Record Reviews

UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ SALTCHAMBERMUSIC ATS 1028 (Barcode: 9005216010288) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025 This is the 14th album by the Austrian Jazz Big Band, called Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, established in 1992 and still going strong under the leadership of saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist. On this album the UAJO has two guests: vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist and violinist / composer Johannes DickbauerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by the orchestra members, except one by Dickbauer and one by Austrian operetta composer Ralph BenatzkyFind albums by this artist. As usual, in the case of UAJO albums, there is a concept / leading theme behind the music, and this time it’s Austrian Folklore and tradition, celebrating the Austrian region of Salzkammergut (hence the title) becoming the European Capital of Culture. The music offers, as usual, a brilliant collection of complex Big Band arrangements and superb original compositions, which embodies the Austrian tradition of Brass Bands and modern European Big Band Jazz at its absolute best. The folkloristic elements are clearly audible, but are cleverly incorporated into the Jazz element, which produces the usual excellent coherent flow, ornamented by the scorching soloing by the orchestra members, all of whom are world class musicians. Overall, this is another triumphant recording by one of the best European Jazz Big Bands and certainly one of my personal favorite music making entity, which I have been following for many years. It is full of great music, classy performances, a dash of humor and faultless precision in both arrangements and execution. As usual, hats off for pulling another one of your projects and keeping on in these crazy times.

Updated: 06/09/2025Posted: 06/09/2025

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