How The Gipsy Was Born (Wildcard Remaster)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the hypnotic "How The Gipsy Was Born (Wildcard Remaster)" by Frumpy from their iconic album Frumpy 2. This track, a cornerstone of German progressive rock, is a sonic journey with Inga Rumpf’s smoky, commanding vocals and Rainer Baumann’s ecstatic guitar solos. Fans on hitparade.ch rave about its progressive blues-rock fusion, with one calling it “the best song ever produced by a German band,” praising Rumpf’s unparalleled voice. Another fan notes how the song’s magic unfolds after multiple listens, especially from the fourth minute when the blues-rock structure explodes into progressive brilliance. Its plodding yet breezy groove, described on ProgArchives as having a “muscular heavy groove” with a trippy lyric, made it Frumpy’s signature tune, cementing its status as a cult classic.

The song’s creation was a bold step for Frumpy, recorded almost under live conditions for Frumpy 2, as noted in the German Wikipedia. With just four tracks on the album, each sprawling and improvisational, “How The Gipsy Was Born” stands out for its long Hammond organ solo following Baumann’s guitar work, creating an ecstatic climax. Music critic Michael Rauhut called it “the most stylish and lasting German contribution to classic rock between 1967 and 1977.” Its commercial success as a hit single, highlighted by Wikipedia, and its enduring fan love—evident in Reddit posts comparing Frumpy to Deep Purple and Moody Blues—show its timeless appeal. A Facebook post of a 1971 Beat-Club performance captures its raw energy, with fans marveling at the band’s obscurity despite their talent.

Frumpy’s story began in Hamburg, Germany, emerging from the ashes of the folk-rock band The City Preachers, formed in 1965 by Irishman John O’Brien-Docker. After The City Preachers split in 1968, Inga Rumpf, Carsten Bohn, Jean-Jacques Kravetz, and Karl-Heinz Schott formed Frumpy in March 1970, taking their name as a playful nod to Rumpf’s surname, inspired by a CBS record catalog, as per the German Wikipedia. Their debut at the Essen International Pop & Blues Festival in April 1970 showcased their progressive krautrock sound, leading to their first album, All Will Be Changed, later that year. Bolstered by Rumpf’s “demonic” vocals, dubbed by Wikipedia as the “greatest individual vocal talent” of the German rock scene, and Kravetz’s classical-infused organ, Frumpy quickly gained acclaim. Their 1970 tour with Spooky Tooth and stints supporting Yes and Humble Pie solidified their reputation as Germany’s top rock act, according to the German press.

For more on Frumpy, check out their official presence on Facebook, where fans share vintage performances and updates. While no official website or active Instagram and X accounts exist for the band, fan communities thrive online. The ProgArchives page offers detailed discography and reviews, and Last.fm provides track insights and listener stats. Join the conversation with fellow Zoo Freaks and keep the Frumpy vibe alive!