Record Reviews

MICHAEL GIBBS + TWELVE ~ PLAY GIL EVANS WHIRLWIND 4639 (Barcode: 639713711943) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is a criminally little known album by British Jazz composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a twelve-piece orchestra comprising of mostly young British Jazz musicians. As the title suggests, the album is a tribute to the American composer / arranger / bandleader Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, who influenced Gibb’s musical path and who was undoubtedly one of the most far-thinking, revolutionary and unique personalities in the orchestral Jazz idiom. The album presents ten tracks, two of which are original compositions by Gibbs, one composition by Evans, three standards and the rest are compositions by American Jazz composers, spanning diverse Jazz sub-genres. The music is a wonderful adaptation of the Evans arrangements, expanded with additional contributions by Gibbs, creating a contemporary orchestral Jazz of the highest quality. The album focus, in addition to the arrangements, is also on the soloing by the individual musicians, and offers some spectacular soli, especially those by German (resident in UK) pianist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the legendary Austrian saxophonist), saxophonist Julian SiegelFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Robbie RobsonFind albums by this artist, American (also resident in UK) bassist Michael JanischFind albums by this artist (founder and owner of the WhirlwindFind albums on this label Records label, which released this album) and others. The two Gibbs originals are masterpieces of modern orchestral Jazz and brilliant examples of his compositional skills, which of course are already universally acknowledged. The diversity of the rest of the material makes the album a vigorous listening experience, full of excellent musicianship and heartfelt delivery. Overall this is a vital addition to the Michael Gibbs recorded legacy, which no fan of his would like to miss in his collection. All Jazz lovers, including of curse the avid British Jazz crowd, should definitely own a copy of this album.

Updated: 22/07/2021Posted: 22/07/2021

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JUTTA HIPP ~ THE GERMAN RECORDINGS 1952-1955 SWR JAZZHAUS 423 (Barcode: 730099042352) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1952 - 1955 Released: 2015 This is a brilliant collection of early recordings by the German pianist Jutta HippFind albums by this artist, made in Germany before she left the country to continue her career in the US. The material collects four sessions of radio recordings produced by Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and Dieter ZimmerleFind albums by this artist. Hipp is accompanied by the best Jazz musicians active at the time in Germany: saxophonists Hans KollerFind albums by this artist and Joki FreundFind albums by this artist, trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, guitarist Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist, bassists Franz RoederFind albums by this artist and Harry SchellFind albums by this artist and drummers Karl SannerFind albums by this artist and Rudi SehringFind albums by this artist. There are seventeen pieces in total on this album, most being standards with just a couple of originals, one each by Mangelsdorff and Freund. Hipp plays brilliantly on all these pieces and her presence fully justifies her extraordinary status of the great revelation of early German Jazz. Sadly shortly after her arrival in the US and recording just three albums in 1956, she abandoned music completely and disappeared from the scene. Although the music on this album comprises mostly of American Jazz standards, Hipp has a very unique approach and inserts many peculiar twists and turns, that make these standards sound differently from how they sound when performed by American musicians, which hints as to the development of European Jazz, which was about to erupt just a few years later. The music is wonderfully remastered and sounds fresh and vibrant, which turns this album not only into an important historical document but also a great fun to listen to. This album is warmly recommended to all fans of European Jazz who follow its development closely.

Updated: 31/03/2021Posted: 03/06/2016

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JUTTA HIPP ~ THREE CLASSIC ALBUMS REAL GONE JAZZ 498 (Barcode: 5036408174420) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1956 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of the three albums by German pianist Jutta HippFind albums by this artist, which were originally released on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the mid 1950s. Hipp grew up in Nazi Germany and started to listen and pay Jazz secretly, as it was fiercely banned by the regime. After the WWII ended she was very active on the German scene, playing with the best German Jazz musicians, who were just starting their careers, like brothers: Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, Austrian Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, Hungarian Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist (both resident in Germany) and others. Hipp moved to NY in 1955, with the help of the legendary Jazz critic Leonard FeatherFind albums by this artist, and recorded the three albums included here, after which she left music entirely, for reasons unclear. The first two albums: "Live At The Hickory House Volume 1Find albums with this title" and "Live At The Hickory House Volume 2Find albums with this title" both originate from a live recording at the Hickory House club in NY. Hipp is accompanied by British bassist Peter IndFind albums by this artist and American drummer Ed ThigpenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten standards on each of these albums. The third album "Jutta Hipp With Zoot SimsFind albums with this title" is a studio recording of a quintet which places her along American Jazz players: trumpeter Jerry LloydFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Zoot SimsFind albums by this artist, bassist Ahmed Abdul-MalikFind albums by this artist and drummer Ed Thigpen. The quintet performs six compositions, four of which are standards and one each is by Lloyd and Sims. The astounding thing about this music is the fact that although modern European Jazz was not yet born, Hipp plays these commonly known standards with a twist, which puts her already at that time apart from the American pianists. She is way more original, inventive and elegant than the pianists who in many cases wrote these standards. Her European piano mannerisms, for which she was severely criticized by American Jazz players, an experience which probably was the reason why she gave up music, were already very distinctive and pointed out towards the rift that was about to happen between American and European Jazz just a few years later. Anybody listening to these albums must realize that the criminally limited recorded legacy Hipp left us with is just a tip of an iceberg of an enormous talent which alas we´ll never witness. European Jazz lovers and connoisseurs of the twisted path European Jazz followed to differentiate itself from the American tradition will find this music absolutely indispensable. An absolute must for Jazz piano enthusiasts! Side Note The Real Gone JazzFind albums on this label label releases hundreds of album collections, which include usually between three to eight original albums in a two to four CDs sets. Most of these albums were recorded and released in the 1950s and early 1960s. These collections provide the track lists and lineups of the original albums, but no recording information, liner notes and any background information whatsoever. The label takes advantage of the copyright law in UK, which limited the length of the copyright protection of recorded works to 50 years, after which recorded works become public domain. In 2013 UK implemented a correction of the copyright law extending the protection of recorded works to 70 years (like the rest of Europe), but the correction does not apply retroactively, which means that recordings which entered the 50 years rule prior to January 1, 2013 (i.e. recorded before January 1, 1963) remain public domain. There are two great advantages to these releases: they are really inexpensive and they bring back to life many albums not reissued previously on CD, which means it would cost a collector an arm and a leg to get a copy of them. Many of these albums are absolute gems and essential pieces of Jazz history. The disadvantages are: the lack of proper information, original cover art, combining tracks of several original albums on one CD and the sound quality, which depends on where the label gets the source material. From my experience most of the releases have quite excellent sound quality but I have not listened to all of them and some people have complained about it.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 18/05/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER ~ EXCLUSIV (MOST PERFECT SOUND EDITION) MPS 9813440 ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz This is the debut album on the German MPSFind albums on this label label by Austrian saxophonist, composer and bandleader Hans KollerFind albums by this artist and one of the most sought after collectors´ items of European Jazz for many years. It includes two separate sessions: the 1959 quartet recording for the German Radio (with American bassist Oscar PettifordFind albums by this artist, Hungarian guitarist Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist and Jimmy PrattFind albums by this artist on drums) and the 1963 nonet recording in the MPS studio in Villingen. The album summarizes perfectly the first period of Koller’s jazz career, when he played “conventional” jazz, similar to what was happening in the US at the time. The music moves stylistically between cool, be-bop and swing, all executed with elegance and technical perfection. Most of the compositions are originals by Koller and other band members (two by Pettiford), sublimely melodic and yet complex at the same time. The nonet session, which includes a six-piece sax section, is especially interesting, with superb brass arrangements with multi-layered harmonies and intricate interplay. In short this is a perfect example of how “conventional” jazz can be taken beyond the trivial and injected with added values, which elevate it to the level of perfection. Nothing but pure musical joy! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER ~ KOLLER PLAYS KOVAC EMARCY 013961 ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz This is a reissue of an ultra-rare 1957 LP released on the Austrian Amadeo label by Hans Koller and his New Jazz Stars, recorded live in 1955. By the time this material was recorded, Koller was already world famous, with his 1952 release on the US Discovery label receiving a five star rating in “down beat”, an unprecedented event for an European recording, considering the fact that European jazz was “non-existent” to most American critics (and still is to this very day to some extent). Following the departure of German pianist Jutta HippFind albums by this artist from Koller’s quintet, she was replaced by the Austrian composer / arranger / pianist Roland KovacFind albums by this artist, who was to become the source of most of the material the new quintet would play – hence the name of the album. The quintet perfected the “cool” jazz idiom, which was influenced by American players like Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist, Chet BakerFind albums by this artist and Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist (Kovac played with them all when they visited Europe) and expanded it by adding classically influenced compositions and European scales and harmonies. This “transfigured“ cool jazz should be fascinating to true connoisseurs of the genre and the album is a most important document of the development of European jazz in general.

