McChurch Soundroom-Delusion (1971)

McChurch Soundroom was an unusual Swiss progressive folk-blues band that released only one album in 1971 (with a rather sinister and unfortunate cover, by the way), before vanishing without a trace. The only information about the band is on the album's back cover, which, aside from the track listing, lists the members: vocalist and flautist Sandy McChurch, keyboardist Alain Veltin, bassist Kurt Hafen, guitarist Heiner Althaus, and drummer Norbert Jud. Their music showcased a heterogeneous sound that drew on German krautrock with elements of jazz and progressive hard rock, fused with British folk and blues. This album, titled "Delusion", was released by the underground label Pilz and showcases the musical eclecticism of McChurch Soundroom. It ranges from sounds reminiscent of early Jethro Tull in the opening track, which lends its name to the album, to complex compositions like "Time Is Flying", superb forays into progressive jazz such as "Trouble", and typical 70s hard rock like "Dream of Drummer". While not an exceptional or particularly original work, its music is nonetheless captivating and features excellent instrumental performances from all its members, especially the flute, guitar, and Hammond organ.