HOELDERLIN

A few months ago, an old friend sent me an email after many years....
It was Christian von Grumbkow, formerly of the much "underated" Prog/Folk band Hoelderlin. I had reviewed their seminal "Traumstadt" double live LP in EUROCK Magazine and played their Music on ALIEN SOUNDTRACKS.....

It was such a pleasure to hear from Christian so unexpectedly...he was very exited to tell me that although he was no longer in the band, EMI Germany had seen fit to re-release TRAUMSTADT on CD....(it had seen a re-release earlier, along with their other albums, but i'm not sure if these were "official" or not) In either case, it was nice to see a "major" label take an interest in a back catalogue that did not then or likely will not ever set any Sales Records.

It was released in February of 2005 and should be freely available, at least in Germany....( Christian's efforts to have the label send me a copy have been unsuccessful, but that's ok.....i have the original and perhaps i will reprint my "original review" as well)

The good news is that this release has sparked a re-union of sorts with some of the original members and guest musicians....( Christian will not play guitar and unfortunately, his brother died in 1990)

The "new" HOELDERLIN will be part of a new KRAUTROCK re-union DVD, to be recorded in December this year, featuring KRAAN, KIN PING MEH, 2066 and THEN, BROESELMASCHINE & RUFUS ZUPHALL.

( i'm not sure if this one will be available via SPV as well, but as soon as i find out i will let you all know)

Christian, who was always an accomplished painter as well, is busy touring the the US and Germany, giving talks on ART & THERAPY and painting....check out his excellent work at this gallery : http://www.78thstreetgallery.com