Updated: 28/05/2016Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER ~ KUNSTKOPFINDIANER (MOST PERFECT SOUND EDITION) MPS 9813439 (Barcode: 602498134399) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 2003 Austrian saxophonist, composer and bandleader Hans KollerFind albums by this artist was one of the most important European jazz musicians and one of the forefathers of the European modern jazz movement. This is his most legendary album and for years an impossible to find rarity among collectors. The quintet includes some of the most important European jazz players: German pianist Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist (who is also one of the European jazz giants), Polish violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist (whose untimely death at a very young age prevented him from achieving the status of the greatest jazz violinist ever), superb Polish drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and Austrian bass genius Adelhard RoidingerFind albums by this artist. Together they play some of the best European jazz ever recorded, which can be described as free melodic sketches and structures. The music was composed by the quintet members (as each of them is also a gifted composer in addition to being an exceptional instrumentalist) and is full of passion, lofty inspiration and pleasurable sophistication. The German MPSFind albums on this label label, which was active in the 1960’s and 1970’s, was the first and most important independent European jazz label (before ECMFind albums on this label, EnjaFind albums on this label, SteeplechaseFind albums by this artist and scores of others), setting incredible high standards both for the musical contents and the revolutionary audiophile sound-recording quality. This album is essential to every jazz enthusiast on earth! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER ~ RELAX WITH MY HORNS (MOST PERFECT SOUND EDITION) MPS 9813445 ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz This 1966 recording presents Hans KollerFind albums by this artist in a trio setting, but that is completely misleading, as the album has a “big” sound achieved by Koller overdubbing on 3 or four different saxophones and the bass player overdubbing on piano on some tunes, all this creating the effect of a jazz sextet or even septet. This revolutionary (at that time) approach, possible due to the arrival of multi-track recording machines, is used here with masterly taste and ingenuity. I don’t know if this was the first jazz recording using overdubs, but surely one of the first. The music is modern, post be-bop jazz at its best, with compositions mostly by Koller and the bass player. This is the last recording on which Koller plays “conventional” jazz, but the tendency towards more complex improvisations and musical freedom is evident clearly here. The performances are as brilliant, as always with Koller and the album is a jazz buff’s delight from start to finish. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER ~ THE HORSES L+R 711020 (Barcode: 4003099711020) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2008 This is a reissue of a sensational album by Austrian saxophonist / composer / bandleader Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, recorded with a Big Band called International Brass CompanyFind albums by this artist, which consisted of seventeen players from five countries and features such celebrated names like German trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Herbert JoosFind albums by this artist, Polish drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Koller, four of which are parts of a suite, which gives the album its title, inspired by the celebrated painting "The Tower Of The Blue Horses" by the German Expressionist Franc MarcFind albums by this artist, the founder of the Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) art movement. Koller was one of the most prolific Father figures of the European Jazz and he consistently produced works of the highest quality and visionary spirit in diverse settings, from intimate small ensembles to Big Bands, like on this album. Most of his albums were release by the seminal German MPSFind albums on this label label and of course they are all a must to European Jazz connoisseurs. The music is a superb example of European Big Band Jazz, and a wonderful illustration of the differences between the European perception of the Big Band (and Jazz in general) and the American Big Band tradition. There is no doubt that this music swings beautifully, but it also goes way beyond straightforward swing, incorporating many elements of modern European Jazz, like group improvisation, odd meters, polyrhythmic progression and most importantly a huge degree of freedom: melodic, harmonic and rhythmic, which American Big Bands, even the best of them, hardly ever incorporated into their modus operandi. It also exemplifies how the European Brass Music tradition can be incorporated within the Jazz idiom. The unusual instrumentation of five trumpets, three flugelhorns and five trombones, playing those wonderful tutti parts is a unique European feature. Of course the album presents superb music and is also full of brilliant soloing by all the incredible musicians involved. Stefanski deserves an honorary mention as his drum parts are absolutely marvelous and a classic example of modern Big Band drumming, but this album is a marvel from start to finish. Serious Jazz listeners, especially those interested in modern European Jazz and its fascinating history, should find this album irresistible, as it is an essential piece of the puzzle called Jazz. Get it if you can!

Updated: 26/03/2016Posted: 26/03/2016

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER / BIG BAND ~ NEW YORK CITY (MOST PERFECT SOUND EDITION) MPS 9813437 ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Absolutely astounding jazz suite / concerto for Big Band composed by Austrian composer / saxophonist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist and recorded in 1968 (but released only in 1979). The recording was done during a visit in Germany by the brilliant Czech jazz orchestra led by Gustav BromFind albums by this artist (members of the orchestra were all top Czech jazz players, including the phenomenal bassist Jiri MrazFind albums by this artist – who would soon after emigrate to the US and become George MrazFind albums by this artist). The orchestra was “strengthened” for the recording by adding some of the top German jazz players at the time (Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, Joki FreundFind albums by this artist and others) and the resulting lineup is simply phenomenal. Koller’s music is also outstanding - very modern, with some free elements and devilishly clever polyrhythmic structures. The entire suite has enough drama and substance to amaze even the most sophisticated listener and is years ahead of anything else in that musical domain. It is a prime example of the emergence of European jazz, which points in a new direction, continuing but also significantly altering the American jazz tradition. For any serious jazz aficionado this is a “must have” album essential for comprehension of the development of modern jazz. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER / FREE SOUND ~ JEANNERET (THE LOST TAPES) EMARCY 986801 ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz This previously unreleased recording from 1978 presents Koller’s suite dedicated to the Swiss visionary architect Le Corbusier (Charles Edouard Jeanneret). Since Koller was himself a devoted painter, he dedicated many of his compositions to modern Art Masters like Picasso and others. The highly developed aesthetics and understanding of modern Art is of course one of Koller’s great qualities. Koller assembled a superb quintet for this recording, which includes the German trumpeter Herbert Joos. The music is a perfect example of European free jazz, with complex textures and intricate interplay between the quintet members. The technical quality of the players is staggering and the overall result is a first class jazz experience.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER / FREE SOUND ~ PHOENIX (MOST PERFECT SOUND EDITION) MPS 9813438 ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Hans KollerFind albums by this artist was the most internationally famous Austrian jazz musician. Born in 1921, he was active on the European scene since the mid-1940’s, playing mostly jazz modeled on then contemporary American jazz. However by the mid-1950’s Koller already established a new European jazz vocabulary, like some of his pioneering European peers: Lars GullinFind albums by this artist in Sweden, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist in Poland, Martial SolalFind albums by this artist in France and many others. By the end of 1950’s Koller almost completely removed himself from the musical scene, devoting his life to painting, which was his alter-ego vocation. Only a decade later, when the free jazz movement started to spread in Europe, he returned to active performing and recording, finding this new style challenging enough for him to contribute his input. This album, recorded 1972, marks his return to full-time jazz duties and is a pivotal step not only in his personal career, but also in the entire European free jazz movement. Koller clearly defines the basic difference in approach to free jazz between the American “school”, which is highly emotional, wild and often purposely excessively chaotic and extremist, and the European “school”, which is more subdued, elegant, delicate and firmly connected to melodic structures. The entire quartet – sax / piano / bass / drums - (with three musicians much younger that the leader) performs music composed mostly by Koller and bassist Adelhard RoidingerFind albums by this artist, which retains enough melodic contents to be coherent, but adds incredible intensity and tension. A true must for serious jazz connoisseurs. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

NIKOLA KOLODZIEJCZYK ORCHESTRA ~ CHORD NATION FOR TUNE 0042 (Barcode: 5902768701487) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Nikola KolodziejczykFind albums by this artist, recorded by a twenty five piece orchestra, with members who originate from three different countries, which presents a five-part suite, which in turn is a hybrid of contemporary Classical music, classic mainstream Big Band and Free Jazz / Improvised music. There is no doubt that this is a very ambitious project, brought into reality against all odds and one that refuses to compromise and takes no prisoners. Although highly motivated and certainly ingenious, this project is not quite as revolutionary or innovative as one might imagine. In fact it continues the European orchestral Jazz tradition, which followed a different path from the American orchestral Jazz tradition, which flourished in the US in the early 20th Century and was than imported into Europe and mimicked for a few decades until the emancipation of the European Jazz in the 1960s. Since than a long line of superb European Jazz orchestras carried the torch towards new horizons, starting with the British orchestras led by Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and many others and than gradually spread across Europe and even behind the Iron Curtain, with such notable bandleaders as Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist, Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, Martial SolalFind albums by this artist, Gustav BromFind albums by this artist and such distinguished ensembles as the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist and so many others. Many of these European Jazz orchestras often use similar characteristic devices to those used in the process of making the music heard on this album: switching between melodic mainstream Big Band parts and freely improvised passages, using string arrangements and wordless human vocalese, in short the typical palette of contemporary European Jazz orchestral music. Considering Kolodziejczyk´s age, limited experience, restricted resources and all the obstacles that he had to confront in order to record this album, one must admit that this is a remarkable achievement, not only from the aesthetic perspective but also from the pure organizational one. But of course most listeners are not really interested in the behind the scenes of music making and judge it by what they hear. As far as the music is concerned, Kolodziejczyk presents a collection of sonic plateaus, which intertwine and develop slowly, and are best listened to in the sequence dictated by the album´s tracks and as a whole. The separate parts of the suite do not really stand on their own, as the melodic content of the entire proceedings is relatively limited. To use a metaphor from a different media, the suite makes sense the same way a complete canvas of a painting makes sense, and wouldn´t do so if looked at when sliced into several pieces. At times one might get the impression that this music is more about "how" than about "what". Kolodziejczyk is obviously enamored with the bag of tricks that are at his disposal as a composer / orchestrator, and with the sound of the orchestra, much more than with the actual compositions, and as a result we get a complex baroque musical structure, supported by quite simple foundations. Sometimes the instinctive urge to show as much of one´s talents as possible, here and now, can prove hazardous. This often happens to young and talented artists and is quite meaningless in a long range, provided that Kolodziejczyk is treating this project as just one of many lessons he has to go through during his long and hopefully very successful career. All in all this is a very impressive, ambitious and unusual debut album by an obviously talented musician / composer, who presents enormous potential, which hopefully will be fully realized in his future projects. Since orchestral Jazz albums are extremely rare, this is even more of a valuable contribution to the Polish Jazz scene. Thanks to For Tune for finally releasing this album, over three years after it was recorded, it´s certainly better off now in the open for all music lovers to enjoy. I am anxiously waiting for the next project.

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EMIL MANGELSDORFF & ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ EARLY DISCOVERIES SWR JAZZHAUS 459 (Barcode: 730099045957) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1953 - 1963 Released: 2018 This is a wonderful archive album by Godfathers of German Jazz, brothers Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist (trombone). The 2CD album presents live ad studio recordings from the vaults of the German SWR broadcasting corporation, captured between 1953 and 1963 and produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. The various combos include the who’s who of the pioneering German Jazz musicians of the post WWII era, such as saxophonists Joki FreundFind albums by this artist, Hans KollerFind albums by this artist (Austrian resident in Germany) and Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter TrunkFind albums by this artist, drummer Joe NayFind albums by this artist and many others. The first CD presets twelve tracks recorded by the Albert Mangelsdorff quintet from 1961, which plays four original compositions by Albert Mangelsdorff and eight standards. The music offers the glimpse of how European Jazz musicians interpreted the American Jazz tradition, mostly Bebop influenced, nearing the inevitable departure towards the more advanced modern European Jazz. The second CD presents three tracks by the German All Stars twelve-piece band (with Mangelsdorff brothers as members), all composed by Freund, and one track by the Albert Mangelsdorff / Peter Trunk duo composed by Albert Mangelsdorff, all recorded in 1963. Next come four tracks by the Joki Freund sextet (with Mangelsdorff brothers as members) playing four original compositions by Freund, recorded in 1957. This is followed by a track by the 1956 version of the German All Stars band, followed by another duo track by Albert Mangelsdorff and Hungarian (resident in Germany) guitarist Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1953. The last three tracks offer a super-rare appearance by the Austrian pianist Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist recorded in 1957, before his departure to the US and world fame. All the music is excellently recorded and offers a superb glimpse at the German Jazz scene at the late 1950s / early 1960s, when the European Jazz scene was making its formative first steps towards the independence from the American tradition, after mastering its trademarks. There is a plethora of wonderful solos and ensemble performances present, as well as examples of Albert Mangelsdorff’s love of the duo format, which dominated his entire career. Overall this is a brilliant document of the era and a must to all European Jazz fans, interested in the history and the process of its development. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 05/04/2021

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WES MONTGOMERY ~ THE NDR HAMBURG STUDIO RECORDINGS JAZZLINE 77078 (Barcode: 4049774770784) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2021 This is an archival album by the seminal American guitarist / composer Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, recorded live on April 30, 1965, during his European tour, which also included an appearance at the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist’s club in London just prior to this recording. Montgomery is supported by a dreamy octet, which includes British saxophonists Scott and Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist, and drummer Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist (the 3 Ronnies), Austrian saxophonist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Europe from 1963) saxophonist Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, French pianist Martial SolalFind albums by this artist and bassist Michel GaudryFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, four of which are Montgomery’s originals, two are by Ross, one each by Solal and Griffin, one is by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist and one is a standard. The recording offers a brilliant sound quality. The bonus BD offers a half an hour glimpse at the octet’s rehearsal a couple of days before the concert. Montgomery was at the top of his career at the time and his death, which came just three years after this recording was made, was a complete shock and a tragic premature end of his life and career. The guitarist feels absolutely delighted supported by these European musicians, who offered already at that time a much more refined, delicate and ambitious approach to the Bebop atmosphere, and presented a highly sophisticated individual abilities as soloists. The music is performed at a relaxed atmosphere, which emphasizes the obvious camaraderie between the musicians, and is in interesting document of the European scene at the time, as well as a tribute to Montgomery’s brilliant and innovative approach to the guitar. Overall, for the many fans of Montgomery, this is an absolute must, not only as a document of his performances, but especially due to the unusual setting in which these recordings were made. One has to be grateful to those Germans, who keep all that historical material in perfect form, as usual.

Updated: 09/02/2024Posted: 09/02/2024

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UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ CRAZY DAYS: PLAYS THE MUSIC OF ED PUDDICK ATS 0972 (Barcode: 9005216009725) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is an album by the Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist and including many excellent Austrian Jazz musicians like trombonist Robert BachnerFind albums by this artist, pianist Helmar HillFind albums by this artist and others. The UAJO albums present usually either a concept or special guest, and in this case both, as the music is dedicated to the Jazz compositions / arrangements by British Jazz composer / arranger / bandleader Ed PuddickFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions by Puddick, the last five of which are parts of a five-part suite, ominously titled “The Brexit Suite”. The music is a wonderful example of contemporary European Big Band Jazz, full of brilliant compositions dazzlingly executed by the UAJO conducted by Puddick, who managed to travel to Austria from the UK amidst the crazy time dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Brexit crisis. Puddick, who studied with such great Big Band Masters as British Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Austrian Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, continues the European tradition, which calls for complex multilayered and cross-genre compositions and ensemble performances, and the UAJO is just the perfect partner in crime to deliver Puddick’s compositions in their full glory. Overall, this is a great piece of music, which combines the best possible characteristics of modern European Jazz compositions with the Big Band sound, creating an irresistible amalgam of European Big Band Jazz. The UAJO is definitely one of my favorite European Jazz Big Bands and their versatility and marvelous playing and dedication to the music are apparent here, as on all their recordings, all of which are worth exploring. This s definitely one of their most impressive achievements, which deserves to be heard by every true Jazz lover around the globe!

Updated: 20/09/2021Posted: 20/09/2021

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UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ IN THE SPIRIT OF HANS KOLLER ATS 0918 (Barcode: 9005216009183) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is an album by the veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which is a tribute to the Godfather of Austrian Jazz, saxophonist / composer / bandleader / painter Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, who is also the most internationally famous Austrian Jazzman (except perhaps for Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, which most people consider an American anyway). The album was recorded live at the legendary Viennese club Porgy & Bess and presents the orchestra, led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, in its full glory: four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a rhythm section (piano / guitar / bass / drums). The double CD album presents fourteen superb compositions by the orchestra members, all inspired / based on original compositions by Koller. Koller, who was one of the great pioneers of European Jazz, working with many German and other European musicians from the 1950s onwards recorded some of the most pivotal Jazz albums of the emerging European Jazz scene, some of them for the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label, truly deserves this loving tribute and it is great to see that his achievements are not forgotten. The music, as expected, is absolutely sublime from start to finish, an exquisite example of European Big Band Jazz music, with sophisticated arrangements, clever balance between the sections, elegance and lyricism, all combined to create a powerful, moving experience. Although recorded live, the orchestra manages to perform the intricate arrangements perfectly and with full emotional engagement. The performance offers many exquisite solos by the orchestra members and the music flows wonderfully for the entire duration, a true feast for the ears. Although Austria is rarely at the center of attention as far as Jazz is concerned, this album clearly proves that the country has a lot to offer in that field. Over the years the Austrian Jazz schools educated generations of excellent musicians and the lively local scene is certainly worth checking out. Many heartfelt thanks to Christian Maurer, who sent me a bunch of his recordings, enabling me to catch up with the Austrian Jazz scene, which I have admittedly neglected lately. Chapeau bas my friend – great job keeping the music alive!

Updated: 30/04/2019Posted: 14/04/2019

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ZOLLER / KOLLER / SOLAL ~ ZOLLER KOLLER SOLAL (MOST PERFECT SOUND EDITION) MPS 843107 ~ HUNGARY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 This recording unites three of the greatest European jazz musicians at the time in order to perform as a trio (without bass / drums), a setting pretty adventurous and ambitious. The resulting music is simply breathtaking – a series of solo, duo and trio performances by telepathically connected musical geniuses. Hungarian guitarist Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist, Austrian saxophonist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist and French pianist Martial SolalFind albums by this artist were all seasoned musicians with a proven record and much mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talent. Often putting such highly individual players together can turn out sour, but in this case it works magic. The interplay is phenomenal and the music is elegant and intriguing. The nine compositions they perform include four Zoller originals and one by Koller. The rest are standards, which are a given a very unique treatment. The album was produced by the legendary European jazz critic / writer / producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist (my dearly beloved Friend and Mentor, unfortunately no longer with us), who also wrote the liner notes for the album. Let me quote just one passage: "The improvisations that Zoller, Koller and Solal play in their solos, duos and trios are very European in spirit – and one hardly needs to add that, in a year when American jazz magazines have praised European jazz records more highly then ever before, the word "European" can imply a special seal of quality, even in jazz. Attila Zoller, the Hungarian, who, via Germany has made America his chosen land… - Martial Solal, the Frenchman from Algeria… - and Hans Koller, the Austrian tenor saxophonist who paints abstract art on the German-Swiss border: they build a trio that is completely different from a group of musicians who have all grown up together in Hastings Street in Detroit. Zoller-Koller-Solal: a guitarist, a saxophonist, and a pianist who all have the courage to be in jazz what they were born to in life – Europeans with the whole, rich variety of this continent. And this is especially evident in their ensemble playing." Needless to say this album also received a five star rating from the American "down beat". Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted:

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