1976 Albums

Born in 1953, Peter Baumann attended the JFK American School in Berlin, gaining an education in American culture as well as language. He first joined Tangerine Dream in 1972, following his stint with The Ants. Released in 1976 on Virgin Records, his solo record, Romance 76 was recorded during one of Baumann's hiatuses from the band. "Bicentennial Present" opens the album, and revealing Baumann's musical contribution to TD; mostly it's the melodic synth lines where the band's tone is instantly recognizable.

With Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth in Majorca, the remaining members of Gong—Mike Howlett, Didier Malherbe and Pierre Moerlen—were left holding both the proverbial torch and a two-album contract with Virgin Records to fulfill. Tim Blake had already split to France to start his own solo career, while Steve Hillage would make a final guest appearance here. The band toured the UK in late 1975 with Clearlight, and live tapes reveal the full impact of the new members. The set list includes tracks from the Trilogy era and Hillage's Fish Rising album, as well as new material.

Novalis were reduced to a quartet for their next album, Sommerabend. Produced by Achim Reichel, the symphonic record again bypasses the overt complexities of most prog rock of the day. Written by Lutz Rahn, the instrumental "Aufbruch" opens. After the spicy intro, Novalis' large, sweeping and melodic lines take over, propelled by Hartwig Biereichel's powerful drumming. Detlef Job's guitar is at the fore, and Rahn lays his hand on a few more keyboards.