Originally released in the 1970s as two separate LPs (Flaps and Opium/For Franz) on the tiny Pipe Records label, the sound on this single CD reissue is generally decent (with only selected rough spots), especially considering that the original tapes were lost and these recordings had to be remastered from the records. Actually, there are three separate groups represented on the seven tracks, with trumpeter Franz Koglmann performing on all and soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy on all but one. Curiously, trumpeter Bill Dixon, whose name appears first on the CD, appears only on one cut, "For Franz," the longest and perhaps most impressive one on the recording. Each track is filled with treasures. The rare opportunity to hear Lacy and Koglmann together is an absolute treat, fulfilling expectations, while the unusual pairing of Dixon and Koglmann on trumpet, along with string bass giant Alan Silva on the very Dixon-esque "For Franz" is also a treasure. Koglmann's stamp is heard throughout, with the compatible horns playing to his cue. Gerd Geier's effective and tasteful use of electronics on several of the numbers adds a timeless touch. - Steve Loewy / allmusic.com
Tracks
1. Der Vogel / Opium (Franz Koglmann)
2. Carmilla (Franz Koglmann)
3. For Franz (Bill Dixon)
4. Flops (Steve Lacy)
5. Bowery 1 (Franz Koglmann)
6. Bowery 2 (Franz Koglmann)
7. Flaps (Steve Lacy)
ALAN SILVA bass (3)
CESARIUS ALVIM BOTELHO bass (1, 2)
TONI MICHLMAYR bass (4-7)
WALTER M. MALLI percussion (4-7)
ALDO ROMANO drums (1,2)
GERD GIER electronics (4-7)
FRANZ KOGLMANN flugelhorn, trumpet (3-7)
BILL DIXON trumpet (3)
STEVE LACY soprano saxophone (1, 2, 4-7)
JOSEF TRAINDL trombone (1, 2)
STEVE HORENSTEIN tenor saxophone (3)
(1-2) Recorded December 19, 1975 at Acousti, Paris
(3) Recorded August 6, 1976 at Studio Heinz, Vienna
(4-7) Recorded April 26, 1973 at Mueller Sound Studio, Vienna
Between The Lines – btl 011 (Germany)