Record Reviews
12 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ROBERT BACHNER ~ TRAVELLING HARD
ATS 0601 (Barcode: 9005216006014) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
This is the second album as a leader by Austrian Jazz trombonist / composer Robert BachnerFind albums by this artist recorded in a quintet setting with saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, pianist Reinhard MickoFind albums by this artist, bassist Uli LangthalerFind albums by this artist and drummer Christian SalfellnerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Bachner.
Bachner, who is one of the busiest players on the local scene, was a member of the sadly deactivated Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, and is now a member of the excellent Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (led by Maurer), but also records leading his own Big Band and smaller ensembles as well as playing in many other outfits, in addition to his composing and teaching duties.
As this album shows Bachner is a trombone virtuoso, capable of making his instrument sing sweetly and deliver complex sequences, which normally are not associated with the trombone, which sadly is a much neglected instruments in Jazz as far as soloing is concerned.
He is also a gifted composer, able to weave beautiful melodic themes, full of lyricism and melancholy, but also swing hard in his other compositions. Accompanied by four excellent Jazz musicians, he offers on this album wonderful modern mainstream Jazz, which is a delightful musical experience from start to finish. The album won the album of the year prize in Austria in 2006, which is hardly surprising.
For European Jazz lovers who are not familiar with the Austrian scene, this album is a great introduction both to the local talents and the vitality of the music being performed there. This is definitely something not only to be discovered but also something to be followed, as the scene is alive and kicking. For trombone enthusiasts, this is an absolute must have. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 25/01/2020Posted: 25/01/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROBERT BACHNER BIG BAND ~ MOMENTS OF NOISE
ATS 0616 (Barcode: 9005216006168) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
This is the debut album by an Austrian Jazz Big Band led by trombonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Robert BachnerFind albums by this artist. The BB comprises of a five piece reed section, a four piece trumpet section, a four piece trombone section and a four piece rhythm section. Bachner, who conducts the BB, plays trombone soli on three tracks and his wife Karin BachnerFind albums by this artist adds vocals on two tracks. The album presents nine compositions, five of which are originals by Bachner and four are standards.
Bachner, who is one of the busiest players on the local scene, was a member of the sadly deactivated Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, and is now a member of the excellent Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (led by Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist), but also records leading his own Big Band and smaller ensembles as well as playing in many other outfits, in addition to his composing and teaching duties.
This album shows Bachner more as a composer and bandleader than as a trombone virtuoso, which he certainly is as well. The superb original compositions of his are perfect vehicles for the BB to spread its wings and present its wonderful ability to swing smoothly like a baby´s bottom, and yet show the depth, sophistication and power of a BB sound, which undoubtedly is the most versatile and powerful "instrument" within the Jazz idiom. Bachner, although schooled and influenced by American Jazz, is still perfectly able to preserve the European Jazz aesthetics, which is most obvious in the BB treatment of the standards, which have been also often recorded by American BB, and which can be compared.
In his intelligent liner notes Bachner tells the tale of each of the tunes and the circumstances leading to their appearance on the album, which is also a greatly educational read about the Austrian Jazz scene and especially about other Austrian Big Bands, clearly showing that Austria was and still is a very fertile ground for this particular subgenre.
For European Jazz lovers who are not familiar with the Austrian scene, this album is a great introduction both to the local talents and the vitality of the music being performed there. For Jazz Big Band enthusiasts, this is an absolute must have. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 01/02/2020Posted: 01/02/2020 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIKOLA KOLODZIEJCZYK ORCHESTRA ~ CHORD NATION
FOR TUNE 0042 (Barcode: 5902768701487) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Nikola KolodziejczykFind albums by this artist, recorded by a twenty five piece orchestra, with members who originate from three different countries, which presents a five-part suite, which in turn is a hybrid of contemporary Classical music, classic mainstream Big Band and Free Jazz / Improvised music. There is no doubt that this is a very ambitious project, brought into reality against all odds and one that refuses to compromise and takes no prisoners.
