Scaramuche "Scaramuche" 1981 German Progressive Symphonic
This is a one album German band, with the membership consisting of Johannes Hofmann on keyboards, Martin Hofmann on bass, Tommy Weber on guitars, Robby Stein on drums, and Holger Funk on lead vocals (with Julia Wollny contributing some backup vocals). The name (for the group and the 1981 album) comes from the classic Italian Commedia dell'Arte character, created by Tibor Fiorillo.
The vocals are in English, and the influence does not stop with language. There are also comparisons to Genesis, Yes, and Pink Floyd. Other major influences are Grobschnitt and Machiavel. The music is primarily symphonic, but manages to incorporate conventional rock. Blues, rock, pop, and even funk elements are added to the mix.They are hailed for the tight, skillful instrumentals, and vocal harmonies. Recommended for fans of Grobschnitt and Machiavel.....H.T. Riekels (bhikkhu)
This german band Scaramouche release only one album in 1981, obscure and almost forgotten by many prog conoseurs. The music of this band is influenced by Machiavel, Styx, Queen here and there and Ambrosia or UK, I can't find any similarity with Yes for example as is said in the description of the band. Scaramouche is more towards pop prog than the symphonic prog of Yes or Genesis. Of course they combined very well that pop prog with symphonic elements, but is more of a pop orientated band. Anyway this album is good and has some very fine pieces like the opening track - the best from here - A cloud in the sky - who remainds me of UK (Danger money era), great drumming and excellent key passages, the rest are ok , worth listning from time to time. Not very much to add, the music is pleasent most of the time but sometimes without pashion and inspiration. While i can't recommended this selftitled album, i can say worth investigate at least once if you are a prog lover..
Personnel:
- Holger Funk - lead vocals
- Tommy Weber - guitars
- Johannes Hofmann - keyboards
- Martin Hofmann - bass
- Robert "Robby" Stein - drums, percussion
