SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke France 12" Vinyl LP Album

Sweet Smoke's "Just a Poke," the 1970 krautrock odyssey, made its mark with the French release on a 12" Vinyl LP Album. Originating from the United States, the band's fusion of jazz and psychedelia catapulted them into the avant-garde of European rock. The album's vinyl legacy endures as a revered piece of krautrock history.

large album front cover photo of: Sweet Smoke Poking
"Just a Poke" Album Description:

In the intricate tapestry of krautrock, Sweet Smoke emerged as pioneers, and their debut album "Just a Poke" stands as a mesmerizing testament to their sonic exploration. The French release of this 12" Vinyl LP Album in 1970 marked the beginning of Sweet Smoke's journey into the realms of progressive and psychedelic rock.

Transatlantic Roots: Sweet Smoke's Krautrock Odyssey from the United States

Originating from the United States, Sweet Smoke's transatlantic roots laid the foundation for a unique blend of musical influences. The band's migration to Europe, particularly Germany, placed them at the epicenter of the krautrock movement—a genre characterized by experimentalism and a departure from conventional rock norms.

"Just a Poke": Krautrock's Inaugural Reverie

Recorded and released in 1970, "Just a Poke" catapulted Sweet Smoke into the forefront of krautrock innovation. The album's fusion of jazz, rock, and psychedelic elements set it apart, offering listeners a sonic journey that transcended the boundaries of traditional rock music.

The French release of the album introduced Sweet Smoke's genre-defying sound to European audiences, solidifying their place in the pantheon of krautrock pioneers. The vinyl LP format added a tactile dimension to the auditory adventure, creating an immersive experience for listeners.

Legacy of Sonic Alchemy: "Just a Poke" and Krautrock's Ongoing Resonance

While Sweet Smoke may not have achieved mainstream success, "Just a Poke" gained a cult following among aficionados of krautrock and progressive rock. The album's French release remains a cherished artifact, sought after by collectors eager to grasp the essence of Sweet Smoke's early sonic experimentation.

Music Genre:

  KrautRock, Psych/Acid, Prog 

Album Production Information:

The album: "SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (France)" was produced by: Rosie Schmitz and Winfried Ebert.

Sound engineers: Conrad (Connie) Plank, Klaus Lohmer.

Liner photo: Joachim Hassenburs.

Cover design by Jan Fijnheer '70

Record Label Information:

  Columbia 2C 066-28 886

Record Format:

  12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

  1978 France

Transcript of the liner notes:

Nay — Sweet Smoke is neither a new cigarette nor an invitation to smoke hashish. Sweet Smoke — originally Sweet Smoke of the Happy Plant Pipeful — is a new band with Michael Paris (Saxophone and Vocals), Andy Dershin (Bass Guitar), Marvin Kami-nowitz (Lead Guitar and Vocals), Jay Dorf-man (Drums, Percussion) and Steve Rosen-stein (Rhythm Guitar). It has become popular to pretend that each new group has a particular, individual sound, though they may sound like all the other bands. The particular quality of the Sweet Smoke is their instrumental perfection, the rhytmical versatility and the wealth of harmonic invention. The music of Sweet Smoke reveals tension and inner logic, and it is up-to-date.

High Resolution and Quality Photos of Complete Album Covers  "SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (France)"
High Resolution Photo #10 SWEET SMOKE - JUST A POKE FRANCE
Album Back Cover  Photo of "SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (France)"
High Resolution Photo #11 SWEET SMOKE - JUST A POKE FRANCE  
Photo of "SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (France)" 12" LP Record - Side One:
High Resolution Photo #12 SWEET SMOKE - JUST A POKE FRANCE
Photo of "SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (France)" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
High Resolution Photo #13 SWEET SMOKE - JUST A POKE FRANCE  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (France)
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Andy Dershin
  • Jay Dorfman
  • Marvin Kaminowitz
  • Michael Paris
  • Steve Rosenstein
Complete Track-listing of the album "SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (France)"

The detailed tracklist of this record "SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (France)" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Silly Sally
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Baby Night