Record Reviews

GEORGE GRUNTZ ~ EXPO TRIANGLE MIGROS 6170 (Barcode: 7617028117660) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1998 - 2000 Released: 2000 This is a brilliant album by Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader / activist George GruntzFind albums by this artist, which presents a collection of musical works connected to the EXPO exhibition in 1964, which originated a meeting between Gruntz and the Swiss composer Rolf LiebermannFind albums by this artist, which developed into a long lasting friendship until Liebermann’s death in 1999. The album presents two extended pieces performed by the George Gruntz Percussion EnsembleFind albums by this artist, a trio which comprises of Gruntz on piano and two drummers: Fabian KuratliFind albums by this artist and Raphael WollFind albums by this artist. Also included is a Symphony for Jazz Ensemble, composed by Lieberman and performed by the George Gruntz Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, a Big Band comprising of famous European and American Jazz musicians, including trumpeter Marvin StammFind albums by this artist, trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris HunterFind albums by this artist and bassist Mike RichmondFind albums by this artist among others. Finally, the original piece composed by Liebermann for the EXPO 64 and performed by 156 office machines is also included. The music is a stupendous blast of Genius and European “out of the box” approach to music, which exploded in the 1960s, taking music in general, and Jazz music in particular, into another dimension altogether, as this album brilliantly demonstrates. Gruntz (who died in 2013) was one of the great heroes of European Jazz, a total musician who could play Classical music and Jazz with the same proficiency and his revolutionary ideas as composer and activist advanced the status of Jazz in Europe to the level of Art. Overall, this unique album presents some little known aspects of the wide range of activities George Gruntz was involved with, and is a perfect tribute to this great Artist, whom I had the pleasure to meet many times. He was also blessed with a great sense of humor, which is also evident on this album. Jazz listeners, who are sure they have already heard everything, this album is a proper wakeup call.

Updated: 17/08/2024Posted: 17/08/2024

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GEORGE GRUNTZ ~ RENAISSANCE MAN TCB 22162 (Barcode: 725095221627) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 - 2001 Released: 2002 This is a wonderful archive album by Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader George GruntzFind albums by this artist, which presents a collection of fifteen recordings spread over a period of forty years, most of which have never been released before. The include intimate formats but mostly European Big Bands and Orchestras, like his Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist and others. The many participants include such legendary Jazz artists as pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, vocalist Sheila JordanFind albums by this artist, bandoneónist Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Ernst-Ludwig PetrowskyFind albums by this artist and many others. The music displays the outstanding talents of Gruntz as pianist, arranger and composer, presenting beautifully diverse music, which includes mainstream Jazz, orchestral Jazz and Jazz-World Fusion pieces, always executed with finesse and absolute charm. Therefore this album is a wonderful introduction to the many talents of Gruntz for listeners not familiar with his work but also a gorgeous collection of previously unavailable recordings for those already familiar with his achievements. Gruntz was always the epitome of European Jazz as one of its Godfathers, perfectly combining the American Jazz tradition with the European Classical and Folklore traditions. The recordings included herein are all exquisite examples of what European Jazz is all about, stylistically and conceptually. Although the collected pieces have seemingly nothing in common, they amalgamate into a perfect kaleidoscope of modern European Jazz Personally I can get never enough of Gruntz and his music, so this album is simply one more token of memory by this great Artist, who is sadly relatively little known to most Jazz listeners around the world. In addition his recordings are not easily available as well, which makes the task of keeping his memory alive even harder. Overall this is a brilliant collection of excellent music, which deserves a proud place in any serious music collection. Not to be missed!

Updated: 26/09/2016Posted: 26/09/2016

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GEORGE GRUNTZ ~ RINGING THE LUMINATOR ACT 9751 (Barcode: 614427975126) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 Although active on the scene for decades, this is the first solo piano album by the great Swiss Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader George GruntzFind albums by this artist. Although primarily know for his work with Big Bands / Orchestras, Gruntz was always first and foremost a piano player, and this album presents him in the most intimate situation possible for a pianist, also with his instrument. The album consists of fifteen tracks, three of which are parts of a three part suite that opens the album and gives it its title and two are two takes of the same tune. Overall the album presents four original compositions (including the suite) and the rest are pieces composed by his favorite composers. The music was recorded at a Zurich church and the sound quality is sensational. The diverse music presents a picture of a mature, complete Artist, with immaculate technique and perfect taste, who controls the instrument as it was an extension of his body. The typical European elegance and sophistication is omnipresent, regardless of the actual piece being played and its original composer´s origin. In contrast to many solo piano albums, which often are quite difficult to swallow simply for the lack of diversity, this album jumps with energy and jubilation, swapping the listen off his feet completely, while jumping stylistically all over the Jazz spectrum with ease and complete nonchalance. In retrospect this is a classic solo piano album, which is simple ageless from day one. In spite of its complexity and incredible erudition, it is completely accessible to a wide audience, even to non-Jazz oriented connoisseurs. In short this is a gem of an album, which should be a part of every respectable Jazz record collection.

