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View Full Version : FEATURED ALBUM: Niagara - S.U.B.



Poisoned Youth
03-06-2022, 06:12 PM
So based on how difficult it was to find good information, I'm curious how many of you are familiar with the German jazz-fusion band Niagara? If so, it's probably the albums with the nudity on the cover. ;) As you can see in the short review below, S.U.B. had some members on it that were from other better known outfits. The music oozes early 70s jazz-fusion and funk, and with the extra percussion comes off sounding a bit like Santana in spots.

https://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/images/covers/niagara-sub-20170927084605.jpg


Review from Unencumbered Music Reviews

Niagara were founded by drummer and percussionist Klaus Weiss, who also happened to be the leader of the fine jazz rock group known as Sunbirds. Niagara released three albums in the early to mid 70s, the first which is entirely percussive. Their second album S.U.B. is a jamming rock fusion session with an all star cast including Daniel Fichelscher (Popol Vuh), Kristian Schultze (Passport, and leader of the The Bridge / Recreation album), and Udo Lindenberg among a handful of others. The presence of trumpet and the bass heavy percussive driven sound reminds me of early 70's Miles Davis, especially on the opening title track. Compositions such as 'Niagara' and 'Gibli' are similar to their debut, in that they are primarily percussion ensembles. 'Kikiriti' is the highlight for me, with an abundance of flute, and recalls Weiss' other outfit Sunbirds, especially on their own debut.


https://youtu.be/J9UgL18SSPs


https://youtu.be/CRNzwKJ3GK4


https://youtu.be/bkhkC3jo4eI

Munster
03-07-2022, 04:10 AM
I had some Niagara back in the day on the United Artists' sampler series The Classic German Rock Scene but never connected with this band's unrelenting percussion (and I was into unrelenting percussion at the time!). The long track Barazinbar on Jade Warrior's Released album is in a similar vein so nowadays I get my percussion fix there when required.

TCC
03-07-2022, 05:32 PM
First time here ... like it!.

Thanks!!

MudShark22
03-07-2022, 07:28 PM
Only listened to SUB - but I really enjoy it. Great for the train commute!

I have been enjoying bands lately that groove and drone; but are not stoner metal. Like Causa Sui 'Summer Sessions' discs or Budos Band. This scratches that same itch - though with a 70s palette.

Gonna sample the other camples

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MudShark22
03-07-2022, 09:07 PM
Only listened to SUB - but I really enjoy it. Great for the train commute!

I have been enjoying bands lately that groove and drone; but are not stoner metal. Like Causa Sui 'Summer Sessions' discs or Budos Band. This scratches that same itch - though with a 70s palette.

Gonna sample the other camples

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using TapatalkListen to Bones and Kattarh - both of which I like.
Thanks Cozy.

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Progbear
03-08-2022, 02:08 PM
Almost like a German fusion supergroup. I believe drummer Klaus Weiss was the guy behind the project, the other two records are essentially “drum circle” records, but this one is a proper music album. Very similar to same-period (jazz-funk era) Miles Davis. Obviously very percussive as there are still FOUR drummers in the lineup!