On the 6th December, when “Let Your Light Shine” hits the streets, Karisma Records will have hit the half way mark in their mission to release the entire back catalogue of Norwegian Prog Legends RUPHUS.
The third of what will be a total of six releases by Karisma, “Let Your Light Shine” is the album that marked a new direction for RUPHUS. A direction driven by keyboard player Håkon Graf’s stint with a jazz ensemble called MOOSE LOOSE, from which Graf emerged with new inspiration. Armed with a selection of refined jazz compositions, the newly re-formed RUPHUS entered the studio with legendary producer Terje Rypdal and embarked on their first foray into Jazz Rock territory, which also paved the way for the band’s entry into the bigger, European market.
Originally released on the German label Brain in 1976, and creating a stir in Europe “Let Your Light Shine’s” overwhelmingly positive reception led to a tour that saw RUPHUS playing in front of enthusiastic crowds in sold out venues.
As with all the RUPHUS back catalogue releases, “Let Your Light Shine” has been has been re-mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, The Opium Cartel, etc) using digital transfers from the original master tapes that are stored in the Norwegian National Archives for posterity.
Tracklisting for “Let Your Light Shine” is as follows:
- Sha Ba Wah
- Nordlys
- Corner
- Second Corner
- Let Your Light Shine
- Grasse
- Brain Boogie
With cover photos by Øystein B. Ahlsen and Layout byJan Ole Norum, “Let Your Light Shine” will be available in CD, LP and Limited Edition Transparent Lime Vinyl, and is now available to pre-order from:
https://www.karismarecords.no/webshop/
https://www.karismarecords.no/artists/ruphus/
A versatile and ground-breaking band, RUPHUS, with their long, melodic, compositions and multiple, intertwined themes, were regarded as being the Norwegian equivalent of YES, not just in style, but also in skill. The band’s revolving door policy as regards their lineup meant that as members left and others joined, RUPHUS’ sound changed accordingly, taking them from their start playing hard progressive rock, to becoming one of the leaders in the field of jazz rock. Only Kjell Larsen (guitar) and Asle Nilsen (bass, flute) would go on to play on all of RUPHUS’ albums.
More information about RUPHUS can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thebandruphus/
A video of RUPHUS playing live at the studios of Norway’s NRK TV can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/5RnuFIuAn0U