Although highly motivated and certainly ingenious, this project is not quite as revolutionary or innovative as one might imagine. In fact it continues the European orchestral Jazz tradition, which followed a different path from the American orchestral Jazz tradition, which flourished in the US in the early 20th Century and was than imported into Europe and mimicked for a few decades until the emancipation of the European Jazz in the 1960s. Since than a long line of superb European Jazz orchestras carried the torch towards new horizons, starting with the British orchestras led by Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and many others and than gradually spread across Europe and even behind the Iron Curtain, with such notable bandleaders as Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist, Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, Martial SolalFind albums by this artist, Gustav BromFind albums by this artist and such distinguished ensembles as the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist and so many others. Many of these European Jazz orchestras often use similar characteristic devices to those used in the process of making the music heard on this album: switching between melodic mainstream Big Band parts and freely improvised passages, using string arrangements and wordless human vocalese, in short the typical palette of contemporary European Jazz orchestral music.
Considering Kolodziejczyk´s age, limited experience, restricted resources and all the obstacles that he had to confront in order to record this album, one must admit that this is a remarkable achievement, not only from the aesthetic perspective but also from the pure organizational one. But of course most listeners are not really interested in the behind the scenes of music making and judge it by what they hear. As far as the music is concerned, Kolodziejczyk presents a collection of sonic plateaus, which intertwine and develop slowly, and are best listened to in the sequence dictated by the album´s tracks and as a whole. The separate parts of the suite do not really stand on their own, as the melodic content of the entire proceedings is relatively limited. To use a metaphor from a different media, the suite makes sense the same way a complete canvas of a painting makes sense, and wouldn´t do so if looked at when sliced into several pieces.
At times one might get the impression that this music is more about "how" than about "what". Kolodziejczyk is obviously enamored with the bag of tricks that are at his disposal as a composer / orchestrator, and with the sound of the orchestra, much more than with the actual compositions, and as a result we get a complex baroque musical structure, supported by quite simple foundations. Sometimes the instinctive urge to show as much of one´s talents as possible, here and now, can prove hazardous. This often happens to young and talented artists and is quite meaningless in a long range, provided that Kolodziejczyk is treating this project as just one of many lessons he has to go through during his long and hopefully very successful career.
All in all this is a very impressive, ambitious and unusual debut album by an obviously talented musician / composer, who presents enormous potential, which hopefully will be fully realized in his future projects. Since orchestral Jazz albums are extremely rare, this is even more of a valuable contribution to the Polish Jazz scene. Thanks to For Tune for finally releasing this album, over three years after it was recorded, it´s certainly better off now in the open for all music lovers to enjoy. I am anxiously waiting for the next project.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | LUCAS PINO ~ THAT`S A COMPUTER
OUTSIDE IN MUSIC 1814 (Barcode: 888295805841) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is an album by American Jazz saxophonist / composer Lucas PinoFind albums by this artist recorded with his No Net NonetFind albums by this artist ensemble, which includes the Polish (resident in NY) guitarist / composer Rafal SarneckiFind albums by this artist. Chilean vocalist Camila MezaFind albums by this artist guests on two tunes. The album presents six original compositions, four by Pino and one each by Sarnecki and saxophonist Alex LoreFind albums by this artist and an additional short piece of unknown origin.
The nonet sounds almost like a small Big Band, mainly due to the intricate arrangements and extensive use of unisono phrasing, which is wonderfully executed throughout the album. Combined with the superb compositions, this album is a beautiful example of American Jazz brought up to date and aesthetically inspired, which sadly happens all too rarely lately. The music is just perfect, untouchable as a form of expression and needs absolutely nothing in addition to what it already offers, which is an événement exceptionnel indeed.
This music is simply too good to be described in words, sort of like attempting to dance architecture. Being fed new music constantly, I rarely get excited about an album, but this is a proverbial "something else". Elegant, sophisticated, lyrical, exciting…this music has an uplifting quality about it that literally "puts a spell on me".
If blind tested I would have probably gambled that this is a European ensemble, as the overall musical approach sounds similar to what the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist and other European ensembles were doing (and still do), especially on those two tracks featuring Camila´s vocals, which are simply sublime. But the entire album just kicks ass big time and is definitely one of the most exciting pieces of music that arrived on my desk lately. I surely have to explore Pino and his music and wholeheartedly advice all true music connoisseurs to do the same ASAP!
| | Updated: 23/05/2019Posted: 23/05/2019 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | SAXOFOUR ~ CELEBRATING THE JOY OF LIFE
SKYLARK 2102 (Barcode: 9005216119042) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is the thirteenth album by Austrian Jazz ensemble SaxofourFind albums by this artist, which not surprisingly is a saxophone quartet comprising of Florian BrambockFind albums by this artist, Klaus DickbauerFind albums by this artist, Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist and Wolfgang PuschingFind albums by this artist. Between them they play all the possible saxophones, clarinet, bass clarinet and flute and of course compose their original material. For this album they are expanded to a sextet by bassist Robert RieglerFind albums by this artist and drummer Wolfgang RainerFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen original compositions by the quartet members and celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the quartet existence.
Saxofour are undoubtedly a very unique saxophone quartet among other (mostly American) such ensembles, since they are able to create a truly amazing orchestral sound and ambience due to the wide range of instruments they are able to utilize and the devilishly clever and intricate arrangements. This often results in the quartet sounding closer to a Jazz Big Band rather than a quartet, especially on this album with the addition of the rhythm section.
Each of the quartet members participates in many other activities on the Austrian Jazz scene, composes and teaches music, all being amongst the most respected Jazz personalities in their country. Maurer is a leader and founder of the fabulous Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist and the other three were members of the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, one of Europe’s most important Jazz ensembles of all time.
The music is, as expected, absolutely delightful, spanning a wide and diverse range of stylistic characteristics, but always superbly crafted and perfectly executed. The rhythm section is wonderfully merged with the saxophone quartet, enriching the music significantly, especially by the beautiful fretless bass parts.
Overall, this is a beautiful example of European Jazz at its best, which offers elegance, sophistication and intelligence rarely found elsewhere. True Jazz lovers should be absolutely delighted by this music from start to finish, as it really helps to celebrate the joy of life!
| | Updated: 24/08/2024Posted: 10/11/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILAN SVOBODA / PRAGUE BIG BAND ~ SWINGING HAT
GALEN 21 185 (Barcode: 8594042901989) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This is the fourteenth album by Czech pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist and his Prague Big BandFind albums by this artist, which he first founded in 1974 and led and conducted ever since. Generations of Czech Jazz musician appeared over the time as members of the Big Band, as well as many guests from abroad. The Big Band plays almost exclusively original compositions by Svoboda. This album presents six original compositions, loosely inspired by the work of Czech composer Jaroslav JezekFind albums by this artist, who was one of the early Czech Jazz precursors in the early 20th Century, and an important composer for theatrical plays.
Although initially based on the American Big Band model, the Prague Big Band soon became one of the most progressive European Big Bands, moving toward more adventurous arrangements and even somewhat Avant-Garde approach, similar to what the Austrian Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist was doing at the time. Later on the style changed again returning to more “conventional” sound, but always brilliantly fresh and innovative. Svoboda’s compositions for the Big Band are wonderful examples of European Jazz, which incorporates many European cultural influences, including Folklore and Classical Music inspirations. His brilliant arrangements emphasize the Big Band orchestral sound, with less prominence of soloing and more focus on ensemble performance.
For connoisseurs of early Jazz, Svoboda brilliantly incorporates vivid examples of Hot and Swing within the collage of his arrangements, which pay tribute to the original compositions by Jezek, but brings them up to date with Funk and other contemporary musical influences, creating a perfect cross-genre amalgam, which keeps the tradition alive and at the same time shows it timeless / everlasting values.
I have known Milan and his music for the last five decades and he never created music which was not worthy of admiration and respect, and he obviously does not mean to change now. Since we were born only a few days apart, hearing this music makes me feel young and help to forget our age – obviously the creativity is not gone yet.
Thanks for the music and the vision my Friend - Swinging Hat(s) off!
| | Updated: 29/07/2021Posted: 29/07/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ DEFERENCE TO ANTON BRUCKNER
ATS 0771 (Barcode: 9005216007714) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2012
This is an album by veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which presents a tribute to the music by the great Austrian composer Anton BrucknerFind albums by this artist, one of the most complex and often enigmatic Classical composers in history. The album was recorded in a studio in contrast to most other recordings by the orchestra, which are usually live recordings. Led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, the orchestra includes four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a four piece rhythm section. Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist appears as a guest. The album presents nine compositions inspired by the works of Bruckner, seven of which are composed by orchestra members and one each by Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist.
Although obviously a Jazz-Classical Fusion project, the music on this album is much more intricate and complex than most other projects of this kind. Usually Jazz-Classical Fusion deals with interpretation of works by Classical composers – see the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist albums with music by the Strauss Family or Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist (just to stay in Austria both with the Jazz and Classical ingredients of the fusion elements). On this album however, the Bruckner "elements" are more suggested than quoted directly, which of course is much more difficulty to conceive to start with and finally execute. But the UAJO manages to achieve the goal brilliantly and with its usual panache and flair.
Like with the music by Bruckner, which is certainly far from being easily understood, the music on this album might prove to be slightly more difficult than other UAJO recordings as far as the average listener is concerned. It definitely requires a very attentive listening and perhaps even several listening sessions to be appreciated in its full glory. But it is certainly worth the effort and presents European Big Band Jazz at its best and most elaborate reflection. As usual the album offers many superb soli and extraordinary orchestral work of the highest caliber.
Overall this is another recording by the UAJO, which deserves an honorable place on the shelf of every serious record collection. Connoisseurs of Big Band Jazz will be delighted of course as will be serious Jazz-Classical Fusion enthusiasts. Very highly and wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 04/05/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA / KENNY WHEELER ~ PLAYS THE MUSIC OF KENNY WHEELER
WEST WIND 2097 (Barcode: 4011778320975) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1995 Released: 1996
This is the debut album by the Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 1991 and is still very active almost three decades later. Over the years the orchestra invited many prominent Jazz musicians as guest artists and this album documents the first of such collaborations, which features the legendary British Jazz trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The orchestra on this album consists of five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and a rhythm section (guitar / piano / bass / drums) and of course includes also Wheeler on trumpet and flugelhorn as well as guest vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine compositions, six of which are Wheeler originals and three are standards, all of which were arranged by Wheeler. The music was recorded live and offers a wonderful sound quality. The album was produced by saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, who is the living soul and the leader of the orchestra.
Of course Austria is a country with a deeply rooted brass tradition and therefore the existence of excellent Austrian Big Bands (Jazz and otherwise) is hardly surprising. It is after all in Austria where the most important European Jazz Big Band, the legendary Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, was formed in 1977. The Upper Austrian Jazz Orchestra has many subtle stylistic links to the Vienna Art Orchestra, like the use of a female vocalist singing mostly vocalese featured as a member of the orchestra, which was the VAO´s trademark. UAJO is perhaps less adventurous and more "disciplined", but some similarities, at least on this album, are obvious.
The music should be familiar to Wheeler´s acolytes and spans his entire career up to the time of the recording of this album, going back to his early album "Windmill TilterFind albums with this title" and including his very recent (at the time) compositions. The wonderful arrangements keep the overall sound of the Big Band beautifully coherent, despite the diversity of the material and allow plenty of space for the orchestra members to play a long series of stunning solos, including Wheeler himself. The vocal parts are an absolute cherry on top.
The treatment of the orchestra as one enormously potent musical instrument is wonderfully expressed here, with the emphasis on the European Jazz aesthetics, in which modesty and minimalism are more important than power and showmanship. The perfect harmony achieved by the orchestra throughout this album is miraculous, especially in view of the fact that this is a live recording.
Overall this is an absolute gem of an album, which should be an integral part of every Kenny Wheeler collection, but also a schoolbook example of what European Jazz Big Band music is all about. Essential listening!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 12/04/2019 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VIENNA ART ORCHESTRA ~ A NOTION IN PERPETUAL MOTION
HATOLOGY 679 (Barcode: 752156067924) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 Released: 2010
The Austrian modern Big Band / ensemble Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist is probably the most ambitious gathering of European Jazz musicians ever attempted and one of the most (probably the most) successful effort of this kind. Led by composer / arranger / bandleader Mathias RüeggFind albums by this artist, who writes most of the music performed by the orchestra, is a Master of his craft and the amount of music done by him in the last three decades amounts to a gigantic body of work unparalleled by any other of his contemporaries. The orchestra members are all top Austrian Jazz players, as well as many guest musicians from other European countries. This live recording captures one of the most interesting periods of the band, which included the incredible vocals by Lauren NewtonFind albums by this artist, in addition to numerous superb musicians, such as saxophonists Harry SokalFind albums by this artist, Roman SchwallerFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Herbert JoosFind albums by this artist and many others. The music is absolutely breathtaking and brilliant from start to finish; every moment catches the listener completely unprepared and leaves him absolutely stunned when the album is over. This is an utmost case in point of the European way to do things, which places all American Big Bands miles in the rear. An absolute must to any serious Jazz listener and an everlasting example of musical ingenuity. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | VIENNA ART ORCHESTRA ~ ALL THAT STRAUSS
TCB 20052 (Barcode: 725095200523) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000
This is the first album recorded in the 21st Century!
