Record Reviews

ROLF KUHN ~ SPOTLIGHTS MPS 4029759114260 (Barcode: 4029759114260) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is a phenomenal album by veteran German clarinetist / composer Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, one of my all time favorite musicians. It presents thirteen duos, trios and quartet pieces recorded with a group of wonderful musicians: oboist Albrecht MayerFind albums by this artist, Croatian cellist Asja ValcicFind albums by this artist, drummer Christian LillingerFind albums by this artist, Brazilian vocalist Ed MottaFind albums by this artist and Brazilian bandolinist Hamilton de HolandaFind albums by this artist, Rolf´s brother pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist Oliver PotratzFind albums by this artist and percussionist Volker GreveFind albums by this artist. Kuhn composed nine of the pieces on this album, de Holanda composed one piece and three are standards. The last (bonus) piece on the album features Rolf´s debut recording as a piano player, which means that it´s never too late for debuts. The music presents a wide scope of genres, including Jazz of course, but also contemporary Classical and World music. The focus is of course on the intimate conversations Kuhn gets involved in with his guests, which are in fact more important than the actual music which is being played. Fresh and unusual duets between clarinet and oboe / cello / bandolim / piano / voice are a tremendous breath of fresh air, and when delivered by a Master of the class of Kuhn, they become simply divine. After decades of playing music Kuhn still finds the spark of genius to make his music stand out and be innovate, explore uncharted territory and dare. Kuhn defeats the chronology and glides elegantly from one genre to another, playfully exchanging phrases with his partners, like a young musician who just discovered the depth and beauty of music. For the connoisseurs familiar with Kuhn´s music, this album will be definitely a revelation. It is completely different form anything he recorded earlier, including the duet albums he recorded with his brother Joachim Kuhn. It is obvious Kuhn had a lot of fun and joy recording this music, as the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and warm, which of course immediately reflects on the music. Overall this is one of the nicest albums recorded in 2016 that landed on my desk and listening to it was an immense pleasure, which I am sure all listeners will share with me. Considering the fact that 2016 was a truly vicious year, which took from us an unthinkable number of great musicians, one should be even happier to enjoy the music of those who are still with us. Thank you Rolf for all those years of great music you shared with us and I pray to be able to listen to many new records you will record in the years to come.

Updated: 11/11/2016Posted: 11/11/2016

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