successful mix of tradition and modernity - RIP Edgar Froese

Many came, many went ... Only one remained from beginning to end, in order to put his musical ideas and inspiration sometimes more and sometimes less, but always consistent. We're talking about Edgar Froese, the always somewhat grim-looking founder and mastermind of the German cult - Electronics formation Tangerine Dream. He founded the band in September 1967, and resulted in almost 40 years, as the only remaining member of the original continuing occupation, the musical career with various ensembles and numerous guest musicians. Not every member of TD announced over the many years the musical ideas of Edgar Froese and again it came in the band's history to musical differences and tensions among members and related, constant marches, order - or new appointments - a circumstance that how a recurring theme in the long history of this band pulls and thus ultimately always influenced her musical style. But Edgar Froese was always the Tonangeber and thus shaped the history of this band like no other. Clearly, were the formative years for the TD "Virgin - years" in the early seventies to the early eighties, the most successful years perhaps the "Jive - years" beginning to end of the eighties, since at this time the inquiries soundtracks TD was world enormously and as a result in this period the most and most successful TD - soundtracks emerged ("Risky Business," "Firestarter", "Flashpoint," "Heartbreakers," "Legend", "The Park Is Mine," "Three O 'Clock High ", etc.).
In addition, at this time arose among others the two great albums "Le Parc" (1985), the last album in the occupation Froese / Franke / Schmoelling and "Underwater Sunlight" (1986) in the new line-up Froese / Franke / Haslinger. The two great live - albums "Poland" and "Live Miles" were published on the Jive label, the latter at the same time was the last production on this record label and the last album with longtime TD - Member Christopher Franke, who in accordance with this production TD exit to how many other members who quit before him, from now on his solo - career to devote. The progress of creative Chris Franke was followed by a noticeable loss of quality in the music of TD and a time in which many turned away and long-time fans of this band of TD. "Optical Race" (1988) was in the cast Froese / Haslinger / Wadephul, in my opinion, until then last, successful studio album and was released as the first of a total of five productions on the label "Private Music", which in 1984 in the United States by the Ex - TD member Peter Baumann was founded. The soundtrack to "Miracle Mile" (1989) is still a very successful production of this era. But at least with the studio - album "Lily On The Beach" (1989) sank my interest in this band to Edgar Froese. Lost sight I naturally TD at any time, because as a result, there have been individual titles, which I liked very well, for example the track "Three Bikes In The Sky" from the album "Melrose" (1990). But many TD - Albums spoke to me from that point of production technology and the entertainment value just no longer. So also the chance again played a major role, when I took up this album, because it was at a reduced price to 10 euros at the expert of 16. I bought it and was really unheard very excited about what to expect after so many years between "Miracle Mile" and "Mars Polaris". Apart from "Tyranny of Beauty" from 1995 I knew from that period no longer really a lot of TD, but this album I found after a long time really good again and it aroused in some ways my interest in this band again. Granted, my expectations for the album "Mars Polaris" were not too high. First, however, I noticed the beautiful and successful and thematic presentation of the album - on covers. The CD itself is a feast for the eyes, because it is, so to speak as a Picture - CD designed and decorated on the front as Mars - very, very nice! At least this is true for the issue with the black front cover and the photo from Mars. Like the other editions were designed, I can not say ... So we come now to the musical content of this TD - album. Published it in 1999 on its own TDI Music - Label. A look at's beautifully designed booklet tells us first, who are the participants of this production: Sure but, of course, Edgar! And Sohnemann JEROME Froese, who also already participated continuously and actively with some previous productions since 1989 and until his departure in 2006. Tangerine Dream ie only as a Froese - communities ... can that work? Well, in the case of "Mars Polaris" can I answer this question clearly 'yes'. I think that this album seems a little edgy and hectic, but very rhythmic, melodic and above all, the time corresponding, very modern. The reason for this is perhaps also, in addition to analog equipment, the use of the Sequencer - Software "Cubase" by Steinberg and various VST - plugins. But primarily, the ten tracks of this album unmistakably Tangerine Dream. As I said, very modern, but due to some typical sounding sound structures and sequencer lines, as they are known only by TD, also a successful mix of tradition and modernity. However, this album has only one thing: full throttle! The tracks are all very rhythm emphasizes partly complicated and require the listener, as someone already wrote before me, the full attention. This may occur when the length of just over 71 minutes but already are pretty tough and exhausting ... I personally missing here two to three quieter tracks, where you can relax a bit ... The relaxation factor in this album is clearly too short but has already made the only criticism of my side. Sure, "Mars Polaris" is clearly not the best album of TD, the musical approaches but are very interesting and make you want more. Reason enough for me to times with the TD - to beschäftgen albums after "Mars Polaris" in more detail, particularly against the background that the at 06:06. 1944 born in Tilsit Edgar Froese Willmar died on 01.20.2015 suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of only 70 years of a pulmonary embolism in Vienna. What leaves us this gifted musician, is a variety of great solo - and TD - albums. Thank you for this wonderful time, Edgar! Thank you for for almost forty years the best musical entertainment! Time to say goodbye ... I bow deeply and respectfully to a unique musician. DEAR EDGAR, rest in peace AT YOUR NEW ADDRESS COSMIC.

CD INFO: released in 1999 TDI Music +++ +++ 10 tracks Total Time: 71:03