Cox Orange -

Cox Orange was a Danish jazz-rock band that released two albums on Amar between 1978 and 1980, followed by a third on Rosen in 1984. Drummer Ethan Weisgard appeared on two albums apiece with Dr. Dopo Jam and Buki-Yamaz. Guitarist Flemming Ostermann hailed from the original lineup of Savage Rose.

Members: Morten Elbek (alto saxophone), Anders Gårdmand (baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone), Holger Laumann (alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone), Niels Mathiasen (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone), Finn Gustafsson (guitar), Flemming Ostermann (guitar), Karsten Simonsen (keyboards), Peter Danstrup (bass), Ethan Weisgard (drums), Birger “Krølle” Sulsbrück (congas, percussion)

Background

Cox Orange took shape when Ethan Weisgard and Flemming Ostermann linked with keyboardist Karsten Simonsen of the Danish group Oktober. They expanded that nucleus into a ten-piece ensemble with two guitarists and Latin-embellished rhythm section, enhanced with three saxophonists from the local session circuit. Multi-saxist Holger Laumann played in the groups Tears and Det Beskidte Dusin.

Cox Orange

Cox Orange released their self-titled debut album in March 1978 on Amar.

The album presents a ten-piece with a heavy reed presence and two guitars in the front line. Guitarists Finn Gustafsson and Flemming Ostermann lead the front line with keyboardist Karsten Simonsen, bassist Peter Danstrup, drummer Ethan Weisgard, percussionist Birger Sulsbrück, and a five-sax reed section. Across Cox Orange, soloists cut loose in short spotlights amid tight ensemble passages.

A1. “Svend Aage (Var Ikke Ret Længe I FDF)” [Svend Aage (Wasn’t in FDF for Long)] (4:28) — Gustafsson
A2. “Another Rifa” (4:35) — Danstrup
A3. “Dedication To Ironside” (3:42) — Elbek
A4. “It Wasn’t C-Meant” (5:53) — Laumann

B1. “De Spidsfindige” [The Hair-Splitters] (3:07) — Danstrup
B2. “Back Against The Wall” (2:51) — Laumann
B3. “Rush Hour” (2:57) — Simonsen
B4. “Always Public” (4:30) — Danstrup
B5. “Week-End” (4:39) — Simonsen

Cox Orange recorded and mixed the album at Sweet Silence Studio in Copenhagen in August and December 1977 with producer Leif Roden and engineers Flemming Rasmussen and Stig Kreutzfeldt. Utopia mastered the record. Sys Fredens handled the photography and layout.

2

Cox Orange released their numerical second album in 1980 on Amar.

The second album keeps the same broad ensemble but tightens the format into shorter pieces and more sectional rhythm work. Guitarists Flemming Ostermann and Finn Gustafsson stay in place beside keyboardist Karsten Simonsen, bassist Peter Danstrup, drummer Ethan Weisgard, percussionist Birger Sulsbrück, and reed players Holger Laumann, Morten Elbek, and Niels Mathiasen. Several tracks break into short rhythmic interludes. Ostermann sings their Beatles cover “Good-Day Sunshine.”

A1. “Kalule” (4:35) — Danstrup
A2. “På Røde Rappen” [On the Red Nag] (3:05) — Danstrup
A3. “Batucada Rua De Mao Unica” (0:48) — Sulsbrück, Weisgard
A4. “Sivsko Disko” [Rush Shoes Disco] (2:35) — Simonsen
A5. “(Dedication To) Elisabeth” (5:15) — Mathiasen
A6. “Turtle Walk” (3:35) — Danstrup

B1. “Good-Day Sunshine” (3:50) — Lennon, McCartney
B2. “Orangeade” (6:20) — Elbek
B3. “Cuba Libre” (1:42) — Sulsbrück, Weisgard
B4. “Crush On You” (4:20) — Danstrup
B5. “Soulskin” (4:45) — Elbek

Cox Orange recorded and mixed 2 at Sweet Silence Studios in February and March 1980 with producer Flemming Rasmussen. Cutting Room mastered the album. Lars Refn and Ole Pihl designed the cover.

Move Your Feet

Cox Orange released their third album, Move Your Feet, in 1985 on Rosen.

Cox Orange returns here as a seven-piece led by guitarist-vocalist Flemming Ostermann, keyboardist Karsten Simonsen, bassist Peter Danstrup, drummer-percussionist Ethan Weisgard, and reed players Holger Laumann, Niels Mathiasen, and Uffe Markussen. Their new material places emphasizes tighter forms with foregrounded vocals.

A1. “Kom Og Dans Med Mig” [Come and Dance With Me] (3:13)
A2. “Larry’s Comin’” (3:18)
A3. “Simon World” (4:12)
A4. “Sæt Tiden I Stå” [Stop Time] (3:16)
A5. “Move Your Feet” (4:08)

B1. “Sommersang” [Summer Song] (3:56)
B2. “Apocalypso” (3:29)
B3. “Nattens Dronning” [Queen of the Night] (3:32)
B4. “Ridin’ The Pram” (4:10)
B5. “Cakewalk” (2:35)

Discography: