Can aside, Germans have the reputation of being stiff and methodical and, well—thoroughly unfunky. In spite of this, in 2007 and 2008, a small Hamburg-based label called Showup Records that boasts of excavating “dramatic, funkified rare-groove gems” released two compilations dedicated to showcasing some of the best German funk you’re likely to find anywhere. The two records were published under the title German Funk Fieber, and they contained all manner of “infectious rare grooves & Krauty Schlager wonders” from the years 1969 to 1978 (vol. 1, vol. 2).
It becomes clear upon listening to these comps that Germany had its own kind of Wrecking Crew situation, a roster of expert studio musicians who could play damn near anything, as well as Doc Severinson types serving as bandleaders for TV and radio “orchestras,” and it was figures such as these who were responsible for introducing the new trends of American funk to German audiences. For instance, guitarist Sigi Schwab, here listed as “Siegfried,” was purportedly featured on 15,000 recordings during his lifetime, and Roland Kovac’s ORF Big Band was in the employ of the Austrian state-run television station. Similarly, James Last of his eponymous orchestra is said to have sold 200 million albums.
Listen to some funky Krauts after der jump…