘s/t’
(Tramp Records)

1. Elfer Raus
2. Malta
3. Just Now
4. Seven Up

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• Jazz
• Jazz Funk
• Jazz Fusion
• Reissue