Karthago - Karthago (1971) [2000]

Karthago were founded in Berlin by Joey Albrecht (guitar, vocals) and Gerald Luciano Hartwig (bass). In 1970, they engaged the Bolivian percussionist Thomas Goldschmitt (mainly hand percussion) and got a recording contract with BASF. Two additional members were added to their line-up: Ingo Bischof (keyboards) and Wolfgang Brock (drums). "Karthago" was recorded in October 1971 graced with excellent heavy guitar work and the funky, gutsy vocals of J. Albrecht, recalling the Jimi Hendrix Experience and the heavy progressive funk band Funkadelic.

More Santana-esque instrumental work was present on "Second Step", recorded in May 1973. W. Brock had left for The Rattles in February 1973 and was replaced by Norbert 'Panzer' Lehmann on this album. Then Lehmann departed to the heavy progressive band "Epitaph", and he was replaced by Konstantin Bommarius (ex-2066 & Then, Abacus). Hartwig also left in the Summer of 1974. His replacement was something of a sensation at the time - Glenn Cornick (ex-Jethro Tull). They signed with Bacillus label and relocated to Oxford, England, in November 1974, where they recorded "Rock'n'Roll Testament".It marked a change of style towards a smooth, well-produced rock with some minor symphonic touches.

In January 1976 they recorded the double album "Live At The Roxy". As Glenn Cornick had quit the group, Gerald Hartwig was now back again. Albrecht, Bischof and Goldschmitt were also helped by Reinhard Bopp (guitar, vocals, ex-Hardcake Special) and Ringo Funk (drums, ex-Atlantis, ex-Jeronimo). This record literally became the 'Karthago testament', as the group disbanded in the Spring of 1976.

However, Albrecht later assembled Ringo Funk and Chico de los Reyes (piano, vocals) in the studio in the Summer of 1977 for the forgettable "Love Is A Cake" - a commercial disco, pop-rock disaster!



Tracks:

1 String Rambler 5:20
2 I Don't Live Tomorrow 2:45
3 But I Know 5:34
4 Morning Surprise 2:29
5 I Give You Everything You Want 3:19
6 I Know What You Can Do My Babe 4:12
7 Why Don't You Stop Buggin' Me (Wave On) 6:00
8 Black Fire 4:45
9 Nos Vamos 1:40