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  | JURGEN FRIEDRICH ~ SUMMERFLOOD
CTI 4011220018214 (Barcode: 4011220018214) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998
This is the debut album by German Jazz pianist / composer Jurgen FriedrichFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which also includes saxophonist Claudius ValkFind albums by this artist, bassist Volker HeinzeFind albums by this artist and British drummer Darren BeckettFind albums by this artist, expanded to a quintet by the presence of the iconic British trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by the leader.
Friedrich, who studied with British pianist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist, was introduced by Taylor to the music of Wheeler, which made a great impact on his musical outlook, and when he planned the recording of this, his debut album, he asked Wheeler to participate.
If subjected to a blindfold test, the music sounds remarkably alike a British Jazz album, and with the first note uttered by Wheeler, it becomes completely recognizable and “familiar”. This does not mean, of course, that the young musicians participating in the recording are copying anything. After all the music is completely original and wonderfully weaved and the playing is highly inspired. It only exemplifies the influence that iconic musicians like Taylor and Wheeler were able pass down to the young generation of musicians, at least at the early stages of their careers.
I was completely unaware of this album until a few weeks ago and of course grabbed it immediately to complete my Wheeler discography, but it turned out to be a beautiful piece of music, which is definitely worth getting familiar with, on top of the fact that Wheeler plays several outstanding and spine-chilling solos on this album.
Overall, this is a remarkable debut as well as a sublime piece of Wheeler’s recording legacy, which should not be missed by his many followers. I am not familiar with later musical explorations by Friedrich, but judging by what this album has to offer, they are definitely worthy of exploring. In short, this is a true gem that lost nothing of its sparkle over time.
| | Updated: 12/02/2022Posted: 12/02/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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