Record Reviews

MARKUS BURGER / JAN VON KLEWITZ ~ ACCIDENTAL TOURISTS CHALLENGE 73403 (Barcode: 608917340327) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 2015 This is an album by German pianist / composer Markus BurgerFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / composer Jan von KlewitzFind albums by this artist, which is a lovely tribute to the legendary British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who also takes part in this project, as does British vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, German trombonist Stefan LottermannFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin GjakonovskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Felix AstorFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live and remained unreleased for twenty two years, to be finally released following the lamented passing of Wheeler. The album presents eight original compositions, four each by Burger and von Klewitz, arranged as series of five movements and three codas. The music is quintessential modern European Jazz, which floats between Free Form and more organized / melodic moments, all beautifully performed by the German / British septet. Despite the rather busy setting the music is full of breathing space and offers some spectacular collective improvisations, which are wonderfully ornamented by Winstone´s stunning vocal parts. The album also presents some relaxed, melodic passages, with Winstone singing lyrics, (which she most probably wrote although the album´s liner notes don´t mention this explicitly). The entire eight part suite flows naturally and coherently and offers a fertile ground for the superb soloing by all participants, as well as collective contributions. Wheeler performs several stellar solos, which are pure mastership. Overall this is a highly exciting musical journey and a superb document of the talents of the two composers as much as the spectacular abilities of Wheeler and Winstone. Considering the fact that this music was being hidden in the vault for so long, it is a great pleasure to be able to listen to it, better late than never. The album suffers from imperfect sound quality at times, but this recording was never actually meant to be released commercially, and of course in view of the importance of this document, the sound quality issue becomes secondary. For the many Wheeler / Winstone enthusiasts, this is a must have of course, so spread the word and grab it as long as it is available. Highly recommended!

Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 27/06/2018

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