The Savage Rose
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1967-68) - Annisette Hansen (aka Annisette Koppel) -- vocals - Anders Koppel -- keyboards, organ, accordion, vocals - Isle Maria Koppel -- harpsichord - Thomas Koppel (RIP 2006) -- harpsichord, keyboards, piano, vocals - Flemming Ostermann -- guitar - Alex Riel (RIP 2024) -- drums and percussion - Jens Rugsted -- bass, guitar, vocals
line up 2 (1968-71) - Annisette Hansen (aka Annisette Koppel) -- vocals - Anders Koppel -- keyboards, organ, accordion, vocals - Isle Maria Koppel -- harpsichord - Thomas Koppel (RIP 2006) -- harpsichord, keyboards, piano, vocals - Alex Riel (RIP 2024) -- drums and percussion - Jens Rugsted -- bass, guitar, vocals NEW - Nils Tuxen -- rhythm guitar, pedal steel guitar (replaced Flemming Ostermann)
line up 3 (1971-73) - Annisette Hansen (aka Annisette Koppel) -- vocals - Anders Koppel -- keyboards, organ, accordion, vocals - Thomas Koppel (RIP 2006) -- harpsichord, keyboards, piano, vocals
line up 4 (1973) NEW - Peer Frost -- lead guitar NEW - Ken Gudman -- drums, percussion (replace Alex Riel) NEW - Rudolf Hansen (RIP 2006) -- bass, guitar - Annisette Hansen (aka Annisette Koppel) -- vocals - Anders Koppel -- keyboards, organ, accordion, vocals - Thomas Koppel (RIP 2006) -- harpsichord, keyboards, piano, vocals
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- Anne Linnet Band (Flemming Ostermann) - Annisette (solo efforts - Annisette & Rudy - Annisette and the Dandy Singers (Annisette Hansen, Flemming Ostermann and Alex Riel (Nils Tuxen) - Bazaar (Anders Koppel) - The Black and the Blue (Alex Riel) - The Clan (Nils Tuxen) - Colours of Blue (Flemming Ostermann) - Cox Orange (Flemming Ostermann) - Cross - Schack - Ostermann (Flemming Ostermann) - Culpeper's Orchard (Nils Tuxen) - Danish Brew (Alex Riel) - The Danish-German Slide Combination (Alex Riel) - The Defenders - Det Blå Skrig (Alex Riel) - Fredsbandet (Flemming Ostermann) - The Great Danes (Alex Riel) - Iron Office (Nils Tuxen) - Istanbul Express (Alex Riel) - Kansas City Stompers (Alex Riel) - Kashmir (Nils Tuxen) - Anders Koppel (solo efforts) - Thomas Koppel (solo efforts) - Lennons (Nils Tuxen) - Los Valentinos (Nils Tuxen) - Moti Special (Nils Tuxen) - The Moondogs (Flemming Ostermann) - The NDR Big Band (Alex Riel) - Oktober (Flemming Ostermann) - The Radio Jazz Group (Alex Riel) - Rågeleje Jazz (Alex Riel) - Repertory Quartet (Alex Riel) - Alex Riel (solo efforts) - Alex Riel Trio (Alex Riel) - Rocking Ghosts (Nils Tuxen) - Rugsted & Kreutzfeldt (Jens Rugsted) - Santa Cruz (Alex Riel) - Six Winds (Alex Riel) - Square Dansk (Nils Tuxen) - Storm Band (Flemming Ostermann) - Sylvester & Svalerne (Flemming Ostermann) - Thorups Trio, - Nils Tuxen Und Band (Nils Tuxen) - United Steels Of Europe (Nils Tuxen) - The Young Comets - Young Flowers
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Genre: rock Rating: 2 stars ** Title: In the Plain Company: Polydor Catalog: 24
6001 Country/State: Copenhagen, Denmark Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: -- Available: 1 Catalog ID: -- Price: $50.00
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Savage Rose came together in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1967. The original line-up featured singer Annisette Hansen (aka Annisette Koppel) , keyboardists Anders, Isle Maria and Thomas Koppel, guitarist Flemming Ostermann, drummer Alex Riel and bassist Jens Rugsted
Prior to the
release of their second album the band underwent a personnel change with
original rhythm guitarist Flemming Ostermann being replaced by former The
Clan guitarist Nils
Tuxen. In terms of their sound the new guitarist made little
difference for a band with three keyboard players. Produced by Danish
singer/entrepreneur Johnny Reimar, 1968's "In the Plain"
featured eight Thomas and
Anders Koppel penned
originals. Lots of reviews draw comparisons to West Coast psy
While the track listing was the same, the European album featured different cover art.
Not sure why, but in 1969 Polydor reissued the US album with an alternative cover and a gatefold sleeve. Same track listing and catalog number.
"In the
Plain" track listing: 1.) Long Before I was Born (Thomas Koppel - Anders Koppel) - 3:19 rating: **** stars I'll readily admit powered by the Alex Riel and Jens Rugsted rhythm section "Long Before I was Born" rocked my socks off. I've always heard a bit of Jefferson Airplane in the loose arrangement, but what made the song truly fascinating was Annisette Hansen's shrill, heavily accented, little girl voice. Imagine Betty Boop screaming her ass off and you'll get a feel for her voice. The track was released as a single throughout Scandinavia:
- 1968's "Long Before I was Born" b/w "Let's See Her" (Polydor catalog number NH 59
YouTube has a black and white promotional video for the song: Savage Rose - Long Before I Was Born (Sweden 1969)
2.) I'm Walking Through the Door (Thomas Koppel - Anders Koppel)- 4:28 rating: *** stars Opening up with some Anders Koppel Hammond B-3 organ, "I'm Walking Through the Door" was a Gospel-tinged ballad. Featuring "group vocals" which served to downplay Hansen's unique delivery, the group vocals were slapped with a heavy echo effect sounding like they'd been recorded in a gym shower down the hall from the recording studio. It was actually an interesting performance. 3.) Let's See Her (Thomas Koppel - Anders Koppel) - 3:52 rating: ** stars The jazzy ballad "Let's See Her" placed the spotlight firmly on Annisette Hansen's voice. That was a mixed blessing at it focused your attention on her limitations. At best you could describe her delivery as shrill and fragile. 4.) Ride My Mountain (Jade) (Thomas Koppel - Anders Koppel) - 5:38 rating: ** stars The bluesy "Ride My Mountain (Jade)" underscored Hansen's voice wasn't particularly suited for the genre. Add the muddy recording and it was difficult to figure out what they were actually singing. Around the three minute mark the song also lost it's way, briefly degenerating into a spoken word jam that seemed to go on and on. Elsewhere, blame it on someone translating Danish into English, but he US album listed the song title as "Ride My Mountain" with a writing credit to "Jade". Written by Thomas and Anders Koppel, the actual song title was "Ride My Mountain (Jade)". The song was also tapped as the "B" side on their "Evening's Child" 45.
Not sure when or where it was recorded, but YouTube has a black and white television performance of the song. It's considerably shorter and the band performs the track at a much quicker pace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heQTcUvvho8&list=RDheQTcUvvho8&start_radio=1
(side
2) If you've never encountered Savage Rose the ballad "Shepherd and Sally" was a good place to "test drive" the band and to see whether you were going to be able to deal with Hansen's voice. My experience - initially it was a struggle to get through the track. Other than Jens Rugsted's melodic bass line the tune underscored the things that I disliked about Hansen's voice. Plus I struggled to figured out what the song was about. It took some time ad while I still don't have a clue what the song was about, Hansen's performance has grown on me over time. Always wondered if the song was inspired by Kimberly Rae's children's book of the same title. 2.) His Own Happiness - Gods Little Hand (Thomas Koppel - Anders Koppel) - 4:19 rating: ** stars Opening up with some funky Nils Tuxen guitar, "His Own Happiness Gods Little Hand" was the first tune without Hansen handling lead vocals. The "guys" sounded like bunch of drunk soccer fans. Suddenly Hansen's voice didn't seem as bad. About 90 second in the song abruptly shifted into what was best described as a sound collage complete with discordant notes, whispered background voices and needless experimentation. And then Hansen was briefly back with her "little girl" bleating. The album's most experimental piece. Pass. 3.) Evening's Child (Thomas Koppel - Anders Koppel) - 3:25 rating: ** stars Hum, wonder who suggested they try a breezy country-flavored tune? Always wondered about the odd strings sound. It sounded like they were plucking piano strings. I'll admit the song was different. Different, but not necessarily enjoyable. Odd choice for the album's first single.
- 1968's "Evening's Child" b/w "Ride My Mountain" (Polydor catalog number XM 62 092)
YouTube has an abbreviated black and white promotional clip for the song: Savage Rose - Evenings Child
4.) Trial in Our Native Town (Thomas Koppel - Anders Koppel) - 7:08 rating: **** stars The album's biggest surprise, the closer "Trial in Our Native Town" found the band taking a stab at what sounded like proto-metal. Seriously dark and sludgy the track finally gave guitarist Tuxen a chance to shine. I never would have expected this from a bunch of Danish hippies. It also served as a genre that was a good match for Hansen's unique vocals. Wonder if Ozzy and his cronies ever hear it?
© Scott R. Blackerby July, 2024
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Genre: rock Rating: 3 stars *** Title: Your Daily Gift Company: Gregar Catalog: GG
103 Country/State: Copenhagen, Denmark Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: cut lower right corner Available: 1 Catalog ID: -- Price: $24
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This is one of
those obscure European (Danish) bands that I never would have discov
1970
saw the band undergo a personnel shake-up with original harpsichord player
Isle Maria-Koppel divorcing husband Thomas Koppel and dropping out of the
band. The remaining six members went into Rome's RCA Italiana Studios
recording 1970's self-produced
While the album may not have knocked my socks off, Thomas Koppel's cover illustration always makes me smile.
"Your
Daily Gift" track listing: 1.) Sunday Morning (Anders Koppel - Thomas Koppel) - 3:46 rating: rating: *** stars The barrelhouse piano opening sounded like something off an old black and white movie reel. When it kicked in Annisette's squeaky, little girl voice didn't help much. Admittedly things improved when the rest of the band joined that the full arrangement kicked in. The result was a decent rock song with guitarist Nils Tuxen provided a nice nod to Them's 'Here Comes the Night'. Amazingly the song was released as a single throughout the world, including in the US.
- 1970's 'Sunday Morning' b/w 'Speak Softly (Gregar catalog number 71-0104) 2.) Listen to This Tune from Mexico (Anders Koppel - Thomas Koppel) - 2:07 rating: *** stars This one was simply weird. Every time in listen to the breezy 'Listen to This Tune from Mexico' it makes me imagine Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 having hired Cyndi Lauper as their lead singer. 3.) Unfold (Anders Koppel - Thomas Koppel) - 3:08 rating: **** stars Well I've always had a think for harpsichord. In this case the combination of Thomas Koppel's harpsichord and the pretty country-rock melody made for a unique sound, making it a little easier to overlook Annisette's squeaky vocals. Annisette fronting Poco ?. 4.) Speak Softly (Anders Koppel - Thomas Koppel) - 5:50 rating: ** stars The
combination of a Gospel-tinged melody and Annisette's
delicate voice was at best an acquired taste. Hearing her trying to
power her way through the song with multi-tracked vocals didn't do much for
me. Powered by Anders Koppel's sea shanty accordion, Annisette's vocals on the pastoral 'Poorest Man on Earth' have always reminded me of something from Kate Bush's catalog.
(side
2) Annisette trying to copy a CCR-styled swamp rocker with a little bit of 'River Deep, Mountain High' drama thrown in the mix ? The band's fans will disagree, but while I liked the melody and Anisette sounded good on the chorus and refrain, it all fell apart when she tried to power-up her performance. When she kicked into vocal overdrive the results simply turned brittle and screechy. 2.) Lightly Come, Lightly Go (Song for an Unborn Child -- Sarah's Song) (Anders Koppel - Thomas Koppel) - 2:40 rating: ** stars The opening organ propelled melody sounded like a slice of elevator music, or what you might have heard if you were on hold waiting for customer service. Come to think about it, the whole song had an elevator music feel. Strange the song didn't make more of an impression given the extended title. 3.) Tapiola (instrumental) (Anders Koppel - Thomas Koppel) - 7:52 rating: ** stars The album's longest track, the progressive flavored instrumental 'Tapiola' started off as a sound collage, gently drifting across your speakers (or headphones) without leaving much of a wake. Kind of an early "new age" feel to it. I guess that's a nice way of saying the song didn't make a lasting impression on me. 4.) Your Daily Gift (Anders Koppel - Thomas Koppel) - 5:52 rating: *** stars Again showcasing Anders Koppel's accordion, the title track sounded like something lifted from a Paris nightclub. Truly different, but not a genre I enjoy.
© Scott R. Blackerby July, 2024
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ch bands and
European progressive bands, but for the most part I really don't hear
it. Comparing lead singer Hansen to Grace Slick was a stretch.
With the possible exception of the experimental "His
Own Happiness - Gods Little Hand" these songs were all at least
mildly melodic and tight, undermining the progressive comparisons. Similar
to the debut, musically the set was all over the place. At their best
such as the opening rocker "Long Before I was Born" and the
proto-metal closer "Trial
in Our Native Town",
Savage Rose demonstrated they could hold their own against many English and
American rock bands. They just couldn't seem to decide what kind of band
they wanted to be Sticking their collective toes into genres like the
jazzy ballad "Let's
See Her", the
bluesy "Ride My Mountain (Jade)", the Gospel-tinged "I'm
Walking Through the Door", or the country-flavored single "Evening's
Child" didn't
do them any favors. A bigger challenge was getting acclimated to Annisette's
heavily accented, shrill little girl voice. She certainly had a
powerful voice, but whenever she hit overdrive the results veered into
irritating screech territory. Of course Hansen was a better singer
than the guys. Doubt that comment, then check out the first part of
"His Own
Happiness - Gods Little Hand". 
ered
were it not for a high school friend (thanks Mark) who introduced me to the
concept of record libraries.
I have no idea how Mark discovered record
libraries, but living in Belgium in the mid-'70s they were a real
thing. The concept was similar to a conventional library except you
paid a small membership fee and you had to bring in your record player
stylus for the staff to check. They obviously wanted to make sure you
weren't playing their records with a roofing nail. Anyhow,
membership in the record library opened up the door to thousands of bands I
had never head of before. One group I clearly remember was the Danish
band Savage Rose. In fact, one of the first album's I ever checked out
was the band's 1971 album "Refugee". I'd never
heard any of their music but based on the album's cover which featured a
group photo including Annisette Hansen's wild hair, I figured it was worth a
shot.
"Your Daily Gift". Their fourth studio
collection found the group expanding their musical repertoire to include
stabs at country-rock ('Unfold'), gospel ('Speak Softly'), Brazilian samba
('Listen to This Tune from
Mexico') and even the jazzy title
track. With all nine tracks credited to brothers Anders and Thomas
Koppel the album had it's moments. The combination of a nice country-rock
melody and singer Annisette's vocals was interesting. She sang without
an accent, though her fragile, little girl voice was an acquired
taste. Her performances occasionally reminding me of a Danish Cyndi
Lauper, or perhaps a young Kate Bush ('Poorest Man On Earth'). On the
band's tougher, keyboard dominated tunes like 'Waters
Run Deep' and 'Speak Softly' her
delicate, little girl voice was more irritating and she frequently struggled
to avoid being overwhelmed. Even multi-tracking her vocals didn't
help. 
