"Razamanaz" Album Description:
Nazareth's "Razamanaz" 12" Vinyl LP Album, a German release from 1974, stands as a musical testament within the context of its time period. The name "Razamanaz" itself is derived from the colloquial expression "razzmatazz," a term often associated with flamboyant or showy behavior. In this case, the band Nazareth infused the title with a rock'n'roll spirit, capturing the essence of their energetic and dynamic sound.
Produced by the renowned Roger Glover, known for his work with Deep Purple, the album bears the unmistakable stamp of his production prowess. Glover's involvement undoubtedly contributed to the album's sonic richness and technical finesse, showcasing Nazareth's musical prowess in the best possible light.
The choice of album photography, credited to Fin Costello and Patrick Watters, further adds a visual dimension to the overall presentation. During the mid-1970s, album covers were not merely a means of packaging; they were an integral part of the artistic expression associated with the music. Costello and Watters captured the essence of the band's raw and unapologetic style, providing a visual narrative that complemented the sonic journey within.
Released in 1974, "Razamanaz" arrived at a pivotal moment in the evolution of rock music. The early to mid-'70s saw the genre diversify and experiment with different sounds and styles. Nazareth, with their blend of hard rock and blues influences, carved a distinctive niche for themselves in this musical landscape. The album's release aligns with a period marked by the emergence of iconic rock acts and the exploration of new sonic territories.
In terms of production, "Razamanaz" is a testament to the studio expertise of the era. Analog recording techniques, coupled with the artistic vision of Roger Glover, contributed to the warm and authentic sound that defines the album. The vinyl format, prevalent during this time, added a unique charm to the listening experience, with each crackle and pop enhancing the nostalgic appeal.
Music Genre:
Prog Rock / Hard Rock |
Album
Production information:
The album: "NAZARETH - Razamanaz" was produced by: Roger Glover.
Roger Glover – Bass, Producer, SongwriterIf the groove feels like a tank with manners, his name is usually somewhere nearby. Read more... Roger Glover is one of those credit lines I trust on sight: a Welsh bassist, producer, and songwriter who helped define the heavyweight “engine room” of classic hard rock. I mainly tag him to two eras that just refuse to die: Deep Purple (1969–1973, 1984–present), where his bass and writing instincts locked in with that Mark II bite, and Rainbow (1979–1984), where he wasn’t just playing low-end—he was also steering the sound as lyricist and producer. He came up through Episode Six, then spent the 1970s stacking production work and side projects like it was a second career (because, yeah, it basically was), but those Purple and Rainbow years are the real “mythology in the liner notes” stuff.
Album photography Fin Costello, Patrick Watters
Fin Costello – Art Direction, Photography
Fin Costello is the guy behind the lens who made loud bands look even louder—caught mid-stride, mid-sweat, mid-myth. I always pay extra attention when his photos are printed on album covers and inner sleeves.
Read more...
Fin Costello hit my radar the way the best photographers do: not with a signature, but with a feeling. You’re staring at a sleeve and suddenly you can hear the room. Hot lights. Hair stuck to foreheads. That thin layer of sweat that says the set is only halfway done.
He comes out of late-1960s London photojournalism—learn the craft fast, get close, don’t ask the moment to repeat itself. And when the rock caravan starts dragging its cables across Europe, he’s already in the right place. Deep Purple (1972–1975) looks like volume you could measure with a broken window. Rainbow (1975–1977) looks sharper, richer, a little more dangerous in the fantasy costume. Then Ozzy Osbourne (1980–1983) arrives like a headline that won’t calm down.
The thing I like is that Costello doesn’t “capture legends.” He catches people working. There’s a difference. Legends pose. Working musicians forget you’re there—until the flash reminds them, and even then he’s already moved on.
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Record Label & Catalognr:
Philips 6303 085 |
Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country:
1974 Made in West-Germany |
