Klaus Weiss

Sunbirds - Jazz Rock/Fusion

Formed in 1971 in Germany by Jazz drummer Klaus Weiss. 

With their eponymous debut album, the Klaus Weiss quartet transformed into Sunbirds with American Jimmy Woode on bass, Dutch saxophonist Ferdinand Povel and Austrian pianist Fritz Pauer who were joined by Philipe Catherine on guitar and Juan Romero on percussion. Recorded in august of 1971 the album represents jazz rock in its infancy, strong use of fuzzy electric pianos and narrative compositions gave the Sunbirds a distinct sound. Their music prowess far outweighs their public recognition. 

Here's Kwaeli by Sunbirds (Sunbirds 1971)

Their second album Zagara was released a year later with a beefier outfit, welcoming Ron Carter on double bass, Leczek Zadlo on flute, Lucas Costa and Rafael Weber on guitars and Norman Tolbert on percussion. Flavours of steamy Latin fusion lift this album - the third number, Ocean song, is no exception. 

Ocean Song by Sunbirds (Zagara 1972)