Record Reviews

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

VIENNA ART ORCHESTRA ~ A NOTION IN PERPETUAL MOTION HATOLOGY 679 (Barcode: 752156067924) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1985 Released: 2010 The Austrian modern Big Band / ensemble Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist is probably the most ambitious gathering of European Jazz musicians ever attempted and one of the most (probably the most) successful effort of this kind. Led by composer / arranger / bandleader Mathias RüeggFind albums by this artist, who writes most of the music performed by the orchestra, is a Master of his craft and the amount of music done by him in the last three decades amounts to a gigantic body of work unparalleled by any other of his contemporaries. The orchestra members are all top Austrian Jazz players, as well as many guest musicians from other European countries. This live recording captures one of the most interesting periods of the band, which included the incredible vocals by Lauren NewtonFind albums by this artist, in addition to numerous superb musicians, such as saxophonists Harry SokalFind albums by this artist, Roman SchwallerFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Herbert JoosFind albums by this artist and many others. The music is absolutely breathtaking and brilliant from start to finish; every moment catches the listener completely unprepared and leaves him absolutely stunned when the album is over. This is an utmost case in point of the European way to do things, which places all American Big Bands miles in the rear. An absolute must to any serious Jazz listener and an everlasting example of musical ingenuity. Essential!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend