Record Reviews

CHRIS HINZE ~ SENANG KEYTONE 794 (Barcode: 8713094793001) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 This is an album by Dutch flautist / keyboardist / composer / bandleader Chris HinzeFind albums by this artist, recorded with a plethora of guest musicians / friends from all over the world, including American saxophonist Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist, German pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist, Hungarian saxophonist Tony LakatosFind albums by this artist, Dutch trumpeter Eric VloeimansFind albums by this artist and many others, including vocalists, percussionist, a choir, a string quartet etc. The music is a wild mixture of Funky tunes with ethnic elements from many regions, strong percussive pulsations, brilliant Jazz soloing by the guest musicians, in short a unique amalgam of influences, which works together splendidly, and is even danceable, if needed. Hinze is closely associated with Far East cultural influences, which he absorbed during his travels to the region, as well as meditative techniques and spiritual trends, but his music is always close to the Jazz influences he absorbed during his early days. His group Chris Hinze CombinationFind albums by this artist remains as one of the most important European Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles of the 1970s. Over the years he managed to record an impressive amount of albums, all of which are worth investigation. Overall, this is a wonderful magic carpet ride above our globe, accompanied by splendid music performed by some of the best Jazz and World Music artists, which flows smoothly and is over way too soon!

Updated: 06/03/2025Posted: 06/03/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ERIC VLOEIMANS ~ BESTIARIUM CHALLENGE 70038 ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 This is the second album by Dutch trumpeter Eric VloeimansFind albums by this artist, who is already an established jazz star in Europe with his outstanding abilities as a player and composer to his credit. On this album his Quartet is transformed into a Quintet with the addition of the famous German saxophonist Peter WenigerFind albums by this artist. All music on this album is original by Vloeimans and the performances brilliant all the way.

Updated: 02/10/2020Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ERIC VLOEIMANS ~ BITCHES AND FAIRY TALES CHALLENGE 70061 (Barcode: 608917006124) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 2010 This is the third album as a leader by Dutch trumpeter / composer Eric VloeimansFind albums by this artist recorded with the dreamy trio comprising of British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and American bassist Marc JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Joey BaronFind albums by this artist, which recorded the great album "RosslynFind albums with this title" for ECMFind albums on this label a few years later. The album presents thirteen original compositions, ten composed by Vloeimans and three short interludes co-composed by him and Taylor. The music is brilliant modern European Jazz, based on open compositions, which allow the quartet to improvise intensively, at times quite freely, and to utilize polyrhythmic structures, which the rhythm section wizardly carries on. The music is diverse and highly interesting from start to finish, and in retrospect this is one of the most interesting European Jazz recordings of the 1990s. Vloeimans and Taylor manage to create a superb synergy, which also characterized the work of Taylor with Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, and Vloeimans´ trumpet playing bears many similarities to the idiosyncratic style of Wheeler. Interestingly the American rhythm section displays completely non-American aesthetics, which sets it apart from most rhythm sections originating in the US, and which enables the sublime musical atmosphere created on this album, ideally suited to the two Europeans on board. Of course they are not the only example of American rhythm sections free of the decades-long clichés cemented by Bebop, but they are certainly a most welcome exception. This music lost absolutely nothing of its power and originality over time and still sounds as interesting and fresh as it did at the time it was recorded. Taylor´s enthusiasts will wind his work here as brilliant as ever and since the album seems to be still available, it´s about time to grab a copy – satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 02/10/2020Posted: 02/10/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ERIC VLOEIMANS ~ FIRST FLOOR CHALLENGE 70011 ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 1994 Released: 1994 This is the debut album by young Dutch trumpeter Eric VloeimansFind albums by this artist is one of the great stars on the European jazz sky and this. his first solo album, shows why. Exceptional technique and great improvisational ability are his forte and it`s a real pleasure to hear so much energy and joy in the music. This is a quartet recording with guitar, bass and drums as the rhythm section.

Updated: 02/10/2020Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ERIC VLOEIMANS ~ UMAI CHALLENGE 70087 (Barcode: 608917008722) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 This is the fourth album by Dutch trumpeter / composer Eric VloeimansFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Italian bassist Furio Di CastriFind albums by this artist and American drummer Joe LaBarberaFind albums by this artist. It is his second recording with Taylor following the "Bitches And Fairy TalesFind albums with this title" album recorded a couple of years earlier. The album presents thirteen tracks, nine of which are original compositions by Vloeimans. The music is typical modern European Jazz, based on excellent compositions, which are melody driven but open enough to allow intensive interplay between the quartet members and extensive improvisations. The individual compositions present a diverse palette demanding serious listening involvement, but are aesthetically rewarding and interesting. The four musicians are highly regarded instrumentalists, which of course is plainly obvious from the very first notes. Vloeimans takes most of the soloing duties upon himself, with Taylor staying relatively in the background, with only occasional soloing, but his beautiful piano accompaniment parts are an integral part of the entire musical fabric. The rhythm section is fully involved in the interplay and both Di Castri and LaBarbera solo occasionally, showing their respective chops. At times the music bring fond memories of the music made by Taylor with his friend and long time collaborator Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, which of course is a feast to the listeners´ ears. Overall this is an excellent modern Jazz album, full of great music and excellent performances, which should keep any connoisseur of European Jazz happy and although recorded some twenty years ago, still sounds great today!

Updated: 02/10/2020Posted: 31/08/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend