Kin Ping Meh

German band Kin Ping Meh chose their name in Chinese language. The Mannheim quintet that rose from the ashes of the German jazz group Take Five and The Thunderbirds comprised Werner Stephan (lead vocals), Joachim Schafer (guitar, piano, vox), Fritz Schmitt (organ, piano), Torsten Herzog (bass) & Kalle Weber (drums). In the early years Kin Ping Meh performed a more rock infested set modeled on British bands like Spooky Tooth. Schafer left just before the recording of their self titled debut album, replaced by Willie Wagner (guitar, harmonica). The 11-min ‘Fairy-Tales’, a haunting guitar feast fused with organ while the folky “Too Many People” was recorded live by the much revered Konrad Plank. By 1972 the band included Alan Joe Wroe (bass), Uli Gross (guitar, replaced by ex 2066 & Then Gagey Mrozeck putting out ‘No. 2’ (1972) illuminated by the 11-min version of ‘Come Together’, culminating into a long instrumental jam.

In 1972 the doors opened with Kin Ping Meh writing the music for a drug musical called Rausch, composed the soundtrack “Sechs unter Millionen” and opened the Sailing Olympics in Kiel. They later toured with Rory Gallagher and Golden Earring. Kin Ping Meh also released a double live Hazy Age On Stage featuring tracks recorded in Sprendlingen in Jan 1973 and 1972 studio out-takes. Vocalist  Stephan left in May 1973 which ended Kin Ping Meh’s first phase. Geff Harrison from 2066 & Then entered as a replacement for Werner Stephan,  the quintet now comprising Ooh La La vocalist Harrison, Mrozeck, Schmitt, Wroe & Weber which put out ‘Kin Ping Meh III’ with added choir/ brass. A further album Virtues And Sins in 1974 was followed by ex-Curly Curve keyboardist Chris Klober replacing Schmitt in 1975 for the live album Concrete (1976) before the band fell apart.

Added: October 25th 2010
Reviewer: Shiloh Noone | See all reviews by Shiloh Noone
Category: Music
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Related Link: Seekers Guide To The Rhythm Of Yesteryear