Recorded live on January 1st 2000 by the wonderful Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist under the leadership of Mathias RüeggFind albums by this artist, this album presents the music of the Strauss Family, spectacularly arranged for the Jazz environment by Rüegg and superbly executed by the orchestra, which of course was the best of its kind at the time. Among the orchestra members on this album were such great musicians like saxophonist Harry SokalFind albums by this artist or Russian French horn player Arkady ShilkloperFind albums by this artist A few guest musicians also participate, like French clarinetist Michel PortalFind albums by this artist and Austrian saxophonist Wolfgang PuschnigFind albums by this artist.
The music of the Strauss Family epitomizes the Viennese Culture much more than the music of the "serious" Classical composers that lived in the city. The citizens of Vienna always preferred a good dance ball and the waltz was the favorite of the 19th Century dances, and rightly so. Rüegg treats the music by Strauss Family members with respect, but also with a typical tongue in cheek attitude, which turns this album into a true delight. But fun aside, the album presents many spectacular solos by the orchestra members and guests and the ensemble work of the orchestra is breathtaking. Vienna Art Orchestra was always a superb example of the differences between European Big Bands / Jazz Orchestras and their American counterparts and this album is just one of the chapters in such study.
European Jazz does not get much more European than what can be heard here. Everything that European Jazz is made of is represented herein: the references to the Classical Music tradition, the sophistication and finesse, the intellectual aspect of Jazz, in short everything that makes it what it is. As such this is a must in any serous collection of European Orchestral Jazz.
What a pity that Vienna Art Orchestra had to be dissolved by 2010 for financial reasons. Governments are wasting enormous sums of money on totally stupid and often damaging endeavors and the European Union or the Austrian Government could not afford to support one of Europe´s most important cultural symbols. Shame!
| | Updated: 13/08/2016Posted: 13/08/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VIENNA ART ORCHESTRA ~ THE MINIMALISM OF ERIK SATIE
HATOLOGY 671 (Barcode: 752156067122) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 1983 - 1984 Released: 2010
The Austrian modern Big Band / ensemble Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist is probably the most ambitious gathering of European Jazz musicians ever attempted and one of the most (probably the most) successful effort of this kind. Led by the charismatic composer / arranger / bandleader Mathias RüeggFind albums by this artist, who is a Master of his craft and who writes most of the music performed by the ensemble, the Vienna Art Orchestra is a revelation. The scope of music created by the Vienna Art Orchestra in the last three decades amounts to a gigantic body of work unparalleled by any other of his contemporaries. The orchestra members are all top Austrian Jazz players, as well as many guest musicians from other European countries. This very special project finds the ensemble reworking a set of compositions by the brilliant French composer Erik SatieFind albums by this artist. Satie´s short (minimalist) compositions, as beautiful as they are, are expanded and rearranged by Rüegg and become magnificent, presenting a perfect amalgamation of Jazz and modern Classical Music. The band includes the incredible vocals by Lauren NewtonFind albums by this artist, in addition to numerous superb musicians, such as saxophonists Harry SokalFind albums by this artist, Roman SchwallerFind albums by this artist and many others. The music is absolutely breathtaking and brilliant from start to finish; every moment catches the listener completely unprepared and leaves him absolutely stunned when the album is over. This is an utmost case in point of the European way to do things, which places all American Big Bands miles in the rear. An absolute must to any serious Jazz listener and an everlasting example of musical ingenuity. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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