Record Reviews

JAZZ CITY CHOIR ~ JAZZ CITY CHOIR AMI 001 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is the excellent debut album by Polish vocal ensemble Jazz City ChoirFind albums by this artist, which comprises of nine female and male vocalists singing together arrangements of Jazz compositions in a new and unprecedented way. Although vocal Jazz ensembles, usually quartets, have a longstanding tradition in Jazz, and even in their native Poland (the superb NOVIFind albums by this artist quartet), there were very few attempts to take Jazz vocals to the full extent of choir level, like this one. Listeners familiar with this particular niche might remember the work of Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, which also used a choir effect, but it was achieved by multi-tracking the four members of the ensemble, whereas here we have a genuine choir at hand. The album presents six compositions, four of which are Jazz standards arranged by Pawel ZielakFind albums by this artist, the choir´s house arranger, and two compositions created especially for the choir, one by its soprano singer Joanna KucharczykFind albums by this artist and another by composer Jan SanejkoFind albums by this artist, a young and very talented person worth watching!. Five of the six compositions feature a lead soloist, which in four cases is the choir´s music director and conductor Anna GadtFind albums by this artist and in one case the wonderful Polish singer Grzegorz KarnasFind albums by this artist. Five of the compositions feature vocalese only and one – Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist´s "Spain" – features partly lyrics, written by Al JarreauFind albums by this artist and sung in English. The initial impact of this album is completely overwhelming; the power, complexity and inherent beauty of human voices harmonizing and building up multi-layered structures, multiplied by ten individual sound signatures, is breathtaking. Of course in time the initial shock gives way to a more articulate reception, but moving on into the music the stimulation of brain cells continues up to the moment when the very last sound resonates into silence. This is really something else… Of course a detached and coolheaded analysis reveals certain problems and imperfections, most serious of which is the dichotomy between the musical devices (in this case choral devices) used by the choir, which almost all originate in the world of Classical Music or even earlier musical forms like Medieval chants or early Church music. The transition of these devices into the world of Jazz has puzzled many composers / performers over the years, with varying results. Nevertheless, Jazz City Choir manages to swing at all times, which after all is the basic quality one expects from anything under the Jazz umbrella, even if their tools and paraphernalia originate in another world. Using lyrics, and especially in English, was a completely unnecessary move, exposing their weakest link, but considering it is a minor part of the entire presentation, it can be easily forgiven and hopefully forgotten. Overall this is a stunning debut and the thought what these people might come up with next is scary (in a positive way). I simply can´t wait! It´s an absolute most for anybody fond of vocal Jazz in all forms and shapes and of course for connoisseurs of the Jazz-Classical Fusion sub-genre. Respect!

CD 1 Digipak 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

SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ A CAPELLA MPS 042281567124 (Barcode: 042281567124) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 1984 This is a reissue of the 2nd album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental accompaniment) ten carefully selected Pop songs and Jazz standards, brilliantly arranged by Puerling. They would release two sequels to this album, their 6th and 12th albums called “A Capella IIFind albums with this title” and “A Capella IIIFind albums with this title” respectively. Although not a strictly a Jazz album per se, it demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which influenced generations of American singers of all genres, including The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom. These a cappella performances are breathtaking and timeless. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre. It is great to hear this timeless classic and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! 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: 13/02/2025Posted: 13/02/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ A CAPELLA II MPS 042282186027 (Barcode: 042282186027) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 1984 This is a reissue of the 6th album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental accompaniment) twelve carefully selected Pop songs, brilliantly arranged by Puerling, many of which became Jazz standards. It is a sequel to their 2nd album called simply “A CapellaFind albums with this title”. Although not a strictly a Jazz album per se, it demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which influenced generations of American singers of all genres, including The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom. These a cappella performances are breathtaking and timeless. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre. It is great to have this timeless classic back in circulation and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! 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: 21/01/2025Posted: 21/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ A CAPELLA III MPS 042282188229 (Barcode: 042282188229) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 1984 This is a reissue of the 12th album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental accompaniment) twelve carefully selected Pop songs and Jazz standards, brilliantly arranged by Puerling. It is a sequel to their 2nd and 6th albums called “A CapellaFind albums with this title” and “A Capella IIFind albums with this title”. Although not a strictly a Jazz album per se, it demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which influenced generations of American singers of all genres, including The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom. These a cappella performances are breathtaking and timeless. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre. It is great to hear this timeless classic and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! 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: 07/02/2025Posted: 07/02/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ A SPECIAL BLEND MPS 042284141222 (Barcode: 042284141222) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 Released: 1984 This is a reissue of the 8th album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform nine carefully selected Pop songs and Jazz standards, brilliantly arranged by Puerling, and they are accompanied by some great American Jazz instrumentalists: pianist Clare FisherFind albums by this artist, flautist / clarinetist Don Shelton, bassist Jim HughartFind albums by this artist, drummers John GuerinFind albums by this artist or Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist, guitarists Dennis BudimirFind albums by this artist or John MorrellFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Chuck FindleyFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Gary FosterFind albums by this artist, Peter ChristliebFind albums by this artist and Bill PerkinsFind albums by this artist and vibraphonist Victor FeldmanFind albums by this artist. Although not a strictly a Jazz album per se, it demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which influenced generations of American singers of all genres.He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom. These vocal performances are breathtaking and timeless. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre. It is great to hear this timeless classic and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! 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: 10/02/2025Posted: 10/02/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ CHRISTMAS MPS 4029759116004 (Barcode: 4029759116004) ~ USA ~ Xmas Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of the 3rd album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform a cappella seventeen Christmas songs, most of which are traditional Carrols arranged by Puerling and six are original compositions by American Jazz trumpeter Alfred S. BurtFind albums by this artist, which in time entered the list of Christmas favorites. Although not strictly a Jazz album per se, this album demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which BTW influenced generations of American singers of all genres, including The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom. These a cappella performances are breathtaking and timeless, and regardless of the Christmas material, can and should be listened to at any time of the year. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre. It is great to have this timeless classic back in circulation and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! 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: 21/01/2025Posted: 19/12/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SINGERS UNLIMITED / ART VAN DAMME ~ INVITATION MPS 4029759097464 (Barcode: 4029759097464) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the 5th album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, which comprised of Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. The group was discovered by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist, owner of the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label Records, who produced, recorded and released most of their albums between 1971 and 1977. On this album they are accompanied by the American accordionist Art Van DammeFind albums by this artist (a pioneering Jazz accordionist) and a dreamy team comprising of top German Jazz players: guitarist Sigi SchwabFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Heribert ThusekFind albums by this artist, bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Charly AntoliniFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eleven popular songs and Jazz standards, carefully arranged for the vocal and instrumental ensembles. Although this album presents the lighter side of the Jazz idiom, it is far from being trivial. Singers Unlimited was one of the top vocal Jazz quartets at the time and had very little competition in their highly sophisticated multilayered vocal arrangements, except the Polish ensemble NOVIFind albums by this artist Singers. The instrumental work is also a living proof of the level of European Jazz players at the time, which was not inferior to anything coming from across the pond. This album is a great fun to listen to, even though decades passed since it was recorded. Fans of vocal Jazz and especially vocal ensembles which sung in perfect harmony as if they were created by a multi-mouthed being should have a field day with this music. I suppose there are not too many accordion Jazz fans around, but those few out there will find this to be an absolute must. 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: 21/01/2025Posted: 01/07/2016

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend