Katamaran -

Katamaran was a German jazz-rock band that released three albums on pläne Records: the 1977–80 titles Katamaran, Cafe Florian, and Footprints.

Members: Wolf Burbat (flute, synthesizer, piano), Roland Schmitt (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone), Franz Holtmann (guitar), Dago Dombrowski (bass, percussion), Rudi Marhold (drums, percussion), Waldemar Karpenkiel (percussion), Kurt Billker (drums), Hermann Mensing (percussion), Heinz-Günther Hemkendreis (piano), Roland Otto (bass), Karl Bisping (saxophone), Manfred Lücke (trombone), Heiner Kleinjohann (keyboards), Ricardo Enrique Brog (percussion), Peter Bogatzki, Wulf Hühn

Background

Katamaran (German for laziness) formed in 1971 in Heidelberg as a student-based ensemble with roots in improvisational jazz and academic performance circuits. Their early configuration, active onstage by 1974, featured percussionist Hermann Mensing, guitarist Franz Holtmann, drummer Heinz-Günther Hemkendreis, and bassist Roland Otto, alongside flutist and arranger Wolf Burbat, saxophonist Karl Bisping, and trombonist Manfred Lücke. This septet appeared live at Münster’s Pädagogische Hochschule auditorium and reflected a horn-heavy, improvisation-forward lineup. Burbat, a key compositional voice from the outset, brought experience from the Frankfurter Trio für Improvisation, which appeared on Scout Records’ 1970 Born Free compilation from the 12th German Jazz Festival.

By the time Katamaran recorded their self-titled debut in late 1976, the lineup had condensed and evolved. Dago Dombrowski replaced Otto on bass, Calle Bisping took over saxophone duties from Karl Bisping, and the trombone parts were dropped. Pianist Heiner Kleinjohann joined on acoustic and electric keys, while Burbat shifted focus to synthesizer textures. This configuration marked a pivot toward structured electric compositions and streamlined ensemble interplay, culminating in the studio lineup that launched their recording career.

Katamaran

Katamaran released their self-titled debut album in early 1977 on pläne.

The album centers on electric interplay between guitarist Franz Holtmann and keyboardist Heiner Kleinjohann, who alternate rhythmic patterns and improvisational passages across layered tonal settings steeped in e-piano and synth textures.

Tenor saxophonist Calle Bisping and synthesist–flutist Wolf Burbat introduce contrasting timbres that shape the band’s shifting dynamics, while drummer Heinz-Günther Hemkendreis and bassist Dagobert Dombrowski anchor the ensemble with a measured, propulsive backbeat. Percussionist Hermann Mensing reinforces transitions and punctuates quieter moments with accent textures.

A1. “Poseidon” (3:34)
A2. “Gehe zurück nach der Badstraße” [Go Back to Bad Street] (6:58)
A3. “Fender Spiel” (8:41)

B1. “16.9.1976” (5:44)
B2. “Gerd und die Welt” [Gerd and the World] (15:59)

Katamaran recorded the album over two days, December 18–19, 1976, at Rhein-Ruhr-Film/Tonstudio in Bochum. The band produced the album themselves with Helmut “Kurt” Rohlfing as recording engineer. Peter Bucker designed the cover and Ulli Steffler supplied the photography.

Of the seven-man Katamaran lineup, only three members—guitarist Franz Holtmann, bassist Dago Dombrowski, and keyboardist Wolf Burbat—carried over to the next configuration: a sextet with drummer Rudi Marhold, saxophonist Roland Schmitt, and ex-Kollektiv percussionist Waldo Karpenkiel.

Cafe Florian

Katamaran released their second album, Cafe Florian, in mid 1978 on pläne.

Guitarist Franz Holtmann and keyboardist–arranger Wolf Burbat exchange sustained phrases and fragmented runs over layered ensemble sections shaped by flute, dual synthesizers, and saxophone leads by Roland Schmitt. Bassist Dago Dombrowski and drummer Rudi Marhold underpin the shifting textures with a centered backbeat, reinforced by additional percussive accents from Waldemar Karpenkiel.

A1. “Café Florian” (11:03)
A2. “Plaza de la Trinidad” (3:34)
A3. “Das Stück mit der Quarte” [The Piece with the Fourth] (7:40)

B1. “Chromadur” (14:05)
B2. “Kurt” (7:50)

Katamaran recorded Café Florian over three days, May 17–19, 1978, at Hermes-Music-Studios in Kamen. The band self-produced the sessions with engineer “Charly” Schade. Helmut Unterhössel designed the cover.

Rudi Marhold cleared afterward for ex-Key drummer Kurt Billker. Waldo Karpenkiel departed for Glatter Wahnsinn. Marhold surfaced in Falckenstein for their 1982 third and final album. Katamaran keyboardist Heiner Kleinjohann returned for their third album, recorded as a quintet with core members Burbat, Holtmann, and Dombrowski.

Footprints

Katamaran released their third album, Footprints, in 1980 on pläne.

Keyboardist Heiner Kleinjohann and saxophonist–flutist Wolf Burbat trade extended phrases and harmonic shapes across long-form ensemble pieces marked by interwoven solo stretches and layered voicings.

Guitarist Franz Holtmann accents and responds within these frameworks, while bassist Dago Dombrowski and drummer Kurt Billker—fresh from a stint in Key—anchor the shifting dynamics with an elastic yet grounded pulse. Guest musician Josef Schwermann adds accordion coloration on select passages.

A1. “Rio Trio Con Brio” (13:50)
A2. “Disco Tango” (10:07)

B1. “100 Elvin” (14:15)
B2. “Peace” (7:51)

Katamaran recorded and mixed Footprints at pläne Studio with Ulrich Maske as producer. B. Nickel designed the album cover.

Discography: