Record Reviews

UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ 101 YEARS GLENN MILLER ATS 0593 (Barcode: 9005216005932) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 This is an album by the veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist. The orchestra´s lineup features four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums). Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist, who often takes part in the orchestra´s project, sings on four tracks. The resident guest on this album is the wonderful British arranger / conductor Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, whose work within the Big Band idiom is second to none. The album was recorded live and presents fourteen brilliant arrangements of classic Jazz standards associated with the repertoire of the legendary American Jazz trombonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Glenn MillerFind albums by this artist. As the album´s title suggests, it is a tribute to Miller´s legacy and celebrates his 101 Birthday. As usual, the orchestra´s performances are absolutely spotless and spiced with the superb arrangements the familiar standards get a sparkling facelift, bringing the music up to date. The individual orchestra members contribute a series of brilliant soli and Gaggl offers her usual heartfelt and passionate vocals. The superb arrangements by Gibbs stand up to the challenge of presenting a new facet of Miller´s sound, which is one of the most commonly familiar illustrations of Jazz music, recognized by listeners who often do not listen to Jazz on a regular basis. As a result this new approach emphasizes the differences between the American Swing of the 1940s and the modern European Big Band sound of today. For more experienced Jazz enthusiasts and scholars of the genre this is a classic school example of the influence of arrangements on the final result in music, and Gibbs if surely one of the best out there to show everybody how it´s done. This album is also a great example of a loving and well planned and executed tribute, which offers a new perspective on all familiar music, managing to eschew clichés and trivializing the core substance of the music, which sadly happens often, especially in connection to Glenn Miller´s legacy. Despite its laid-back exterior, Miller´s approach to Jazz was full of delicate sensitivities and sophistication, all of which are perfectly preserved here. Overall this is a brilliant Big Band album, which offers classy music which is accessible to a wide range of listeners, way beyond the strict Jazz snobs. A pure pleasure from start to finish, this music moves your tapping heels weather you like it or not. Absolutely delightful!

Updated: 02/08/2019Posted: 02/08/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ DEFERENCE TO ANTON BRUCKNER ATS 0771 (Barcode: 9005216007714) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2012 This is an album by veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which presents a tribute to the music by the great Austrian composer Anton BrucknerFind albums by this artist, one of the most complex and often enigmatic Classical composers in history. The album was recorded in a studio in contrast to most other recordings by the orchestra, which are usually live recordings. Led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, the orchestra includes four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a four piece rhythm section. Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist appears as a guest. The album presents nine compositions inspired by the works of Bruckner, seven of which are composed by orchestra members and one each by Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. Although obviously a Jazz-Classical Fusion project, the music on this album is much more intricate and complex than most other projects of this kind. Usually Jazz-Classical Fusion deals with interpretation of works by Classical composers – see the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist albums with music by the Strauss Family or Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist (just to stay in Austria both with the Jazz and Classical ingredients of the fusion elements). On this album however, the Bruckner "elements" are more suggested than quoted directly, which of course is much more difficulty to conceive to start with and finally execute. But the UAJO manages to achieve the goal brilliantly and with its usual panache and flair. Like with the music by Bruckner, which is certainly far from being easily understood, the music on this album might prove to be slightly more difficult than other UAJO recordings as far as the average listener is concerned. It definitely requires a very attentive listening and perhaps even several listening sessions to be appreciated in its full glory. But it is certainly worth the effort and presents European Big Band Jazz at its best and most elaborate reflection. As usual the album offers many superb soli and extraordinary orchestral work of the highest caliber. Overall this is another recording by the UAJO, which deserves an honorable place on the shelf of every serious record collection. Connoisseurs of Big Band Jazz will be delighted of course as will be serious Jazz-Classical Fusion enthusiasts. Very highly and wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 04/05/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ DES SOWE AUNDAS ODER… THOMAS BERNHARD GROOVT ATS 0605 (Barcode: 9005216006052) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This is an album by the veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist and comprising of some of the best Austrian Jazz musicians, including four trumpets, four trombones, five reeds and a four-piece rhythm section. Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist adds some vocal parts and recitation. As almost all the albums by the UAJO, this one was also recorded live and again as usual it offers a concept, which can either be a tribute to a composer or an author, in this case the highly controversial Austrian novelist / playwright / poet Thomas BernhardFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions (one a two-part piece), each composed by a different member of the orchestra, which also follows the usual modus operandi of the UAJO, and each based on a different text written by Bernhard. Since the album is out of print it took me quite a while before I managed to find a copy (absurdly in the US), but now I am a proud owner of all the eleven albums recorded so far by this wonderful orchestra. The music is a superb collection of modern Jazz compositions, all melody based but diverse stylistically, all elegantly arranged for the Big Band Jazz idiom, skillfully using the entire palette of sounds that such an ensemble is able to produce. Each of the composition reflects the spirit and idea contained in the text it refers to, which offers as a bonus an opportunity for the more inquisitive listeners to read the text in question. The fact that Bernhard was an avid Classical Music lover, which is reflected in his texts, gave the composers another incentive to write something he might have perhaps loved as well. I am grateful to trombonist / composer Robert BachnerFind albums by this artist, who disclosed to me some insights about this album and its making. I enjoyed very much meeting Christian Maurer and Robert Bachner in Vienna in October 2019, where we had an opportunity to chat together about music and have some great food together. The performances by the orchestra members are all stellar, as expected. Considering the fact that this music was recorded live, the synchronicity and interplay are nothing short of astonishing and the orchestra functions like a well oiled Swiss chronometer. As I have already stated, UAJO is a perfect combination of the American Big Band model and the European affluence of elegance and grace, which together create an irresistible musical accomplishment. Hopefully this CD will be back in circulation soon so fans of Big Band Jazz can listen to this music, as it is definitely too good to be forgotten. Each of the orchestra´s albums is a treasure chest of ideas and a schoolbook example of how to do things right in this idiom, this one included of course. Therefore any of them you can lay your hands on is a must have, the sooner the better.

Updated: 25/01/2020Posted: 25/01/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ SWING & ALL THAT JAZZ ATS 0765 (Barcode: 9005216007653) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is an album by the veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist. The orchestra´s lineup features four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums). Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist, who often takes part in the orchestra´s project, sings on several tracks. The resident guest on this album is the wonderful British arranger / conductor Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, whose work within the Big Band idiom is second to none. This is the second time Gibbs cooperated with the UAJO, following the excellent Glenn MillerFind albums by this artist tribute recorded a few years earlier. The album was recorded live and presents fourteen brilliant arrangements of classic Swing and Bebop standards. As usual, the orchestra´s performances are absolutely spotless and spiced with the superb arrangements the familiar standards get a sparkling facelift, bringing the music up to date. The individual orchestra members contribute a series of brilliant soli and Gaggl offers her usual heartfelt and passionate vocals. The album offers two interesting aspects for the more experienced Jazz buff; the comparison between these tunes as performed by American Big Bands and those by their European counterparts on one hand, and the comparison between the original recordings of the Bebop tunes, which are usually performed by small combos and the Big Band versions presenter here. Fascinating stuff! Of course the music is also a sparkling document of the sublime talents of Gibbs, who can turn any ordinary tune into an extraordinary piece of music just as a result of his arrangement. Overall this is a brilliant Big Band album, which offers classy music which is accessible to a wide range of listeners, way beyond the strict Jazz snobs. A pure pleasure from start to finish, this music moves your tapping heels weather you like it or not. Absolutely delightful!

Updated: 01/08/2019Posted: 01/08/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA / KENNY WHEELER ~ PLAYS THE MUSIC OF KENNY WHEELER WEST WIND 2097 (Barcode: 4011778320975) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1996 This is the debut album by the Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 1991 and is still very active almost three decades later. Over the years the orchestra invited many prominent Jazz musicians as guest artists and this album documents the first of such collaborations, which features the legendary British Jazz trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The orchestra on this album consists of five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and a rhythm section (guitar / piano / bass / drums) and of course includes also Wheeler on trumpet and flugelhorn as well as guest vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine compositions, six of which are Wheeler originals and three are standards, all of which were arranged by Wheeler. The music was recorded live and offers a wonderful sound quality. The album was produced by saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, who is the living soul and the leader of the orchestra. Of course Austria is a country with a deeply rooted brass tradition and therefore the existence of excellent Austrian Big Bands (Jazz and otherwise) is hardly surprising. It is after all in Austria where the most important European Jazz Big Band, the legendary Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, was formed in 1977. The Upper Austrian Jazz Orchestra has many subtle stylistic links to the Vienna Art Orchestra, like the use of a female vocalist singing mostly vocalese featured as a member of the orchestra, which was the VAO´s trademark. UAJO is perhaps less adventurous and more "disciplined", but some similarities, at least on this album, are obvious. The music should be familiar to Wheeler´s acolytes and spans his entire career up to the time of the recording of this album, going back to his early album "Windmill TilterFind albums with this title" and including his very recent (at the time) compositions. The wonderful arrangements keep the overall sound of the Big Band beautifully coherent, despite the diversity of the material and allow plenty of space for the orchestra members to play a long series of stunning solos, including Wheeler himself. The vocal parts are an absolute cherry on top. The treatment of the orchestra as one enormously potent musical instrument is wonderfully expressed here, with the emphasis on the European Jazz aesthetics, in which modesty and minimalism are more important than power and showmanship. The perfect harmony achieved by the orchestra throughout this album is miraculous, especially in view of the fact that this is a live recording. Overall this is an absolute gem of an album, which should be an integral part of every Kenny Wheeler collection, but also a schoolbook example of what European Jazz Big Band music is all about. Essential listening!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 12/04/2019

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend