Record Reviews

TRILOK GURTU ~ SPELLBOUND MOOSICUS 1206 (Barcode: 4017425120622) ~ INDIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is an album by the legendary Indian percussionist / composer Trilok GurtuFind albums by this artist, dedicated to Jazz trumpet players and their music. It features guest trumpet players from different countries: Turkish Hasan GozetlikFind albums by this artist, Norwegian Nils Petter MolvaerFind albums by this artist, Lebanese Ibrahim MaaloufFind albums by this artist, Italian Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist, German Matthias SchrieflFind albums by this artist and Matthias HofsFind albums by this artist and American Ambrose AkinmusireFind albums by this artist. The opening and closing snippets feature the legendary Don CherryFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded in many studios in Turkey, Norway, France, Germany, USA, and Italy. The album presents twelve tracks, mostly composed by Gurtu but also including music by Dizzy GillespieFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Don Cherry. The music is, as usual in Gurtu’s case, an orgy of rhythms and sounds, based on brilliant compositions by Gurtu and the celebrated trumpeters / composers, which feature him playing a myriad of percussive instruments and singing konnakol improvisations, supported by his trio, which includes Turkish keyboardist Tulug TirpanFind albums by this artist and Spanish bassist Jonathan CuniadoFind albums by this artist, and other guests. Together they support the a.m. guest trumpeters and create a truly multi-national ensemble united by love of music. The music amalgamates Jazz and various ethnic influences, Funk and Fusion in a unique way, which makes everything sound completely naturally and in perfect symbiosis, demonstrating again that music knows no geographic or national borders. Overall, this is a superb example of Jazz-World Fusion, which is completely universal and able to reach listeners from the entire world and all music genres. Jazz trumpet lovers and World Music lovers should find this music irresistible.

Updated: 14/01/2026Posted: 14/01/2026

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ROLF KUHN ~ CLOSE UP JAZZWERKSTATT 089 (Barcode: 4250079758487) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the second album by veteran German clarinetist / composer Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist (born 1929) recorded with his sensational new (at the time) quartet, which features also the veteran bassist Johannes FinkFind albums by this artist and two excellent representatives of the young German Jazz scene, guitarist Ronny GraupeFind albums by this artist and drummer Christian LillingerFind albums by this artist. Another young and upcoming German musician, trumpeter Matthias SchrieflFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents nine pieces, eight of which are original compositions: five by Kuhn, two by Graupe and one by Fink. The remaining piece is a special arrangement of a standard. Kuhn´s musical life is almost completely parallel to the entire Jazz lifeline and he is one of the very few musicians, who managed to say "on top of things" for the entire duration of his life up to now. Anybody listening to this music, not aware of Kuhn´s biography, could easily assume that the clarinetist belongs to the same generation as his young quartet members, although they are separated by more that half a Century, which of course is absolutely amazing. The music is contemporary modern European Jazz, not entirely Free Form and including melodic themes, but performed completely openly, with huge degree of freedom allowed to all the participants. Full of virtuosic contributions by the leader and the rest of the crew, the music flows briskly and is over way too soon. There is not a dull moment on this album and the music is filled with elegance, typical European aesthetics and sophistication. Kuhn´s clarinet sound is completely unique and beautifully merges the long tradition of the instrument with contemporary approach. He is not only one of the most technically brilliant clarinetists, but more importantly is able to pour his soul into the instrument, producing a most heartwrenching sound, which is simply irresistible. This album is a must have for all European Jazz enthusiasts, clarinet lovers and connoisseurs of great music. It is recommended to check out this album´s predecessor entitled "RollercoasterFind albums with this title" and the brilliant 2015 release "StereoFind albums with this title", both recorded with the same quartet. Hats off!

Updated: 09/01/2017Posted: 09/01/2017

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend