Record Reviews

MONTY ALEXANDER ~ MONTREUX ALEXANDER MPS 4029759113454 (Barcode: 4029759113454) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of an album by American (born in Jamaica) pianist Monty AlexanderFind albums by this artist, which was his seventh album for MPSFind albums on this label and the first live recording with his trio, captured as the title suggests at the Montreux Jazz Festival, which also included bassist John ClaytonFind albums by this artist and drummer Jeff HamiltonFind albums by this artist. The trio performs six pieces, five of which are standards and one is a traditional tune arranged by Alexander. Alexander was influenced by the Giants of the American Jazz piano, like Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, Erroll GarnerFind albums by this artist and many others, and his technically brilliant playing mixed these influences with the Caribbean elements of his origins, creating a very attractive and immensely popular brand of piano trio Jazz, which brought him success in the US and in Europe. This album is considered to be the best effort of his very extensive recorded legacy and is often also included in the list of some of the best live piano trio albums. In retrospect it still is a good piano trio album, but nothing which deserves to be considered a classic, as it presents nothing beyond standard interpretation of standard tunes, which of course was done repetitively over time, however skillful and "flashy" it might appear, without leaving a lasting influence on the Jazz idiom. However, considering the brilliant sound quality of the live recording and the likeability of the music, this album is sure to bring plenty of joy to people who enjoy the lighter side of Jazz. As usual it´s great to have this album back in circulation! 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: 17/12/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ REFLECTIONS ART OF LIFE 1005 (Barcode: 804640100522) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 2003 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is a living legend. Considered as one of the true forefathers of modern British and European Jazz, has been a source of inspiration and musical joy to Jazz connoisseurs since the 1960s. Fortunately for us, Jazz lovers, Beck continues his remarkable career, producing exquisite musical marvels, now in his 7th decade. He seems to be untouchable by time and his playing is as vigorous and energetic, as it was 40 years ago. This marvelous solo piano concert brilliantly recorded by the BBC, portraits Beck, as he truly is – a romantic, gentle and highly intelligent musician with thousands of volts running through his magic fingers. The album is a tribute to the genius of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, including one of his compositions and standards Evans often played. But it is way beyond just a tribute; it is a re-examination of the entire Jazz piano tradition, and even a reflection on Beck’s entire lifetime as a pianist. Although very much an innovator and ceaseless explorer, Beck never ignored the 100 years of piano playing by other Jazz piano giants. Therefore in addition to traces of Evans, there are subtle hints of such divers musicians as Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and countless other piano players creating an amalgam, which in Beck’s hands become a unique new creation. Listening to the uplifting music could be one of the most enjoyable hours ever spent while listening to music and I wish every Jazz enthusiast would come across it. The album also includes a bonus track, which has Beck performing a composition by his life-long musical partner, guitarist Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, who collaborated with Beck on many recordings. This album is an absolute must have for Jazz piano lovers of all ages, a work of rare sensibility and artistic perfection. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GUSTAV BROM ~ JAZZ GALEN 19 157 (Barcode: 8594042901668) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1965 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the sensational debut album by Czech Jazz arranger / bandleader Gustav BromFind albums by this artist, who headed for five decades one the most renowned and highly regarded Jazz Orchestras / Big Bands in the world. This album, originally released in 1965, presents five (one a three-part suite) original compositions by musicians from his orchestra (two by trumpeter Jaromir HnilickaFind albums by this artist, and one each by saxophonist Josef AudesFind albums by this artist, pianist Oldrich BlachaFind albums by this artist and bassist Milan Rezabek)Find albums by this artist, one composition by the legendary modern Czech composer Pavel BlatnyFind albums by this artist and one arrangement (by saxophonist Zdenek NovakFind albums by this artist) of a standard by Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist. This remastered edition offers a crystal clear sound quality and preserves the specific ambience of the original recording. It is almost impossible to believe that this music was recorded fifty-five years ago, as the music is so incredibly advanced and sophisticated in comparison to contemporary orchestral Jazz and light years ahead of what other Jazz orchestras around the world were playing at the time this music was recoded behind the Iron Curtain. The influence of Gunther SchullerFind albums by this artist´s "Third Stream" is especially obvious on the Blatny´s piece, but also resonates in the other pieces, as do Cool Jazz and the entire American West Coast ambience, but again only lurking somewhere in the background rather than being copied or mimicked. Brom manages to create his very own atmosphere, basically his very own unique statement. The level of the technical proficiency of the orchestra members is no less astounding, and easily matches that of players across the European divide as well as across the pond. The same easily applies to the arrangements and the overall orchestra sound. Brom and his Orchestra managed to record a string of highly successful albums, all of which are warmly recommended, especially those which feature his cooperation with the Polish composer Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist, but this iconic album, available here on CD for the first time, is a true gem of special significance. For connoisseurs of Orchestral / Big Band Jazz this album is an absolute must and a wonderful example of the European Jazz idiosyncrasy. Side Note The Czech publishing house and record label GalenFind albums on this label, run by Lubomir HoudekFind albums by this artist, is another player on the local scene, reissuing historical recordings from the deep vaults of the SupraphonFind albums on this label / PantonFind albums on this label labels, supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture. This commendable initiative is a wonderful example of the preservation of Cultural heritage. Hopefully the label's future releases will include information in English in the album's booklets, so that Jazz enthusiasts around the world might be allowed to share the knowledge. For more reissues of Czechoslovak Jazz (and Rock) see also the releases by Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records.

Updated: 02/06/2020Posted: 02/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GEORGE DUKE ~ FACES IN REFLECTION PROMISING MUSIC 44103 (Barcode: 602517546479) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008 American keyboardist / composer George DukeFind albums by this artist first came to prominence in the late 1960s, when he recorded with the French violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, who was invited to record in the US following his festival appearances. The association with Ponty opened quite a few doors for Duke, eventually leading to his stint with Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, as well as his recording contract with the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label. He recorded 8 albums for the label between 1971 and 1976, of which this was the 3rd. Duke was a strange choice for MPS, as it concentrated mainly on presenting the European Jazz scene (the only exception was a series of albums recorded by Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist), with strong Avant-Garde and later European Jazz-Rock Fusion, which was much more advanced that its American counterpart. Although Duke was closely associated with the US Jazz-Rock Fusion scene in the 1970s, playing with such prominent musicians like Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist and many others, his Fusion approach was strongly based on Blues, Funk and Soul, his “native” musical areas. Therefore his MPS recordings can be considered as some of the most commercial and accessible recordings ever released by this label. On this album Duke uses a trio (John HeardFind albums by this artist – bass and Leon Ndugu ChanclerFind albums by this artist – drums) and plays a wide array of synthesizers. He composed all but one of the tunes (the only composition, which isn’t his is by the Brazilian genius Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist, and points towards Duke’s fascination with Brazilian music, which would flourish later in his career). There is no doubt about Duke’s brilliant technique as a player and his use of synthesizers is revolutionary at that time, but the compositions are definitely on the lighter side of Jazz and his vocals (however sparsely used) completely unnecessary. As much as I like Duke’s playing and many of his recordings, this is not one of his absolute highlights, even if it is much better that most of his later recordings starting from the 1980s and up to now. Nevertheless it is still a solid and enjoyable album worthy of being remembered. Of course many of his fans will enjoy this quality reissue with beautifully remastered sound and superb packaging.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EYRAN KATSENELENBOGEN ~ 88 FINGERS EYRAN 9008 (Barcode: 663330900824) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2009 Every new album by Israeli (resident in US) pianist Eyran KatsenelenbogenFind albums by this artist feels to me like a birthday of a new grandchild… after all Eyran started his illustrious career by recording two albums on my Jazzis label, before he achieved his international fame and recognition. Today critics compare Eyran´s work to such outstanding Jazz pianists like Art TatumFind albums by this artist and Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, but the seeds of his genius were evident already then, when he was taking his first steps towards greatness. Eyran was always an exceptional musician. Both his technical proficiency but even more so his incredible feel for the Jazz improvisation turn him into a unique phenomenon among thousands of good piano players around the world. Talent can not be measured of course and the appreciation of art is a completely subjective experience. But when a talent, such as the one Eyran is blessed with, is developing consistently (this is Eyran´s 10th album), one can take for granted the fact that every new recording he produces will reveal new layers of his great gift. This new album does that again, with Eyran choosing as the base for his solo piano improvisations themes by Classical composers, like Modest MussorgskyFind albums by this artist and Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist, expanding his usual choice of Jazz standards and Israeli contemporary music. It is of course impossible to convey in words the beauty of the music and the feelings it inspires, listening to it is the only way to plunge into its magic. I could ramble on about the music, but honestly, just get a copy, put it on, close your eyes and let the music take you wherever it might take you. Eyran is a master of soul exploration; therefore no soul can stay indifferent under his spell.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ONDREJ KRAJNAK ~ FOREVERNEST HEVHETIA 0067 (Barcode: 8588005257046) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is a wonderful solo piano album by Slovak Jazz pianist / composer / arranger Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist. It is a loving and beautiful tribute to the music of Slovak pianist / composer Ernest OlahFind albums by this artist, an outstanding figure of the first post WWII generation, who never truly achieved the recognition and fame he deserved, and who died prematurely in 2002 at the age of sixty, never releasing even a singular album as a leader during his lifetime. This album presents six original compositions by Olah and one original composition by Krajnak, dedicated to him. The album was produced by Ernest Olah´s son Roman OlahFind albums by this artist. Olah was not only a great pianist but also a wonderful composer of Jazz and contemporary Classical music and it is sad that his work is almost unknown. This album remedies the situation slightly, but hopefully more of Olah´s music will be rediscovered in the future. Olah admired Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist and was able to imitate his playing very reliably, but of course his most important contributions were his original works. Krajnak emerges as an ideal choice of a pianist, who was trusted with the responsibility to present Olah´s music as perhaps he would have done himself. A pianist of virtuosic ability but more importantly exceptional feeling Krajnak is able to expose all the wonderful Eastern European lyricism of Olah´s compositions. Delicate, sophisticated and aesthetically challenging, every touch of the keyboard is simply right there exactly where is fits the music in the best way possible. This album is like a string of pearls with the individual notes sitting next to each other, gleaming in the light of a flickering candlelight, building the overwhelming effect of the whole string, which is after all much more than a collection of the individual pearls. A true gem in every respect, it is timeless, beyond classification and comparison; it simply is…

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ADAM MAKOWICZ ~ WINTER FLOWERS GOWI 02 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 1993 This is a reissue of a solo piano album by the brilliant Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam MakowiczFind albums by this artist, which was originally recorded in Czechoslovakia and released on the SupraphonFind albums on this label label. It was the third solo piano album by Makowicz (see "Live EmbersFind albums with this title" and "Piano Vistas UnlimitedFind albums with this title" recorded earlier), recorded shortly before he left for the US, where he recorded his first American album, also solo piano, and entitled simply "AdamFind albums with this title". Both these albums were released more or less in parallel. This album presents ten original compositions by Makowicz. Several tunes on this album were also recorded for the US album, some under different names, which included in addition to Makowicz originals also five standards. Makowicz was one of the very few Polish Jazz musicians that managed to establish a solid career in the US and lived there for many years, before moving to Canada. His technical brilliance and extensive Classical Music background allowed him to establish a concert pianist career. He was banned in Poland after moving to the US and the ban was lifted only after the fall of the Socialist regime, but this Czechoslovak album was available during that dark period. Makowicz is known for his love and interpretation of the music of Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist and his original music bears Chopin´s influence almost in every aspect: melodically, harmonically and lyrically. One might speculate that if Chopin would have lived in our times, his music might have sounded very similar to that of Makowicz. In the US Makowicz was often compared to Art TatumFind albums by this artist and Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, but honestly these comparisons are quite inappropriate, as Tatum and Peterson might have been symbols of piano playing technique but did not possess the European idiosyncrasies that only European born musicians are blessed with. In retrospect this album lost nothing of its charm and elegance and personally is still my favorite Makowicz album, perhaps because it is entirely based on his original music. A classic Jazz piano album and a must for all fans of Polish Jazz of course!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

OSCAR PETERSON ~ EXCLUSIVELY FOR MY FRIENDS MPS 4029759103257 (Barcode: 4029759103257) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1971 Released: 2015 This Box Set presents the reissues of the six albums ("ActionFind albums with this title", "Girl TalkFind albums with this title", "The Way I Really PlayFind albums with this title", "My Favorite InstrumentFind albums with this title", "Mellow MoodFind albums with this title" and "Travelin` OnFind albums with this title") recorded by the legendary Canadian pianist Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist between 1963 and 1968. The music was recorded at the private villa owned by German music producer Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist during a series of house concerts entitled "Exclusively For My Friends", which were recorded using the private studio located in the villa. When Brunner-Schwer started the now legendary MPSFind albums on this label label in 1968, he released these six albums on his new label with great artistic and commercial success. The Box Set also includes two later releases, which collect previously unreleased material from these sessions, as well as from later sessions by Peterson recorded for MPS, entitled "The Lost Tapes 1Find albums with this title" & "The Lost Tapes 2Find albums with this title". Most of the music was recorded in a classic piano trio format and features bassists Ray BrownFind albums by this artist and Sam JonesFind albums by this artist and drummers Ed ThigpenFind albums by this artist, Bobby DurhamFind albums by this artist and Louis HayesFind albums by this artist, except for "My Favorite Instrument", which is a solo piano album and a couple of tracks on the "The Lost Tapes 2" which feature other players. Although Peterson is often considered as "one of the greatest Jazz pianists", mostly by American Jazz critics and writers, this is definitely a big exaggeration. He was undoubtedly one of the most technically proficient Jazz pianists and was loved by many Jazz fans for his smooth and accessible approach, but in retrospect, his decision to say deeply within the Jazz mainstream during the period when Jazz was moving rapidly forward, made his overall contribution to Jazz rather marginal. His style was always flashy and extremely pretentious, which was sometimes hard to bear. These splendidly recorded albums and their perfect execution did not save the music from aging rather ungracefully, and today they sound sort of banal and a bit dull overall. Of course connoisseurs of classic piano trio Jazz recordings will find here plenty of satisfying moments, but more up to date listeners might find this quite passé. Take your pick! 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: 26/01/2019Posted: 20/05/2018

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

OSCAR PETERSON ~ WALKING THE LINE MPS 4029759113447 (Barcode: 4029759113447) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of an album by Canadian Jazz pianist / composer Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, which was his tenth album for MPSFind albums on this label out of the fifteen albums he recorded for the label, all produced by the legendary label´s founder Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist. The album features a trio, which includes bassist Jiri MrazFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. George MrazFind albums by this artist) and drummer Ray PriceFind albums by this artist, and performs eight tunes, one of which is an original composition by Peterson and seven are standards. Peterson is considered as one of the greatest Jazz piano players of all times and has to this day many faithful fans all over the world. He undoubtedly was a Master musician and his technique was nothing short of brilliant, but his repertoire stayed within very constrained, mainstream oriented material, leaning towards the more entertaining side of the Jazz idiom. As such, his audiences included many music listeners beyond the strict Jazz sphere. Although brilliantly recorded and wonderfully swinging, this music, especially in retrospect, made little impact on the development of the Jazz idiom. Peterson recorded very prolifically (over two hundred albums), but his albums sounded all quite similar to one another, and this album is no exception. The many Peterson fans will surely love to have this album back in circulation, especially with an enhanced / remastered sound and elegant packaging. 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: 20/12/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

OSCAR PETERSON / SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ IN TUNE MPS 4029759124009 (Barcode: 4029759124009) ~ CANADA ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of an album that puts together two of the most popular recording acts of the MPSFind albums on this label label: Canadian pianist Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, here with Czech bassist Jiri MrazFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. George MrazFind albums by this artist) and American drummer Louis HayesFind albums by this artist, and the American vocal Jazz quartet Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist and also including Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eleven popular songs and Jazz standards, with vocal arrangements by Puerling. This was the first recording Singers Unlimited made for MPS, which led to seven years of cooperation with the label. It was Peterson who made the connection between the Singers Unlimited and the label in the first place. The album was recorded in 1971 but originally released only a couple of years later, following the phenomenal success of two albums by Singer Unlimited: "A CapellaFind albums with this title" and "ChristmasFind albums with this title". This "two for the price of one" setting might have had a commercial appeal at the time, but artistically sounds rather pale, especially in retrospect, bordering what would now be called Smooth Jazz. Although perfectly executed, both by the trio and the vocalists, the music has little depth and adds nothing substantial neither to the classic piano trio or vocal quartet achievements in the history of the Jazz idiom. However, there are plenty of fine moments herein, like the superb bass playing by Mraz or vocal harmonies by the quartet, which lost nothing of their charm over the years. As such the album is a delightful nostalgic trip down the memory lane, especially in view of the exquisite recording quality. Listeners who like the "cocktail party" Jazz sound should be absolutely delighted! 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: 24/02/2018

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend