SECRET OYSTER
Possibly the foremost fusion band to emerge out of Europe in the 70’s was the Danish band Secret Oyster.
Drawing on their improvisational skills developed while fronting their individual bands (Hurdy Gurdy, Burnin Red Ivanhoe, Coronarias Dans etc.) they set out to explore their mutual ground.
Their four acclaimed albums brought them on to the touring circuit with Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Billy Cobham, Shakti and seventeen concerts with Captain Beefheart in the U.K. A concert in Hamburg saw both the Herbie Hancock Band (with Wah-Wah Watson) and Secret Oyster perform together in a fusion meltdown.
Two T.V. performances on B.B.C. show “Old Grey Whistle Test” saw the band embraced by U.K. fusion fans, while the T.V. equivalent in Germany “Rock Palatz” in Philipshalle also helped cement the bands reputation.
Secret Oyster climbed the U.S. Billboard FM charts to no. thirteen and caught the attention of the Royal Danish Ballet. This resulted in a new collaboration of works: As you would expect from a Danish 70’s ballet: a lot of beautiful naked dancers performing to Secret Oysters music.
Live the band was kicking off in places like Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Faroe Island, Scotland, England, Germany, France and Denmark. One Paris concert was a 30,000 sell out.
The band dispersed late 70’s to pursue their individual ambitions.
The re-release of their albums on CD in the U.S. (The laser’s Edge) prompted the band to reunite.
Their first high profile US concert NEARFest (near NYC) was Friday the 22nd June 2007.
The Secret Oyster concert (together with Allan Holdsworth) turned out to be a triumph for the Danish band with standing ovation and an hour of signing cd’s and original album covers.
A live-album with the complete concert was released in May 2008.
In August 2008 Secret Oyster was the top act at the PROGday festival in North Carolina and also did a few other concerts in USA.
Secret Oyster has since the re-union frequently been playing concerts all over Denmark.
Personnel: Karsten Vogel saxophones Claus Bohling guitars Ole Streenberg drums
Daniel Fridell keyboards Assi Roar bass
“One of the most inspirational performances earlier this year during the NEARfest weekend was the return of Secret Oyster. This band definitely needs to perform and record more.” - Progressive Ears
“The performance [Secret Oyster] on Friday night was one I won’t forget! Excellent!” - Peter Thelen, Exposé
Heads above most records of its type- Billboard / THE reissue of the year
- Progressive
Ears / Warmly recommended
- Musiq / Hands down
- Music Street
Journal / Energy, savagery. A fine investment
- Geiger.dk