Germany’s longest serving music commune belongs to the western world music groups of the first hour and is considered by many today as a “university of the alternative music scene”.

Since its founding in 1969, this project with cult status has lived of an internationally changing line-up and the resulting different influences.

“Embryo’s journey” [Embryo’s Reise] could also be the band’s general working title. But Embryo did not rest on their laurels in the 90s. “Nie Hau” opened the curtain to the Middle Kingdom in 1996 and Embryo created a new synthesis with the Chinese instrumental master Xizhi Nie.

While the “Embryos” devote themselves to the study of the rhythmic and harmonic mysteries of China (Xizhi Nie plays various Chinese violins and a mouth organ made of black bamboo), Xizhi Nie familiarized himself with the methods of improvisation. “Ni Hau” is the first result of this encounter and a and a reunion with many other musicians who have accompanied Embryo in recent years, including master drummer Paramashivam Pilai from India (Guru Guru, Charlie Mariano etc.), vocal acrobat Albert Kuvezin, Sascha Alexandrov (Russia/bassoon), Geoff Goodman (guit.) and Chuck Henderson (sax). The core of the band is formed by Yulyus Golombeck, Jens Pollheide, Lothar Stahl and Christian Burchard with the “honorary” embryos Roman Bunka and Chris Karrer.

Tracklist

1. After Small Coming Good Coming (09:06)
2. North Of The Chinese Wall (04:32)
3. Haikus (07:08)
4. Deep In The Night (Tiefe Nacht) (03:44)
5. Raft (08:33)
6. Onyeni Melek / Shengjazz (05:49)
7. Schen / Sikahblues In Shan Dong (10:00)
8. Dhurga (05:11)
9. Hungry Horse (Hungriges Pferd) (02:45)
10. 7x7 (05:40)
11. 11/5 (03:28)
12. Sai Che (06:31)