Happy Ambrosia is a little known kraut release by Alto, a side project by Kraan “alto” saxophonist Johannes Pappert. The band was apparently not a proper band and more of an outlet for Pappert to explore his musical interests with top musicians and friends of Kraan. Vocalist Ellen Meier really shines here with her coarse but relaxed voice that cuts straight through the wild, electronic fusion provided by the band. To be honest, most of the album is pretty meandering goofy fusion but the standout track B4 Flowers In The Garden is just fantastic. Featuring breakbeat drums, cruising fretless bass, cosmic rhodes keys, and dreamy vocals, the track nails it at every turn and makes this album well-worth it.
– Phil Cho
Recommended – B4 Flowers In The Garden
A1 Dark Veils
A2 She Knows It’s Gone
A3 Happy Ambrosia
A4 New Mornin’
A5 Nanga Parbat
B1 Communication ’79
B2 Outside
B3 Psychedelic Island
B4 Flowers In The Garden
B5 Fiery Orbits
Arranged By – Alto (2)
Design [Sleeve Design] – Reick & Höllering
Drums, Percussion, Voice – Micky Stickdorn*
Electric Bass [Fenderbass] – Heinz Gembus
Engineer, Mixed By – Manfred Neuner
Keyboards, Vocals – George Kochbek
Lacquer Cut By – S-Ⅱ*
Photography By – Volker Fleer
Saxophone, Percussion – Johannes Pappert
Vocals – Ellen Meier