Updated: 27/09/2016Posted: 27/09/2016

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GEORGE GRUNTZ / CONCERT JAZZ BAND ~ GLOBAL EXCELLENCE TCB 21172 (Barcode: 725095211727) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is a fabulous album by the Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader George GruntzFind albums by this artist and his Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, which for many years was the best European Jazz Big Band / Orchestra. Gruntz was one of the great Godfathers of European Jazz and his many activities and contributions over the years advanced the Jazz idiom immensely. This album presents eight compositions, four of which were composed by Gruntz, three others were composed by members of his orchestra and one is a traditional Turkish melody. Gruntz wrote the arrangements and orchestrations of all the pieces. Among the musicians playing on this album one can find trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, drummer Danny GottliebFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Marvin StammFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris HunterFind albums by this artist, bassists Mark EganFind albums by this artist and Mike RichmondFind albums by this artist, a. m. o. The music, although kept within the mainstream Big Band setting, in incredibly innovative and original, clearly pointing out the many differences between American and European Big Band approach. The arrangements and orchestrations are complex and convoluted, constantly changing the dynamics and tempi, with less emphasis on the individual solos and more dedicated to the overall orchestral sound and interplay. The inclusion of the Turkish tune is typical of Gruntz openness towards World Music, which he displayed many times throughout his career. Same applies to the inclusion of the tune composed by Russian trumpeter / composer Alexander SipiaginFind albums by this artist, which shows the great respect Gruntz always felt towards Jazz originating in Eastern Europe. Overall this is a monumental piece of Big Band music, at its finest and most sophisticated form, which should be truly enjoyed by all connoisseurs of that Jazz sub-genre. For young musicians, especially those studying composition and arrangement, this is an open book of how things should be done. Although Gruntz is sadly no longer with us, his wonderful music lasts and his extensive recorded legacy is a treasure chest of musical gems. Not to be missed!

Updated: 08/06/2023Posted: 25/09/2016

CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend

GEORGE GRUNTZ / CONCERT JAZZ BAND ~ TIGER BY THE TAIL TCB 26702 (Barcode: 725095267021) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is a fabulous album by the Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader George GruntzFind albums by this artist and his Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, which for many years was the best European Jazz Big Band / Orchestra. Gruntz was one of the great Godfathers of European Jazz and his many activities and contributions over the years advanced the Jazz idiom immensely. The album was recorded in the US, and presents a mixed American / European lineup, with some of the finest Jazz musicians on the planet. The album presents eight compositions, four of which were composed by Gruntz and another four by members of the Big Band. Gruntz wrote the arrangements and orchestrations of all the pieces. Among the musicians playing on this album one can find trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, drummer Danny GottliebFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Marvin StammFind albums by this artist, Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist and Franco AmbrosettiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Chris HunterFind albums by this artist and Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist, Israeli bass guitarist Arie VolinezFind albums by this artist, a. m. o. The music, although kept within the mainstream Big Band setting, in incredibly innovative and original, clearly pointing out the many differences between American and European Big Band approach. The arrangements and orchestrations are complex and convoluted, constantly changing the dynamics and tempi, with less emphasis on the individual solos and more dedicated to the overall orchestral sound and interplay. Although Gruntz is sadly no longer with us, his wonderful music lasts and his extensive recorded legacy is a treasure chest of musical gems. Not to be missed! Overall, this is a monumental piece of Big Band music, at its finest and most sophisticated form, which should be truly enjoyed by all connoisseurs of that Jazz sub-genre. For young musicians, especially those studying composition and arrangement, this is an open book of how things should be done.

Updated: 05/03/2025Posted: 05/03/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend

RUNE KLAKEGG & SCHEEN JAZZORKESTER ~ FJON LOSEN 153 (Barcode: 7090025831539) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is a beautiful album by Norwegian Jazz pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Rune KlakeggFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Scheen JazzorkesterFind albums by this artist, a regional orchestra comprising of thirteen players, of which Klakegg is the artistic director and pianist. The album presents six original compositions by Klakegg and one arrangement of a standard. Vibraphonist Rob WaringFind albums by this artist, a long time musical associate of Klakegg, appears as a guest and fourteenth orchestra member and vocalist Nina GromstadFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo, with Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist presiding at the console, which of course means that the sound quality and clarity is exceptional. The music includes a collection of compositions by Klakegg, which have been assembled for a concert celebrating his sixtieth anniversary, and were consequently recorded for this album. The exquisite arrangements turn this music into a typical European large ensemble musical journey, which is as close to musical bliss as one ever gets. I have always been a sucker for the Big Band / Orchestral sound and therefore this album is an immediate favorite. Although the arrangements include solos on some of the tracks, the name of the game is the ensemble work and sound, with delicate, multilayered intricacies, which are revealed during consecutive listening sessions. Of course the arrangements have some relationship to the legacy of Gil EvansFind albums by this artist and Maria SchneiderFind albums by this artist, but also European influences like George GruntzFind albums by this artist and Mathias RüeggFind albums by this artist come to mind. Most of the stunning melodic themes composed by Klakegg are melancholic and delightfully lyrical, with a certain touch of the Nordic elegance and majestic calmness. But the music on this album is full of internal dynamics and flows rapidly like the Norwegian streams originating in the ice caps. Having just returned from the magnificent Norwegian landscapes, this music invokes immediately the fresh memories and will probably remain associated with them forever. In many respects I could envisage this music as a soundtrack of a documentary about Norway´s spectacular beauty. For connoisseurs of Orchestral Jazz this album is an immediate classic, and as such deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. The elegance, modesty and discipline that this album presents is a model for all orchestral Jazz recordings and deserves to be taught at music academies as an example of good taste. Gorgeous stuff!

Updated: 12/08/2016Posted: 12/08/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.22 POLSKIE RADIO 1874 (Barcode: 5907812248741) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 Released: 2015 This is the twenty-second installment in the series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings from the radio vaults. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well. The ten tracks collected here were recorded during the seventh Jazz Jamboree Festival, which took place between October 24 and 26 1964 in Warsaw. This is the third part of the Jazz Jamboree 1964 recordings. The music was performed by four different ensembles, which are: the Italian Flavio Ambrosetti All StarsFind albums by this artist (five tracks), led by saxophonist Flavio AmbrosettiFind albums by this artist with trumpeter Franco AmbrosettiFind albums by this artist, Swiss pianist George GruntzFind albums by this artist, Polish bassist Tadeusz WojcikFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist and three Polish Jazz ensembles, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist Quintet (one track) with trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist, Polish Jazz QuartetFind albums by this artist (two tracks) led by saxophonist Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist with pianist Wojciech KarolakFind albums by this artist, bassist Juliusz SandeckiFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist Quartet (two tracks) with pianist Wlodek GulgowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Tadeusz Wojcik and drummer Czeslaw Bartkowski. This is by far the most interesting of the three volumes of the Jazz Jamboree 1964 recordings, as it presents the modern Polish Jazz about to explode into modernism, which will shape its destiny for generations to come. Stanko, Urbaniak, Wroblewski, Bartkowski are still active on the Polish scene, fifty years latter, carrying the fire which was first sparkled around the time these recordings were made. The Ambrosetti set is also interesting, as it allows a glance at two legendary Jazz figures: Gruntz and Favre, at their early days. Most of the music performed on this album is original. The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. As usual with this series, which is very reasonably priced, I miss the presence of "in depth" liner notes / booklet, which should convey the circumstances at which this music was recorded and its importance to the development of Jazz in Poland. Nevertheless this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan will surely consider an absolute must.

Updated: 08/07/2020Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PHIL WOODS / EUROPEAN RHYTHM MACHINE ~ ALIVE AND WELL IN PARIS EMI 724353965426 (Barcode: 724353965426) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2002 This is a reissue / remaster of the debut album by the great American saxophonist / composer / bandleader Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, recorded with his European rhythm section under the moniker European Rhythm MachineFind albums by this artist, which includes Swiss pianist George GruntzFind albums by this artist, French bassist Henri TexierFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, two of which are originals by Woods and three are standards. Woods was one of the first American musicians, who discovered Europe as a source of brilliant Jazz musicians, and he toured and recorded in Europe extensively in the late 1960s and early 1970s, after he moved to Paris, where he stayed between 1968 and 1972. Although the music is pretty straightforward mainstream Jazz / Bebop, Woods’s incredible fluency and beautiful tone, and the superb performances by the rhythm section, make this an example of what swinging is all about, leaving everything that happened on the other side of the pond far behind. Gruntz, Texier and Humair are all leaders of the European scene, which was just exploding at the time this album was recorded, and stayed as pillars of the Jazz activity for many years, recording hundreds of brilliant albums in the process. Overall, this is one of the best possible marriages between American and European Bebop ever as are all the albums recorded by this quartet, and all of them lost absolutely nothing of its vitality and pure genius over time. A timeless classic!

Updated: 05/07/2024Posted: 05/07/2024

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend