Record Reviews

WOLFGANG DAUNER ~ CHANGES MOOD 33.613 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 1988 This is a reissue / remaster of a solo album by German Jazz keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all original compositions by Downer, which he performs using acoustic piano and other keyboards / synthesizers, which he combines using multi-tracking. The album portrays Dauner both as a unique instrumentalist and a great composer, which made him one of the most important contributors to the German Jazz scene from the mid-1960s and almost until his death in 2020. He was of course also a co-founder of the MoodFind albums on this label Records, which released this album and an important Jazz activist / organizer on the European scene. As this album shows, his sense of melody and ability to weave sublime themes was completely unique. Dauner’s music always encompassed cross-genre elements and he felt very comfortable playing Jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, Jazz-World Fusion and other idioms. His collective recorded legacy, both as a leader and sideman, includes some of the most valuable European Jazz accomplishments, including his work with the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and numerous others. Overall, this is a wonderful collection of music composed and performed by Dauner, which remains untouched by passing time. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 17/02/2025Posted: 17/02/2025

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FEZ ~ FEZ EDEL CONTENT 4029759080527 (Barcode: 4029759080527) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 - 1977 Released: 2012 This is a reissue (first time on CD) of the only album by the East German Jazz-Rock Fusion quartet FezFind albums by this artist, which comprised of trombonist Conrad BauerFind albums by this artist, pianist Hannes ZerbeFind albums by this artist, bassist Christoph NiemannFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter GroningFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, four of which were composed by Bauer and two by Zerbe. Although stylistically Fez belonged clearly to the Jazz-Rock Fusion, it was definitely one of the most unusual representatives of the genre. With trombone and acoustic piano as the lead instruments and a rocking rhythm section the group played a wonderful mixture of Rock oriented but sounding like Jazz tunes, which was completely unique and had no parallels neither in their country nor worldwide. All four members of the group were virtuosic musicians and their interplay and cooperation was always spotless. The original music was based on excellent melodic themes which were then improvised upon at length, as appropriate for Fusion. With a bit of imagination one can "hear" this music as performed by a lead guitar and electric keyboards, but the unusual instrumentation used here turns it into a one of a kind experience. The trombone, a much loved instrument in German Jazz (see the unprecedented work by Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and others) gets here a wonderful exposure as an all encompassing instrument, capable of bloodcurdling soloing way beyond anybody´s imagination. Bauer´s love of Free Jazz and Improvised Music can be spotted herein as well during some of the more ecstatic displays of his talents. But the three Fez members alongside Bauer also contribute some topnotch moments: Zerbe plays Funky Boogie-woogie passages, which are pure gold; Niemann plays great groves on the electric bass and Groning skillfully adds a series of polyrhythmic barrages, which add a framework to the entire proceedings. In retrospect this music still sounds incredibly fresh and innovative, regardless of the passing time. It is still so unique that it deserves to be taught at music schools as an example of a triumph of mind over body, which Bauer keeps displaying here. The fact that it is available again is a joyful opportunity to be re-discovered by the younger generation of listeners. Side Note: As all the East European countries under the Socialist regime, East Germany, or DDR as it was known at the time, had only one state owned and controlled Music Company, which released most of its productions on the AmigaFind albums on this label label. Among the many Amiga releases the legendary "orange J" series was dedicated to Jazz recordings, many of which were licenses from the West, but others were original productions, mostly of Jazz made in DDR. Some of these releases, like the one described above, were absolute gems. Following the unification of Germany, the Amiga albums disappeared from the face of the earth and only in 2012 a German label reissued 15 Amiga Jazz albums on CD. They are all worth checking out!

Updated: 11/05/2016Posted: 19/03/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HAMPTON / MANGELSDORFF / PERSSON / WHIGHAM ~ TROMBONE WORKSHOP MPS 602517797499 (Barcode: 602517797499) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of the album recorded by an international trombone quartet, which comprised of American trombonist / composer Slide HamptonFind albums by this artist, German trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, Swedish trombonist / composer Ake PerssonFind albums by this artist and American (resident in Germany) trombonist / composer Jiggs WhighamFind albums by this artist. They were accompanied by a rhythm section, which comprised of Swiss pianist George GruntzFind albums by this artist, and bassist Isla EckingerFind albums by this artist and American (resident in Germany) drummer Tony InzalacoFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, one composed by Hampton and two each by Mangelsdorff and Whigham. The music was recorded live in Switzerland and the album is one of a series of albums released by the MPSFind albums on this label label under the “Workshop” or “Summit” moniker, which were dedicated to a specific instrument. Many of the later recordings in this series were produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, who was always a maverick in creating connections between musicians and his role as Artistic Director of several key European Jazz festivals as well as a sought-after record producer status enabled him a free hand in selecting the musicians he wanted to record. The music, although somewhat “conventional” stylistically, is completely revolutionary as far as putting several instrumentalists playing the same instrument together, accompanied only by a rhythm section, where each of them would play solo parts and all would play together the intros and outros, as well as many of the intervals within each composition. Obviously the Mangelsdorff’s compositions were often more advanced than those by the Americans, who had a traditional baggage on their shoulders. The music is of course as brilliant as one might expect, with all musicians demonstrating their incredible abilities, both as solo performers and collective players. The music is composed, but offers a large degree of Freedom, with improvisation as the focal point. In many respects the album reflects the spirit of European Jazz at its dramatic jumpstart in the early-1970s, where national borders were completely meaningless and the only thing that really mattered was the spirit of Jazz and its creativity. Overall, this is brilliant example of European Jazz at the time, with the American musicians embraced warmly and many of them simply moved to Europe to enjoy and exploit the advanced approaches and Freedom of Artistic expression, which was not to be found in US. All the MPS “Workshop” and “Summit” albums are worth their weight in gold. I produced a long series of “Summit” concerts during my residence as the Artistic Director of the Singer Jazz Festival in Warsaw, in memory of Berendt and his legacy. 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: 11/04/2025Posted: 11/04/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JUTTA HIPP ~ THE GERMAN RECORDINGS 1952-1955 SWR JAZZHAUS 423 (Barcode: 730099042352) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1952 - 1955 Released: 2015 This is a brilliant collection of early recordings by the German pianist Jutta HippFind albums by this artist, made in Germany before she left the country to continue her career in the US. The material collects four sessions of radio recordings produced by Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and Dieter ZimmerleFind albums by this artist. Hipp is accompanied by the best Jazz musicians active at the time in Germany: saxophonists Hans KollerFind albums by this artist and Joki FreundFind albums by this artist, trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, guitarist Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist, bassists Franz RoederFind albums by this artist and Harry SchellFind albums by this artist and drummers Karl SannerFind albums by this artist and Rudi SehringFind albums by this artist. There are seventeen pieces in total on this album, most being standards with just a couple of originals, one each by Mangelsdorff and Freund. Hipp plays brilliantly on all these pieces and her presence fully justifies her extraordinary status of the great revelation of early German Jazz. Sadly shortly after her arrival in the US and recording just three albums in 1956, she abandoned music completely and disappeared from the scene. Although the music on this album comprises mostly of American Jazz standards, Hipp has a very unique approach and inserts many peculiar twists and turns, that make these standards sound differently from how they sound when performed by American musicians, which hints as to the development of European Jazz, which was about to erupt just a few years later. The music is wonderfully remastered and sounds fresh and vibrant, which turns this album not only into an important historical document but also a great fun to listen to. This album is warmly recommended to all fans of European Jazz who follow its development closely.

Updated: 31/03/2021Posted: 03/06/2016

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JUTTA HIPP ~ THREE CLASSIC ALBUMS REAL GONE JAZZ 498 (Barcode: 5036408174420) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1956 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of the three albums by German pianist Jutta HippFind albums by this artist, which were originally released on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the mid 1950s. Hipp grew up in Nazi Germany and started to listen and pay Jazz secretly, as it was fiercely banned by the regime. After the WWII ended she was very active on the German scene, playing with the best German Jazz musicians, who were just starting their careers, like brothers: Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, Austrian Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, Hungarian Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist (both resident in Germany) and others. Hipp moved to NY in 1955, with the help of the legendary Jazz critic Leonard FeatherFind albums by this artist, and recorded the three albums included here, after which she left music entirely, for reasons unclear. The first two albums: "Live At The Hickory House Volume 1Find albums with this title" and "Live At The Hickory House Volume 2Find albums with this title" both originate from a live recording at the Hickory House club in NY. Hipp is accompanied by British bassist Peter IndFind albums by this artist and American drummer Ed ThigpenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten standards on each of these albums. The third album "Jutta Hipp With Zoot SimsFind albums with this title" is a studio recording of a quintet which places her along American Jazz players: trumpeter Jerry LloydFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Zoot SimsFind albums by this artist, bassist Ahmed Abdul-MalikFind albums by this artist and drummer Ed Thigpen. The quintet performs six compositions, four of which are standards and one each is by Lloyd and Sims. The astounding thing about this music is the fact that although modern European Jazz was not yet born, Hipp plays these commonly known standards with a twist, which puts her already at that time apart from the American pianists. She is way more original, inventive and elegant than the pianists who in many cases wrote these standards. Her European piano mannerisms, for which she was severely criticized by American Jazz players, an experience which probably was the reason why she gave up music, were already very distinctive and pointed out towards the rift that was about to happen between American and European Jazz just a few years later. Anybody listening to these albums must realize that the criminally limited recorded legacy Hipp left us with is just a tip of an iceberg of an enormous talent which alas we´ll never witness. European Jazz lovers and connoisseurs of the twisted path European Jazz followed to differentiate itself from the American tradition will find this music absolutely indispensable. An absolute must for Jazz piano enthusiasts! Side Note The Real Gone JazzFind albums on this label label releases hundreds of album collections, which include usually between three to eight original albums in a two to four CDs sets. Most of these albums were recorded and released in the 1950s and early 1960s. These collections provide the track lists and lineups of the original albums, but no recording information, liner notes and any background information whatsoever. The label takes advantage of the copyright law in UK, which limited the length of the copyright protection of recorded works to 50 years, after which recorded works become public domain. In 2013 UK implemented a correction of the copyright law extending the protection of recorded works to 70 years (like the rest of Europe), but the correction does not apply retroactively, which means that recordings which entered the 50 years rule prior to January 1, 2013 (i.e. recorded before January 1, 1963) remain public domain. There are two great advantages to these releases: they are really inexpensive and they bring back to life many albums not reissued previously on CD, which means it would cost a collector an arm and a leg to get a copy of them. Many of these albums are absolute gems and essential pieces of Jazz history. The disadvantages are: the lack of proper information, original cover art, combining tracks of several original albums on one CD and the sound quality, which depends on where the label gets the source material. From my experience most of the releases have quite excellent sound quality but I have not listened to all of them and some people have complained about it.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 18/05/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER ~ THE HORSES L+R 711020 (Barcode: 4003099711020) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2008 This is a reissue of a sensational album by Austrian saxophonist / composer / bandleader Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, recorded with a Big Band called International Brass CompanyFind albums by this artist, which consisted of seventeen players from five countries and features such celebrated names like German trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Herbert JoosFind albums by this artist, Polish drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Koller, four of which are parts of a suite, which gives the album its title, inspired by the celebrated painting "The Tower Of The Blue Horses" by the German Expressionist Franc MarcFind albums by this artist, the founder of the Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) art movement. Koller was one of the most prolific Father figures of the European Jazz and he consistently produced works of the highest quality and visionary spirit in diverse settings, from intimate small ensembles to Big Bands, like on this album. Most of his albums were release by the seminal German MPSFind albums on this label label and of course they are all a must to European Jazz connoisseurs. The music is a superb example of European Big Band Jazz, and a wonderful illustration of the differences between the European perception of the Big Band (and Jazz in general) and the American Big Band tradition. There is no doubt that this music swings beautifully, but it also goes way beyond straightforward swing, incorporating many elements of modern European Jazz, like group improvisation, odd meters, polyrhythmic progression and most importantly a huge degree of freedom: melodic, harmonic and rhythmic, which American Big Bands, even the best of them, hardly ever incorporated into their modus operandi. It also exemplifies how the European Brass Music tradition can be incorporated within the Jazz idiom. The unusual instrumentation of five trumpets, three flugelhorns and five trombones, playing those wonderful tutti parts is a unique European feature. Of course the album presents superb music and is also full of brilliant soloing by all the incredible musicians involved. Stefanski deserves an honorary mention as his drum parts are absolutely marvelous and a classic example of modern Big Band drumming, but this album is a marvel from start to finish. Serious Jazz listeners, especially those interested in modern European Jazz and its fascinating history, should find this album irresistible, as it is an essential piece of the puzzle called Jazz. Get it if you can!

Updated: 26/03/2016Posted: 26/03/2016

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ INSIDE: MISSING LINK MPS 4029759178699 (Barcode: 4029759178699) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of the iconic double album by the German guitarist / composer / bandleader Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, which was his third album as a leader and the second release on the MPSFind albums on this label label. Although recorded during the same session, the material was split into two parts, each on one LP (and now CD). CD1 was recorded by an octet and features a brass section. It includes three prominent British Jazz musicians: saxophonist Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The other players are German Jazz musicians: trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist and bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. Dutch percussionist Cees SeeFind albums by this artist completes the lineup. The CD presents four tracks, three of which are original compositions by Kriegel and one is an arrangement of a tune by Brazilian composer Edu LoboFind albums by this artist. Three of the tracks last for over ten minutes and the music is strongly Jazz oriented, including some Free Jazz accents. CD2 was recorded by a quintet, without the brass and including Taylor, Weber, See and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. This CD presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Kriegel, one is by Weber and one by Brazilian composer Caetano VelosoFind albums by this artist. The music is more Fusion oriented and the tracks are much shorter, with only one crossing the ten minutes in duration. In retrospect this is definitely one of the fines examples of European Jazz-Rock Fusion, with a stellar lineup and absolutely brilliant musicianship and compositions. Kriegel was sadly underappreciated at the time, but his complete discography, including several excellent posthumous releases, definitely points out that he was a pivotal figure in European Jazz and Fusion. Overall, this an absolute must have for every Fusion connoisseur, and one of the most important albums of the genre. Combining the best players from the leading European Fusion scenes at the time: Germany and UK, the music spark with inventiveness, virtuosity and innovation, completely absent from the current Fusion scene. This long awaited reissue fills a major gap in the European Fusion discography and the recorded legacy of Volker Kriegel. 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: 18/11/2023Posted: 18/11/2023

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ JOURNAL MOOD 33.605 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1981 Released: 1986 This is the 12th album as a leader by German guitarist / composer / bandleader Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, recorded with many of his close musical companions, which included, amongst others multi-instrumentalist Hans Peter StroerFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Wolfgang SchluterFind albums by this artist, bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and drummers Ralf HubnerFind albums by this artist and Evert FratermanFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, seven composed by Kriegel, one co-composed with Stroer and one composed by Stroer. Kriegel released ten albums on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label Records label and this was the debut album he released on the MoodFind albums on this label Records label, which he co-owned with Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Ack Van RooyenFind albums by this artist. Kriegel was one of the finest European guitar players of all time and a superb composer. He was a leader of the German Jazz-Rock Fusion movement since the late 1960s and his recorded legacy, expanded posthumously by previously unreleased studio and live recordings, presents some of the finest European Fusion ever recorded. The music is based and deeply melodic themes, which are expanded by lengthy soli by the participating musicians. Kriegel’s guitar virtuosity and unique sound are immediately recognizable and sadly have very little competition since his tragically premature death in 2003. Overall, this is an absolutely stunning European Fusion album, intelligent, sophisticated and completely free of tedious doodling, which sadly completely ruled in Fusion music by the time this album was recorded. Not easy to find but absolutely essential to all true Fusion lovers and guitar enthusiasts! Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 27/05/2025Posted: 27/05/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ SPECTRUM MPS 602498086995 (Barcode: 602498086995) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2003 It is truly tragic that so many of the greatest musicians in this world are totally unknown to the vast majority of the listeners. The German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist is one of those “undiscovered” geniuses, who reached only scarcely few listeners outside of his native country. He begun to play jazz in the early 1960’s on the burgeoning (at that time) Frankfurt jazz scene led by the Mangelsdorff brothers (Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist). He is credited as “the father of Jazz-Rock” on the German scene from the late 1960’s on, when his guitar work and incredible compositions made him a leader in that field. He was the guitarist of the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, the quartet of the US Avant-Garde vibraphone player who lived in Germany at that time and later he recorded a series of groundbreaking solo albums as well as albums with his group Mild Maniac OrchestraFind albums by this artist for the MPSFind albums on this label label. In 1976 Kriegel was one of the co-founders of the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist – Europe’s most important Jazz-Rock outfit for years to come. Kriegel died in 2003 at the age of 59. "SpectrumFind albums with this title" is Kriegel’s second solo album (and his first album on MPS), and in retrospect is a monster achievement – surely one of the best Jazz-Rock Fusion albums ever. Although incredibly advanced in his musical concepts, his guitar playing is always melodic and crystal clear, even if he flies all over the guitar neck with the speed of lightning. He gets excellent support from his fellow musicians, especially from the superb British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, whose work on the electric piano here is simply mind-blowing. Add to this his gorgeous compositions (he wrote all the music) and you have in your hands an album that after you hear it you’ll wander how come you never discovered it earlier? Well, surely better late than never! 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: 28/05/2025Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ SPECTRUM MPS 4029759124139 (Barcode: 4029759124139) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the second album (and his first release on the MPSFind albums on this label label) by legendary German guitarist / composer Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded with a dreamy quintet, which also includes British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, German bassist Peter TrunkFind albums by this artist, Dutch percussionist Cees SeeFind albums by this artist and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. It presents seven original compositions, all by Kriegel. It is truly tragic that so many of the greatest musicians in this world are totally unknown to the vast majority of the listeners. Kriegel is one of those undiscovered geniuses, who reached only scarcely few listeners outside of his native country. He begun to play jazz in the early 1960’s on the burgeoning (at that time) Frankfurt jazz scene led by the Mangelsdorff brothers (Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist). At the time this music was recorded European Jazz was already enjoying its fully developed individual voice and the burgeoning German scene was one of its epicenters. Kriegel is credited as the father of the German Jazz-Rock Fusion due to his abundant activities from the late 1960’s on, when his guitar work and incredible compositions made him a leader in that field. He was the guitarist of the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, the quartet led by the US Avant-Garde vibraphone player who lived in Germany at that time and later he recorded a series of groundbreaking solo albums as well as albums with his group Mild Maniac OrchestraFind albums by this artist, all recorded for the MPS label. In 1976 Kriegel was one of the co-founders of the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist – Europe’s most important Jazz-Rock outfit for years to come. Kriegel died in 2003 at the age of 59. "SpectrumFind albums with this title" is in retrospect is a monster achievement – surely one of the best Jazz-Rock Fusion albums ever. It also offers a lot of freedom at the improvisational layer. Although incredibly advanced in his musical concepts, Kriegel´s guitar playing is always melodic and crystal clear, even if he flies all over the guitar neck with the speed of lightning. He gets excellent support from his fellow musicians, especially from the superb Taylor, whose work on the electric piano here is simply mind-blowing. Add to this his gorgeous compositions and you have in your hands an album that after you hear it you’ll wander how come you never discovered it earlier? Well, surely better late than never! 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: 12/04/2019Posted: 21/02/2018

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ TOPICAL HARVEST MPS 602527148625 (Barcode: 602527148625) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 Released: 2011 This is a reissue / remaster of the 6th album by German guitarist / composer / bandleader Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of German / European Fusion scene. It was recorded with keyboardist Rainer BruninghausFind albums by this artist, bassist Hans Peter StroerFind albums by this artist and expanded percussion section, which included American congas player Ray MantillaFind albums by this artist, percussionist Peter GigerFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe NayFind albums by this artist. Trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. Two tracks are duos with Kriegel and Stroer only. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Kriegel, one is co-composed with Stroer, one is by Stroer and finally one is by Brazilian composer Gilberto GilFind albums by this artist. The music offers the usual collection of beautifully melodic tunes by Kriegel, this time heavily spiced by percussive World Music elements, mostly Latin and Brazilian. The intimate and long-lasting cooperation with Bruninghaus and Stroer, who were the core of Kiegel’s ensembles, resulted in perfectly crafted sound and ambience, which characterized all the recordings by Kriegel, making the music accessible to wide audiences, without sacrificing an iota of elegance and sophistication, which is a true Art. Kriegel’s collective recording legacy, which spans no less than fifty albums, both as a leader and sideman, is a wonderful testimony of his incredible talent and each and every one of them deserves an honorable place in every serious Jazz / Fusion album collection, although their availability is often sketchy. Overall, this is a superb time capsule of mid-1970s German / European Fusion at its best, by one of the finest guitar players and composers of his generation. His unique guitar work still remains a beacon of good taste and elegance, which deserves to be remembered and cherished! 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: 25/05/2025Posted: 25/05/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOACHIM KUHN ~ BIRTHDAY EDITION ACT 6017 (Barcode: 614427601728) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1987 - 1995 Released: 2014 This album celebrates the 70th Birthday of the German Jazz pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist. The first album of this 2CD set presents recordings by the Kuhn trio with French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Jazzfest Berlin in 1987 and 1995. The second album is a re-edition of the brilliant Jazz symphony "EuropeanaFind albums with this title", composed by the renowned British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and performed by a dream team of European Jazz musicians, including Kuhn´s trio with Jenny-Clark and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist and many soloists like German trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, French accordionist Richard GallianoFind albums by this artist and others, with the NDR Philharmonic Orchestra. This album was originally recorded in 1994 and released in 1995. Kuhn, who left East Germany in 1966 to join his older brother Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, who was already living in West Germany, became in time one of the most prolific and influential German and European Jazz musicians. Kuhn, who started as an avant-gardist and Free Jazz enthusiast went through a Jazz-Rock Fusion phase during the 1970s, being one of the pioneers of that genre at the time, returned to advanced Jazz explorations later on, and is to this day considered as one of the top European Jazz artists. The piano trio album is a superb example of the modern approach to this seemingly simple setting, which treats the instruments on an absolutely equal level, giving them the same opportunity to express their ideas. Of course every trio is only as good as the cooperation between its members, and this particular trio has very few competitors in that department. Of the six pieces the trio plays, four are originals by Kuhn, one is a Humair / Kuhn collaboration and one was composed by the great French Jazz clarinetist Michel PortalFind albums by this artist. It is fascinating to see how the music, which was recorded eight years apart, appears to be as if recorded during the same concert. Such level of perfect integration and telepathic interplay is only achieved by the very best musicians out there and it´s great that ACTFind albums on this label released these live recordings as they are simply too good to be forgotten. The Jazz symphony is of course as different form the trio recordings as the Jazz idiom permits; from an intimate trio into a symphonic grandeur. It is no secret that I have been a loyal follower of the works by Michael Gibbs ever since he appeared on the British scene, and in retrospect his orchestral works have been some of my fondest experiences not only as Jazz pieces, but as examples of grand music in general. The concept of this extraordinary work is to take a musical tour of Western Europe, from the northern Scandinavian countries, via central Europe and then south west to Spain. The symphony is divided into thirteen separate fragments, each one featuring different soloists, which are loosely connected to specific European countries but overall present the diversity of the Continent´s Cultural heritage and aesthetic values as expressed by music. Although these two albums have seemingly almost nothing in common on the surface, they do represent simply a different facets of the same Cultural attitude, based on tradition and grooming as many new ideas as possible, ignoring incompatibilities and obstacles. Gibbs proves again that his exquisite melodies are perfect vehicles for Jazz improvisations, and the superb team gathered to perform this music stands up to the challenge with flying colors. Overall this is a great tribute to the life and music of Joachim Kuhn, but includes also many other aspects of the music we love so much. Even if one already has a copy of "Europeana", it´s still worth to get a copy of this set just for the trio album, which will probably lead to another listening of the Gibbs work as well. Great stuff!

Updated: 13/08/2016Posted: 05/04/2016

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ROLF KUHN ~ AFFAIRS INTUITION 3211 (Barcode: 750447321120) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997 Following the recent demise of the great German clarinetist / composer / bandleader and one of the Godfathers of the modern German Jazz, as well as a dear Friend, Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, I decided to dig into my shelves and write about some of his albums I did not review previously. Kuhn recorded this album with a bunch of friends from the US and Germany, a list that proves his status as one of the most admired Jazz musicians on the international scene. The list includes saxophonists Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist and Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chuck LoebFind albums by this artist, fellow clarinetists Eddie DanielsFind albums by this artist and Buddy DeFrancoFind albums by this artist, trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, bassist Dieter IlgFind albums by this artist and drummer Wolfgang HaffnerFind albums by this artist. The music includes some standards and some original compositions by Kuhn and the participating musicians, altogether ten tracks of great performances, which showcase Kuhn’s versatility playing anything between Swing to Free. These relaxed sessions are an ideal opportunity to allow the musicians to get the absolute best out of themselves, all supporting Kuhn as the main soloist, who is simply brilliant every step of the way. Kuhn a sublime example of a total musician, with a career spanning decades and crossing styles from Swing to Avant-Garde, always with grace, intelligence and professionalism beyond reproach. For clarinet lovers, this album is an absolute revelation. Overall, this an instant classic, full of brilliant music and heavenly performances, which is absolutely perfect from start to finish. Goodbye Friend!

Updated: 23/09/2022Posted: 23/09/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ROLF KUHN GROUP ~ TOTAL SPACE MPS 602527224794 (Barcode: 602527224794) ~ GERMANY ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 Released: 2009 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by the German clarinetists / composer / bandleader Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, recorded with an octet, which includes some of the best European Jazz musicians active at the time, like his younger brother pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Gerd DudekFind albums by this artist, trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Bo StiefFind albums by this artist, Swiss drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist and Danish drummer Kasper WindingFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, four composed by Rolf Kuhn and one by Mangelsdorff. The album is an outstanding example of European Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion and with the powerful sound created by the octet with the double drums and the brass instruments overdubbed to create what Rolf Kuhn describes as a “Brass Band”, the entire album offers an orchestral effect, full of blood-chilling and absolutely unique results, in many ways probably exposing the very peak of the Fusion creativity, which are amongst the most interesting ever recorded. This album is in fact a close companion to the other Rolf Kuhn orchestral Fusion album “Symphonic SwampfireFind albums with this title”. The music is based on strong melodic themes, wonderfully arranged for the orchestral environment, multilayered and even multi-rhythmic, emphasizing the complex sound of the orchestra as a complete music-making unit, rather than mostly just accompanying the soloists. By the time this music was recorded, European Jazz was heavily involved with Fusion, which is superbly incorporated within the orchestral sound, with electric guitar and keyboards being an integral part of the ambience. For guitar lovers, this is one of the finest albums featuring the brilliant guitar artistry of Catherine, as well as the electric side of Joachim Kuhn. Rolf Kuhn emerges here as a brilliant composer and arranger of orchestral Jazz, as well as a musician able to develop in time and embrace new trends and expand his horizons constantly, which characterized him for his entire lifetime, which I was lucky to follow for many years during our friendship. Overall, this is one of the most interesting orchestral Jazz albums in European Jazz, despite the fact that it is only known by relatively very few Jazz listeners. I have owned a copy since day one and listened to this album countless times in the almost fifty years since it was released, and each and every time I managed to discover something new in the music. I can only hope some more listeners will discover it one day, although admittedly it is quite difficult to find a copy. 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: 31/07/2024Posted: 31/07/2024

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MANGELSDORFF / HAMPEL / KUHN / FAVRE ~ SOLO NOW MPS 602517795099 (Barcode: 602517795099) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1976 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of the album recorded by four great European Jazz innovators, three Germans: trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist / flautist / composer Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, and Swiss drummer / composer Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which are solos, two are duos and one is a quartet recording, all bar one are originals by the participating musicians and one is a standard. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and the album’s booklet includes the original liner notes by Berendt (sadly in German only). The music is of course as brilliant as one might expect, with all musicians demonstrating their incredible abilities, both as solo performers and collective players. The music is composed, but offers a large degree of Freedom, with improvisation as the focal point. In many respects the album reflects the spirit of European Jazz at its early peak by the mid-1970s, where national borders were completely meaningless and the only thing that really mattered was the spirit of Jazz and its creativity. Berendt was always a maverick in creating connections between musicians and his role as Artistic Director of several key European Jazz festivals as well as a sought-after record producer enabled him a free hand in selecting the musicians he wanted to record, as in this case. Overall, this is brilliant example of European Jazz at the time, with the creative input of Berendt behind the music and the unparalleled sovereignty he enjoyed to take his creativity wherever he wanted. I had the incredible luck to be around there and then, including this particular recording session, and of course the experience is deeply implanted in my memory. Of course, knowing all these incredible musicians personally was also a most educational experience. The album is a must in any serious European Jazz 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: 11/04/2025Posted: 08/04/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ A JAZZ TUNE I HOPE MPS 602517602359 (Barcode: 602517602359) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by German trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with German pianist Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist and American rhythm section: bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, all original compositions, seven by Mangelsdorff and one by Jones. Three of the tracks are duos, one each with all the three members of the quartet. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and the booklet includes his original liner notes. The music is stunningly brilliant and presents not only Mangelsdorff’s unique virtuosity, but also his sublime skills as a composer and his phenomenal ability to make contact with other musicians. In fact, he played with all these three musicians earlier on, but never together as a quartet. The three duos are beautiful examples of the “Art of the Duo” phenomenon, in which Mangelsdorff excelled throughout his career. The album is one of several outstanding recordings Mangelsdorff made for MPS, all of which are milestones of European Jazz, and surely also are some of the most important examples of the role of trombone in Jazz, of which he was the greatest Master ever, and who revolutionized its role in modern Jazz, breaking all the limitations of the instrument. Overall, this is a sublime example of the European Jazz achievements, which expanded the genre beyond its original boundaries and took it to new artistic levels, outgrowing the tradition beyond the imagination. A true gem deserving an honorable place in every serious Jazz record 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: 10/03/2025Posted: 10/03/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ AND HIS FRIENDS MPS 4029759119616 (Barcode: 4029759119616) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1967 - 1969 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the MPSFind albums on this label album by legendary German Jazz trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist. It presents six improvised duos, each with another Jazz player, which are: Americans - trumpeter Don CherryFind albums by this artist, drummer Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist, Hungarian born resident in US guitarist Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist and German born resident in US vibraphonist Karl BergerFind albums by this artist and finally German pianist Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist. Four of the compositions are credited to the members of the duo performing them and two are credited to Mangelsdorff. Mangelsdorff was one of the Father figures of the German and then European jazz for decades. Since the late 1940’s he and his older brother Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist led numerous ensembles, always on the vanguard of the ever-changing Jazz scene. He was one of the greatest trombone players in the history and single-handedly changed the status of this instrument from a background / support role to the front line position, proving that when in hands of a virtuoso player the trombone can be as fascinating any other instrument. By the end of the 1960’s Mangelsdorff gradually moved towards Free Jazz and concentrated on playing in intimate settings like the duo and later even on completely solo performances. His revolutionary solo trombone album “TrombirdsFind albums with this title” (recorded 1972) was the first solo trombone album. Albert Mangelsdorff died in 2005 at the age of 77, leaving a tremendous legacy of recorded music, as revolutionary and groundbreaking as one can only expect from a true Jazz Master. This album, recorded between 1967 and 1969, presents the early Mangelsdorff duo recordings with some of the most important Jazz musicians of the period. Each and every one of these duo performances is completely different and yet they all create a cohesive musical vision of a genius. Not for a casual Jazz listener, but a delight for connoisseurs with a refined Jazz ear, this album also brought forth the "Art of the Duo" idiom, often used to describe European Jazz duo recordings of the highest class. 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: 02/04/2025Posted: 22/02/2018

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ AND HIS FRIENDS MPS 044006737522 (Barcode: 044006737522) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1969 Released: 2003 German trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist was one of the Father figures of the German and then European jazz for decades. Since the late 1940’s he and his older brother Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist led numerous ensembles, always on the vanguard of the ever-changing jazz scene. He was one of the greatest trombone players in the history and single-handedly changed the status of this instrument from a background / support role to the front line position, proving that when in hands of a virtuoso player the trombone can be as fascinating any other instrument. By the end of the 1960’s Mangelsdorff gradually moved towards free jazz and concentrated on playing in intimate settings like the duo and later even on completely solo performances. His revolutionary solo trombone album “Trombirds” (recorded 1971) was the first solo trombone album. Albert Mangelsdorff died in 2005 at the age of 77, leaving a tremendous legacy of recorded music, as revolutionary and groundbreaking as one can only expect from a jazz Master. This album, recorded between 1967 and 1969, presents the early Mangelsdorff duo recordings with some of the most important jazz musicians of the period: Don CherryFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist (drums), Karl BergerFind albums by this artist (vibraphone), Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist (guitar), Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist (alto sax) and Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist (piano). Each and every one of these duo performances is completely different and yet they all create a cohesive musical vision of a genius. Not for a casual jazz listener, but a delight for connoisseurs with a refined jazz ear. 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: 28/05/2025Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ FOLK MOND & FLOWER DREAM TROPICAL MUSIC 68.861 (Barcode: 764916886126) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007 This is a reissue / remaster of an obscure and criminally neglected album by German trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quintet, which also included saxophonists Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist and Gunter KronbergFind albums by this artist, bassist Gunter LenzFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralf HubnerFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, five of which are original compositions by Mangelsdorff and one by Sauer. The music is insanely brilliant and presents Mangelsdorff and his cohorts at the crucial days of the birth of modern European Jazz, which explodes with originality and intense search of new forms of expression, with Free Jazz / Improvised Music tendencies. Mangelsdorff’s virtuosity as a trombone player was already fully developed by the time this music was recorded, as well as his compositional skills, and the music on this album simply explodes with originality and inventiveness. Nevertheless, he was always a marvelous weaver of brilliant melodic themes, which are the base of the improvisations by the quintet. It goes without saying that the rest of the quintet members were all superbly talented. Overall, this is an absolute gem of early modern European Jazz and a quintessential eye (well, ear) opener as far as the birth of the European Jazz is concerned and the quantum jump it made in reference to the American Jazz tradition. It took me a while to get hold of a copy of if this album, since even after it was reissued, it got very little exposure. Absolutely essential!

Updated: 29/05/2025Posted: 29/05/2025

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ MUSIC FOR JAZZ ORCHESTRA SKIP 9039 (Barcode: 4037688903923) ~ GERMANY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 This is an album by legendary German Jazz trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, recorded with the phenomenal NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, which features some of the best German Jazz musicians, like trumpeter Ingolf BurkhardtFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist and my Friend, Polish (resident in Germany) pianist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, five of which are the movements of suite, which gives the album its title, and the other two are additional pieces selected for this recording, all composed by Mangelsdorff. This album, recorded in 2002, was the last recording by Mangelsdorff, before he died in 2005. The music is everything one might expect from Mangelsdorff and the NDR, superbly composed and executed, beautifully illustrating the European approach to Jazz Big Band, and featuring some outstanding soloing by Mangelsdorff and the NDR members. The music is complex and although based on coherent melodic themes, the arrangements call for extended multilayered interplays between the band sections, and the soloist improvise openly, often even Freely. This is about as sophisticated as Big Band Jazz gets and certainly quite different of the widespread perception of what a Jazz Big Band sound like. Mangelsdorff’s role as one of the founding Fathers of the European Jazz is invaluable and his collected recorded legacy is a reflection of his Genius captured for posterity. He always was an “out of the box” thinker and I consider myself lucky to have met him and enjoyed his company and knowledge, which deeply influenced me over the years. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unique Jazz Big Band album, probably one of the best ever recorded in that format, featuring sensational performances by the band and the soloists, including Mangelsdorff, who was still at excellent form despite his age. For Jazz Big Band enthusiasts this is an absolutely essential recording, but all lovers of Mangelsdorff’s unique talent will find this album indispensable. Stunning stuff!

Updated: 06/09/2024Posted: 06/09/2024

CD 1 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ SOLO MPS 602517797437 (Barcode: 602517797437) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 - 1982 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of three solo trombone albums by the iconic German trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist: “TrombirdsFind albums with this title” (1972), “TrombonelinessFind albums with this title” (1977) and “SoloFind albums with this title” (1982). The three albums, combined into a 2CD album, present twenty-seven tracks, all bar one composed by Mangelsdorff, and all played on trombone solo. The booklet includes an extensive interview with Mangelsdorff by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, who produced many of his albums for MPSFind albums on this label (sadly only in German). The concept of recording a solo trombone album was at the time completely revolutionary, which of course proves Mangelsdorff’s forward-thinking and his role as a bold innovator and leader on the European Jazz scene, in addition to his undeniable virtuosity and complete control of his instrument. He was of course encouraged by Berendt, who always stood behind his ideas and supported his career. Despite the fact that the music is performed by trombone only, it lacks absolutely nothing in melody, harmony and incredible expressiveness, as always with anything recorded by Mangelsdorff. In retrospect, these bold recordings stand out even more as incredible achievements, considering the fact that they were recorded half a Century ago, and still sound complete fresh and invigorating. Overall, this is a brilliant document of the strength of the European Jazz scene, which since the 1960s on raced forward with incredible vigor to rewrite the Jazz tradition into a new path, which saved the genre from stagnation and slow demise. It is an absolute must have for any Modern Jazz lover. 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: 02/04/2025Posted: 02/04/2025

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ THREE ORIGINALS MPS 731451921322 (Barcode: 731451921322) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1975 - 1980 Released: 1993 This is a reissue / remaster of three iconic albums by the Godfather of modern German Jazz, trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist. All three albums were recorded for and released by the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label and all were produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. I had the pleasure to be in the studio where the first album was recorded and at the Berlin Jazz Days venue where the second album was recorded. All three albums were recorded in a trio setting: trombone / bass / drums. The albums are: “The Wide PointFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1975 with Swedish bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and American drummer Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist. “Trilogue - Live!Find albums with this title”, recorded in 1976 with American bassist Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist and drummer Alphonse MouzonFind albums by this artist. “Albert Live In MontreuxFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1980 with French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist and American drummer Ronald Shannon JacksonFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely stellar from start to finish and Mangelsdorff’s exceptional talent as musician, improviser and innovator is fully exposed here. Mangelsdorff proved that there are no limits to any instrument, only to human imagination. These intimate trios are a great display of Free Jazz / Improvised Music at their absolute best, not to mention the exposure of the trombone as a solo instrument. Mangelsdorff’s contribution to the development of modern German / European Jazz was absolutely crucial at the early post WWII years, with an independent view of the Jazz Artform, quite separate from the American tradition. The privilege of meeting Albert Mangelsdorff and his brother Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and spending time with them is a worm memory, which I cherish to this day. Overall, this is a brilliant package of three great albums on 2 CD, which holds some great performances by superb musicians, all of which, except Danielsson, are no longer with us. This music is an absolute must an any comprehensive collection of modern European Jazz and Improvised Music. 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: 29/12/2023Posted: 07/04/2023

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ TRIPLE ENTENTE MPS 602517602366 (Barcode: 602517602366) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1982 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by German Jazz trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with a Swiss rhythm section comprising of bassist Leon FrancioliFind albums by this artist and drummer Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, four of which are original compositions by Mangelsdorff and one is co-credited to all three musicians. This was the last album Mangelsdorff recorded for the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label, The music is the usual modern European Jazz, which is based on composed melody threads, but offers a lot of freedom and space to the musicians, and borders on Free Jazz / Improvised Music. Mangelsdorff’s virtuosity is at the epicenter of the album, although the rhythm section gets ample opportunity for soloing and the common creative spirit is at the helm. Mangelsdorff was undoubtedly one of the most important movers and shakers of the German / European Jazz / Avant-Garde scene for decades, and all his albums are still completely relevant today, as his innovative spirit was light-years ahead of whatever was happening in real time. He singlehandedly promoted the trombone as a soloing instrument to an unprecedented level and his compositions ware simply timeless. Overall, this is a perfect example of Mangelsdorff’s work and the European Jazz aesthetics at its best. Closely flirting with Free Jazz / Improvised music, but not completely Avant-Garde, this is timeless, fantastic Jazz, that sounds as fascinating as it was at the time it was recorded. 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: 11/06/2025Posted: 11/06/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ TRIPLICITY SKIP 9052 (Barcode: 4037688905224) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1979 Released: 2005 This is an archival live album by German trombonist / composer / band leader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with Norwegian bassist Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, six by Mangelsdorff, two by Andersen and two co-composed by the trio members. The album offers a stunning sound quality. Although based on pre-composed themes, the music is an orgy of improvisation and startling virtuosity by the trio members. Mangelsdorff brought the trombone from the role of a rather limited backing instrument into the limelight of Jazz improvisation and his incredible technique enabled him to play sounds never previously intended to be played by that instrument, which is aptly proved herein. Anderson, who is an amazing bassist and one of my favorite Jazz musicians in the world, proves to be an ideal partner for Mangelsdorff, accompanying him amicably and telepathically, with a no less stunning virtuosity. Favre, a highly talented drummer and avid participant on the European Improvised Music scene, is also just the right person to add the rhythmic pulsations to this music, which he does with elegance and taste. Despite the fact that the music is largely improvised, it never loses its melodic touch and clear sense of direction. Obviously it is completely timeless and sounds as brilliant today as when it was recorded over four decades ago or released two decades ago. Overall, this is a stunning example of European Jazz / Improvised Music, which is elegant, wonderfully put together and completely timeless, exploding with creativity, virtuosity and vision. Mangelsdorff, who died in 2005, remains an icon of German / European Jazz and this, being the only recording by this particular trio, is a superb reminder of his genius. It is, of course, an absolute must, for trombone lovers.

Updated: 23/07/2024Posted: 23/07/2024

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF / FRANCOIS JEANNEAU ~ SWISS RADIO DAYS TCB 02222 (Barcode: 725095022224) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1972 - 1979 Released: 2010 This is a live archival album, which combines two sessions recorded by the Swiss Radio with a local Swiss rhythm section comprising of German (resident in Switzerland) pianist Klaus KoenigFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter FreiFind albums by this artist and drummers Peter SchmidlinFind albums by this artist or Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist and guest musicians: German trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist from 1972 and French saxophonist / composer Francois JeanneauFind albums by this artist from 1979. Each session presents two tracks, both composed by the guest musician. The Mangelsdorff session is completely freely improvised and magnificently portrays his abilities at the peak of his artistic abilities, with the rhythm section playing along splendidly, despite the fact that this was not their usual modus operandi. Since every second of Mangelsdorff’s performance is an absolute must to every European Jazz enthusiast, these almost forty minutes are a Holy Grail for his many enthusiasts and collectors. The Jeanneau session is shorter and somewhat more tamed, but also shows his him as a magnificent improviser, and one of the finest French Jazz musicians active on the scene since the 1970. His recording legacy offers many magnificent albums, and this rare recording from the early days of his career is an important snapshot of his career. Overall, this is a superb document of the European Jazz scene, especially important since the “Swiss Radio Days” series releases concentrated mostly on visiting American musicians, which seldom contributed interesting material.

Updated: 26/01/2025Posted: 26/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF / PERCUSSION ORCHESTRA ~ LANAYA PLAINISPHARE 2209 (Barcode: 3561302220925) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1993 Released: 2001 This is a reissue of a live album by German trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist recorded with the Percussion OrchestraFind albums by this artist, a quartet of percussion instrumentalists led by Swiss percussionist Reto WeberFind albums by this artist, Ghanaian African percussion Master Nana Twum NketiaFind albums by this artist, Iranian zarb player Djamchid ChemiraniFind albums by this artist and Adama DrameFind albums by this artist, a djembe player from Burkina Faso. The album presents seven tracks co-credited to Mangelsdorff and the percussionists. It is probably the least known recording by Mangelsdorff and shows his incredible versatility and interest in music originating from different location around the globe. The music is quite unusual and finds Mangelsdorff improvising on top of the rhythmic patterns performed by the percussionists, which is definitely quite different from the usual Jazz / Improvised Music environment usually associated with Mangelsdorff. But his devoted fans (like yours truly) and lovers of his trombone virtuosity, should find this album quite fascinating. Overall, this is a very atypical recording, which is of interest mostly to percussion lovers and devoted Mangelsdorff fans, who are open to hear him performing out of his usual musical environment.

Updated: 11/03/2025Posted: 11/03/2025

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF QUARTET ~ NEVER LET IT END MPS 602517060029 (Barcode: 602517060029) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by German trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, recorded with his all German quartet, which includes some of the finest European Jazz musicians active at the time: saxophonist Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist, bassist Gunter LenzFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralf HubnerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, four composed by Mangelsdorff, two by Sauer and one by Hubner. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and his original liner notes (albeit only in German) are included on the album’s artwork. Mangelsdorff, and his brother Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, were the pillars of the modern German Jazz scene, which developed rapidly after WWII, both in West and East Germany, peaking in the late 1960s. Germany developed in time as an epicenter of the continental Jazz scene, with huge number of excellent musicians, brilliant club and festival scene and the strongest music recording industry, with legendary labels like MPSFind albums on this label, ECMFind albums on this label, EnjaFind albums on this label and many others, which produced the finest modern Jazz recordings in the world, leaving the US scene far beyond from that time on. Albert Mangelsdorff was one of the most vital figures on that scene and his ever changing groups pushed the Jazz limits at all times. His absolutely unique virtuosity on the trombone changed the role of that instrument to an equally important position in the Jazz ensemble as trumpet and saxophone. I was lucky to meet him and see / hear him play and record on numerous occasions and he always left an enormous impression as a person and a musician. His recorded legacy, which he managed to amass very prolifically, is one of the most important individual European Jazz legacies, which this album proudly represents. The music here presents a perfect amalgam of the Jazz tradition and the rapid development towards modern and Free Jazz. Overall, this is one of the most interesting Jazz albums in European Jazz, despite the fact that it is only known by relatively very few Jazz listeners. I have owned a copy since day one and listened to this album countless times in the almost fifty years since it was released, and each and every time I managed to discover something new in the music. I can only hope some more listeners will discover it one day, although admittedly it is quite difficult to find a copy. 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: 20/07/2024Posted: 20/07/2024

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF QUINTET ~ BIRDS OF UNDERGROUND MPS 602517175945 (Barcode: 602517175945) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by German trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, recorded with his all German quintet with saxophonists Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist and Gerd DudekFind albums by this artist (who also plays flute), bassist Buschi NiebergallFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter GigerFind albums by this artist. The album presents four lengthy tracks, three of which last for over ten minutes, two composed by Mangelsdorff and two co-composed by all five musicians. The music presents some of the finest German / European Free Jazz / Improvised Music, which by the time this music was recorded, was in full bloom, expanding the American Free Jazz of the earlier decade into a coherent, fully developed and aesthetically solidified artistic expression. Despite the total Freedom, enjoyed by the musicians, the music is perfectly structured and logically developed, sometimes based on a briefly stated theme, and at other times springing into the open as if from nowhere. All five musicians are true masters of their respective instruments, which results in breathtaking performances by them all. Most of the music is in a form of group improvisations, rather than soloing accompanied by the rest of the quintet, which results in a situation when all five musicians are soloing at the same time, which of course might be more difficult to follow, but is extremely potent musically. Mangelsdorff’s performances on this album are absolutely awe striking and his early 1970s output remains his most productive and revolutionary period, including his first solo trombone recording “TrombirdsFind albums with this title”, recorded and released shortly before this album, which remains one of the most iconic trombone albums in all time. Overall, this is an absolute gem of an album which aged beautifully with time and remains as one of the finest European Free Jazz recording in all time. Very few, if any, more impressive Free Jazz albums were recorded since, and it remains a brilliant reminder of Mangelsdorff’s genius and his pivotal role in European Jazz, as well as the greatest trombone virtuoso ever. Beyond essential! 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: 15/11/2024Posted: 15/11/2024

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

EMIL MANGELSDORFF & ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ EARLY DISCOVERIES SWR JAZZHAUS 459 (Barcode: 730099045957) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1953 - 1963 Released: 2018 This is a wonderful archive album by Godfathers of German Jazz, brothers Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist (trombone). The 2CD album presents live ad studio recordings from the vaults of the German SWR broadcasting corporation, captured between 1953 and 1963 and produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. The various combos include the who’s who of the pioneering German Jazz musicians of the post WWII era, such as saxophonists Joki FreundFind albums by this artist, Hans KollerFind albums by this artist (Austrian resident in Germany) and Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter TrunkFind albums by this artist, drummer Joe NayFind albums by this artist and many others. The first CD presets twelve tracks recorded by the Albert Mangelsdorff quintet from 1961, which plays four original compositions by Albert Mangelsdorff and eight standards. The music offers the glimpse of how European Jazz musicians interpreted the American Jazz tradition, mostly Bebop influenced, nearing the inevitable departure towards the more advanced modern European Jazz. The second CD presents three tracks by the German All Stars twelve-piece band (with Mangelsdorff brothers as members), all composed by Freund, and one track by the Albert Mangelsdorff / Peter Trunk duo composed by Albert Mangelsdorff, all recorded in 1963. Next come four tracks by the Joki Freund sextet (with Mangelsdorff brothers as members) playing four original compositions by Freund, recorded in 1957. This is followed by a track by the 1956 version of the German All Stars band, followed by another duo track by Albert Mangelsdorff and Hungarian (resident in Germany) guitarist Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1953. The last three tracks offer a super-rare appearance by the Austrian pianist Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist recorded in 1957, before his departure to the US and world fame. All the music is excellently recorded and offers a superb glimpse at the German Jazz scene at the late 1950s / early 1960s, when the European Jazz scene was making its formative first steps towards the independence from the American tradition, after mastering its trademarks. There is a plethora of wonderful solos and ensemble performances present, as well as examples of Albert Mangelsdorff’s love of the duo format, which dominated his entire career. Overall this is a brilliant document of the era and a must to all European Jazz fans, interested in the history and the process of its development. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 05/04/2021

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MUMPS ~ A MATTER OF TASTE MPS 602517795822 (Barcode: 602517795822) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1977 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of the only album recorded together by four great European Jazz innovators, one German: trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, two Americans: drummer / composer Stu MartinFind albums by this artist and bassist / composer Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist, and British saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist, collectively known as MUMPSFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all originals co-composed by the quartet members. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. Martin, Phillips and Surman, known collectively as simply The TrioFind albums by this artist, recorded together often since early 1970s, and have a brilliant recorded legacy together, as a trio and with other European Jazz greats, like French saxophonist / clarinetist Michel PortalFind albums by this artist and others. This session with Mangelsdorff is probably their greatest recording together, as far as I am considered. Despite the fact that all four musicians are known as groundbreaking improvisers, the music on this album sounds way more melodic than one might expect, which does not mean that there is less improvisation, but the incredible interplay between them and the obvious comradeship obviously adds to the incredible atmosphere this album captures. The music is of course as brilliant as one might expect, with all musicians demonstrating their incredible abilities, both as solo performers and collective players. The music is composed, but offers a large degree of Freedom, with improvisation as the focal point. In many respects the album reflects the spirit of European Jazz at its peak by the late-1970s, where national borders were completely meaningless and the only thing that really mattered was the spirit of Jazz and its creativity. Berendt was always a maverick in creating connections between musicians and his role as Artistic Director of several key European Jazz festivals as well as a sought-after record producer enabled him a free hand in selecting the musicians he wanted to record, as in this case. Overall, this is brilliant example of European Jazz at the time, with the creative input of Berendt behind the music and the unparalleled sovereignty he enjoyed to take his creativity wherever he wanted. I had the incredible luck to be around there and then, including this particular recording session, and of course the experience is deeply implanted in my memory. Of course, knowing all these incredible musicians personally was also a most educational experience. The album is a must in any serious European Jazz 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: 11/04/2025Posted: 10/04/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

MANFRED SCHOOF QUINTET ~ LIVE IN BREMEN 1978 MOOSICUS 1316 (Barcode: 885513131621) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by the great German Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Manfred SchoofFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of the modern German / European Jazz. The 2CD album was recorded by Radio Bremen and features Schoof’s second quintet, with bass clarinetist Michel PilzFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Rainer BruninghausFind albums by this artist, bassist Gunter LenzFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralf HubnerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are extended pieces lasting between ten and twenty minutes. Six of the tracks are original compositions by Schoof, two are by Hubner and one is co-composed by Schoof with two other musicians. Bruninghaus is familiar as a member of Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist´s bands and the Lenz / Hubner rhythm section was, among others, also the first rhythm section of Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist’s quintet. This quintet recorded three albums for the JAPOFind albums on this label label, a subsidiary of ECMFind albums on this label, between 1976 and 1979 (“ScalesFind albums with this title”, “Light LinesFind albums with this title” and “HorizonsFind albums with this title”), reissued in 2009 as the Box Set “ResonanceFind albums with this title”, with Dutch keyboardist Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist on the first two albums and Bruninghaus on the third. Much of the material on this live album originates from these albums, but gets an expanded treatment herein. The music is absolutely Godly, a beautiful amalgam of melodic, almost ambient themes with widely improvised Free parts by the bass clarinet, trumpet and piano on top, a brilliant example of the European Jazz aesthetics at its best. The music develops slowly and takes the listener on a hypnotic carpet ride, which is delight incarnate. This was definitely one of the best European Jazz quintets of the late 1970s, and this live album is a perfect companion to the three studio albums mentioned above. Overall, this is a brilliant European Jazz from the late 1970s, with first-class musicians, performing exquisite music, which remains as relevant today as it was at the time. Lovers of bass clarinet will find this jaw-dropping and absolutely essential, but all European Jazz lovers should find this music irresistible. Those German radio stations have so much incredible music in their vaults, and we can be only grateful for labels like MoosicusFind albums on this label for bringing it out on records. A must!

Updated: 26/06/2025Posted: 21/06/2025

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT ~ LIVE RECORDINGS 1973 & 1976 SWR JAZZHAUS 479 (Barcode: 730099047951) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 - 1976 Released: 2021 This is a sensational archive album by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist. It presents live recordings from the vaults of the German SWR broadcasting corporation. The first four tracks are performed by a duo comprising of Seifert and legendary German trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, captured at the 1976 Donaueschingen Musiktage, produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. Two of the pieces are spontaneously improvised and the other two are composed one each by Seifert and Mangelsdorff. The fifth track, recorded at the 1973 New Jazz Meeting in Baden-Baden, also produced by Berendt (at his home town), finds Seifert as a member of an international Jazz-Rock Fusion sextet with New Zealand (resident in UK at the time) pianist Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist, Dutch keyboardists Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist, Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, who also composed the tune they perform, German bassist Peter TrunkFind albums by this artist and British drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The duo tracks are simply sensational, a beautiful example of the “Art of the Duo” idiom and Improvised Music at its best. Mangelsdorff was already a veteran pioneer of the duo (and solo) formats by that time, but as far as Seifert was concert this is certainly a rare occasion to hear him is such naked intimate setting, although a few months earlier Seifert recorded his solo violin album, which was still unreleased at the time. The sextet track reflects perfectly what Seifert was into at the time, playing and recording with European musicians, who recognized his exceptional talent, and paving his way to the international career he was destined for, which sadly never materialized when his lost his battle with cancer. The SWR vaults are a treasure chest of superb live music, which is being constantly released on records. In this case the material is especially important due to the relatively limited recorded legacy by Seifert, which means that every bit of his music is priceless, especially when recorded at such high sound quality as the music on this album. Overall this is an absolute essential piece of the Polish Jazz recorded history, which dedicated fans will nor willingly miss. But it is recommended to all European Jazz fans since it reveals the incredibly high level of creativity and versatility the genre enjoyed in the 1970s. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 31/03/2021

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ DIE NEUNTE VON UNITED MOOD 6472 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 This is the 9th album (5th live recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The fifth lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also British trumpeters Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, German saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist and American (resident in Germany) bassist Dave KingFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note) and presents nine tracks, eight of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: two each by Kriegel and Mangelsdorff and one each by Carr, Dauner, Lauer and Thompson, and one is a Jazz standard by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist, arranged by van Rooyen. The album reflects the constant musical development of the ensemble and seemingly endless collection of musical ideas. The music becomes ever more complex and ambitious, often of orchestral scale, but never loses an iota of the Rock and Funk elements, combining everything into a unique amalgam, which always kept them apart from any competition or comparison. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is always potent and the brass arrangements are more complex than ever. All members of the group get an opportunity to solo, but the main idea is to present an “ensemble” sound, rather than a collection of individuals. The fact that the ensemble sounds as good live as in the studio testifies as to the remarkable level of musicianship and the joy of playing together. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find the recordings by the ensemble quite different and innovative, as the mutual influence between the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous recordings over time. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 06/01/2025Posted: 05/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ LIVE IN BERLIN MOOD 33.620 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1981 Released: 1988 This is a reissue / remaster of the 4th album (2nd live recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The second lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also two British trumpeters Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: two each by Dauner, Mariano, Kriegel and Carr and one by Mangelsdorff. The music is absolutely stunning and completely unusual for the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Due to the strong horn section it is conceptually closer to Brass Rock, but on the other hand it has a much more potent Jazz presence. All the members of the ensemble are superb instrumentalists with many years of experience and the level of the performances is phenomenal. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is even more potent than on the two earlier albums and the brass arrangements are more complex. The overall sound of this album is similar to the sound of the British Jazz ensembles, like NucleusFind albums by this artist or Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist ensembles. This live recording proves how the strong the ensemble was live and how masterfully they handled the complex arrangements and multi-part compositions. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find them both familiar and innovative, as the mutual influence of the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous future recordings. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 29/12/2024Posted: 22/12/2024

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ LIVE IN SCHUTZENHAUS MOOD 33.609 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 1987 This is a reissue / remaster of the 1st album by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The first lineup of the group, which recorded this live album, included also British trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note) and was the label’s first release. The album presents seven tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: three by Dauner, two by Kriegel and one each by Carr and Mariano. The music is absolutely stunning and completely unusual for the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Due to the strong horn section it is conceptually closer to Brass Rock, but on the other hand it has a much more potent Jazz presence. All the members of the ensemble are superb instrumentalists with many years of experience and the level of the performances is phenomenal. Hiseman’s incredible steady drumming keeps the large ensemble precisely together, despite the devilishly complex rhythmic patterns. Thompson’s flute parts are simply insane, and this is one of the finest example of the couple’s work together. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find them both familiar and innovative, as the mutual influence of the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous future recordings. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 18/11/2024Posted: 18/11/2024

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ NA ENDLICH! MOOD 6382 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1992 Released: 1992 This is the 8th album (4th live recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The fourth lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also British trumpeters Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist (back again), American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and American (resident in Germany) bassist Dave KingFind albums by this artist (who replaced Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist). The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents eight tracks (one spoken intro), six of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: two by Dauner and one each by Mariano, Kriegel, Mangelsdorff and Thompson, and for the first time a Jazz standard by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, arranged by Thompson. The album reflects the constant musical development of the ensemble and seemingly endless collection of musical ideas. The music becomes ever more complex and ambitious, often of orchestral scale, but never loses an iota of the Rock and Funk elements, combining everything into a unique amalgam, which always kept them apart from any competition or comparison. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is always potent and the brass arrangements are more complex than ever. All members of the group get an opportunity to solo, but the main idea is to present an “ensemble” sound, rather than a collection of individuals. The fact that the ensemble sounds as good live as in the studio testifies as to the remarkable level of musicianship and the joy of playing together. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find the recordings by the ensemble quite different and innovative, as the mutual influence between the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous recordings over time. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 06/01/2025Posted: 03/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ ROUND SEVEN MOOD 33.606 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1987 Released: 1987 This is the 7th album (3rd studio recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The third lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also British trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, German trumpeter Johannes FaberFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. Dauner’s son, drummer Florian DaunerFind albums by this artist, contributes on one track. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents seven tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: one each by Dauner (a three-part suite), Mariano (co-composed with the great Indian vocalist R.A. RamamaniFind albums by this artist), Kriegel, Carr, Mangelsdorff, Thompson and Weber. This was the first album by the ensemble released on LP and CD at the same time, and due to the extended playing time possible on the CD, it includes two live bonus tracks, which do not appear on the LP edition. The exact date of the recording of these live bonus tracks is not clear and I suspect they were recorded at an earlier occasion. This album marks the 10th anniversary of the recording history of the ensemble and beautifully reflects the constant musical development. The music becomes ever more complex and ambitious, often of orchestral scale, but never loses an iota of the Rock and Funk elements, combining everything into a unique amalgam, which always kept them apart from any competition or comparison. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is always potent and the brass arrangements are more complex than ever. All members of the group get an opportunity to solo, but the main idea is to present an “ensemble” sound, rather than a collection of individuals. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find the recordings by the ensemble quite different and innovative, as the mutual influence between the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous recordings over time. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 01/01/2025Posted: 01/01/2025

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ TEAMWORK MOOD 33.618 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1978 Released: 1988 This is a reissue / remaster of the 2nd album (1st studio recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The first lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also British trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents eight tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: two by Mangelsdorff and one each by Carr, Kriegel, Thompson, Weber, Dauner and Mariano. The music is absolutely stunning and completely unusual for the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Due to the strong horn section it is conceptually closer to Brass Rock, but on the other hand it has a much more potent Jazz presence. All the members of the ensemble are superb instrumentalists with many years of experience and the level of the performances is phenomenal. Hiseman’s incredible steady drumming keeps the large ensemble precisely together, despite the devilishly complex rhythmic patterns. Thompson’s flute parts are simply insane, and this is one of the finest example of the couple’s work together. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find them both familiar and innovative, as the mutual influence of the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous future recordings. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 10/12/2024Posted: 10/12/2024

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ THE BREAK EVEN POINT MOOD 33.619 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1979 Released: 1988 This is a reissue / remaster of the 3rd album (2nd studio recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The second lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also two British trumpeters Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents eight tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: one each by Mangelsdorff, Carr, Kriegel, Thompson, Weber, Dauner, Mariano and Wheeler. The music is absolutely stunning and completely unusual for the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Due to the strong horn section it is conceptually closer to Brass Rock, but on the other hand it has a much more potent Jazz presence. All the members of the ensemble are superb instrumentalists with many years of experience and the level of the performances is phenomenal. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is even more potent than on the two earlier albums and the brass arrangements are more complex. The overall sound of this album is similar to the sound of the British Jazz ensembles, like NucleusFind albums by this artist or Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist ensembles. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find them both familiar and innovative, as the mutual influence of the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous future recordings. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 22/12/2024Posted: 17/12/2024

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ UNITED LIVE OPUS SECHS MOOD 33.621 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1984 Released: 1988 This is a reissue / remaster of the 6th album (3rd live recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The third lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also British trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, German trumpeter Johannes FaberFind albums by this artist (who replaced Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist), American (resident in Germany) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note). The album presents six tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: one each by Dauner, Kriegel (co-composed with his keyboardist Thomas BettermannFind albums by this artist), Carr, Mangelsdorff, Thompson and Weber. If anybody wanders what happened to the 5th album by the ensemble, it was a collection of tracks from the first four albums, appropriately called “Zwischenbilantz”, and is not included in this series of reviews. The music is absolutely stunning and completely unusual for the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre. Due to the strong horn section it is conceptually closer to Brass Rock, but on the other hand it has a much more potent Jazz presence. All the members of the ensemble are superb instrumentalists with many years of experience and the level of the performances is phenomenal. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is even more potent than on the two earlier albums and the brass arrangements are more complex. The overall sound of this album is similar to the sound of the British Jazz ensembles, like NucleusFind albums by this artist or Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist ensembles. This live recording proves how the strong the ensemble was live and how masterfully they handled the complex arrangements and multi-part compositions. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find them both familiar and innovative, as the mutual influence of the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous future recordings. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 29/12/2024Posted: 29/12/2024

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

UNITED JAZZ + ROCK ENSEMBLE ~ X MOOD 6582 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 This is the 10th and last album (6th live recording) by the quintessential European Jazz / Fusion ensemble United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, established in 1975 by a group of European musicians, led by German keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, British drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and his wife saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist (who does not play on this album) and trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch trumpeter Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The sixth and last recording lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also British trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, German trumpeter Thorsten BenkensteinFind albums by this artist, German saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) bassist Dave KingFind albums by this artist and Australian (resident in Germany) guitarist Peter O`MaraFind albums by this artist. The album was released on the iconic MoodFind albums on this label Records label (see Side Note) and presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by the ensemble members: two by O`Mara and one each by Mangelsdorff, Carr, Dauner, Lauer, Thompson and van Rooyen, and finally one co-composed by Hiseman and Thompson. United Jazz + Rock Ensemble continued to perform until 2002, and disbanded following a farewell tour. In 2012 Dauner formed a short lived United Jazz + Rock Ensemble Second GenerationFind albums by this artist, which recorded a single album “Wolfgang Dauner`s United 2Find albums with this title” (released on ConnectorFind albums on this label Records label), which consisted of new musicians, except his son Florian DaunerFind albums by this artist and Dave King. The album reflects the constant musical development of the ensemble and seemingly endless collection of musical ideas. The music becomes ever more complex and ambitious, often of orchestral scale, but never loses an iota of the Rock and Funk elements, combining everything into a unique amalgam, which always kept them apart from any competition or comparison. With three trumpeters on board the Big Band sound is always potent and the brass arrangements are more complex than ever. All members of the group get an opportunity to solo, but the main idea is to present an “ensemble” sound, rather than a collection of individuals. The fact that the ensemble sounds as good live as in the studio testifies as to the remarkable level of musicianship and the joy of playing together. Listeners familiar with the recordings by the individual members of the ensemble will often find the recordings by the ensemble quite different and innovative, as the mutual influence between the band members is very dominating. The ensemble manages to establish a unique sound and style, which will be recognizable as their own on their numerous recordings over time. Overall, this is a brilliant and highly unusual Fusion album, a true classic of the genre and great example of the sophistication of European Jazz. The entire recorded legacy of the ensemble is a must in any serious Jazz / Fusion record collection. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 09/01/2025Posted: 09/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.27 POLSKIE RADIO 2059 (Barcode: 5907812247126) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2016 This is the twenty-seventh installment in the series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings from the radio vaults. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well. The tracks presented here were recorded live in December 1965 during the eighth Jazz Jamboree Festival in Warsaw and are the second volume of a collection of tracks from that event. The first two tracks present a trio led by one of the Godfathers of modern European Jazz, the German pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist with bassist Klaus KochFind albums by this artist and drummer Reinhard SchwartzFind albums by this artist. They perform two original compositions by Kuhn and the performance is one of the earliest examples of European Free Jazz. Kuhn´s performance here is absolutely stunning as everything he played at the time, before he moved from East German to West Germany. The fact that his Free Jazz playing was tolerated by the GDR regime is a fascinating story by itself. More details about his activity around the time this music was recorded ban be found in the review of the Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist´s album "Live At Kosmos, BerlinFind albums with this title", which was recorded just a month earlier. The next four tracks present a quintet led by another Godfather of modern European Jazz, the German trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist with saxophonists Gunter KronbergFind albums by this artist and Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist, bassist Gunter LentzFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralf HubnerFind albums by this artist. They perform three original compositions by Mangelsdorff and one composition by the British trumpeter / composer Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, a great pioneer of modern British Jazz. Although the music performed by the Albert Mangelsdorff quintet is not as Free Jazz oriented as that by Joachim Kuhn, it is a superb of early modern European Jazz, which was already emancipated from the American Jazz influence and clearly showed the new direction being created in Europe. Both these performances show the importance of German musicians as co-creators of early European Jazz. The last track present a sextet led by yet another Godfather of modern European Jazz, the Polish Jazz pianist / composer Andrzej TrzaskowskiFind albums by this artist with American trumpeter Ted CursonFind albums by this artist (who was living in Europe at the time), saxophonists Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist and Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist, bassist Jacek OstaszewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam JedrzejowskiFind albums by this artist. They perform one extended original composition by Trzaskowski. The music is again a stunning example of early modern European Jazz and a great precursor of the explosion of the Polish Jazz scene, which was happening at the time. The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. As usual with this series, which is very reasonably priced, I miss the presence of "in depth" liner notes / booklet, which should convey the circumstances at which this music was recorded and its importance to the development of Jazz in Poland. Nevertheless this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan will surely consider an absolute must.

Updated: 03/12/2016Posted: 03/12/2016

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EBERHARD WEBER ~ ONCE UPON A TIME ECM 2699 (Barcode: 602438331369) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1994 Released: 2021 This is a live solo bass album by the great German Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of modern German Jazz. Recorded in 1994, the album was released only in 2021, and is so far the last Weber’s album on the ECMFind albums on this label label. The album presents seven tracks, six of which are original compositions by Weber and one is a standard. He plays electric upright bass and utilizes some electronic sound manipulation. Weber’s collected recorded discography marks him as one of the most prolific and universal European Jazz bassists of all time. His unmistakable, highly melodic bass sound and sublime compositions are instantly recognizable and have been a source of joy for music lovers since the mid-1960s, when he shaped the modern German Jazz scene Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and others. Later on he also became the bassist of choice for many American Jazz musicians and of course led his own ensembles for several decades. I had been lucky to hear him perform on many occasions and his is absolutely unique each and every time. Solo bass albums are often ridiculed and considered as sign of vanity by the bassist who record them, which of course sometimes is justified, but in some extraordinary cases, like this one, they can be truly divine. Weber is not only a great virtuoso, but more importantly he is a superb songweaver, which turns off of his soli into fully melodic, complete compositions. This album exemplifies this phenomenon perfectly, and anybody listening to this music will not miss anything else to be present beyond Weber’s bass. Overall, this is truly music from out of this world, harmony of the spheres, angel’s lament or whatever else that comes to one’s mind when hearing Weber touch his bass. The entire album, from start to finish, is an uninterrupted orgy of pleasure, as if he was playing directly on the strings of the listener’s soul. It is one of those unrepeatable moments, and thank God it was caught for eternity for us to enjoy! This is way beyond just recommendable, it is absolutely essential!

Updated: 08/08/2023Posted: 08/08/2023

CD 1 Slipcase Essential Recommend To A Friend

ATTILA ZOLLER / LEE KONITZ / ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ ZO-KO-MA MPS 602517797482 (Barcode: 602517797482) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by three brilliant Jazz musicians, Hungarian (resident in Germany at the time) guitarist / composer Attila ZollerFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist / composer Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist and German trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, who are accompanied by the rhythm section comprising of American bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and drummer Stu MartinFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, which include quintet, trio duo and solo tracks by the participating musicians, all original compositions by them. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and the booklet include his original liner notes (sadly only in German). Berendt often sized the opportunity to put visiting or resident musicians into the recording studio, creating some of the most exciting lineups ever. The music is a brilliant example of the European Jazz, which was being forged by mixing the American traditions with local new approaches, and although three of the musicians on this album are Americans and only two Europeans, the music is miles ahead already from the source. Eventually Zoller, who was the most “mainstream” musician herein, settled in the US, whereas Phillips and Martin became part of the European scene for many years. Although the music offers still some mainstream tendencies, especially on the tunes composed by Zoller, the rest of the tracks, especially the trio/duo/solo parts, are way more Free oriented. Obviously all the musicians perform brilliantly, as expected, and the music lost absolutely nothing of its power and originality over time. Overall, this is another great example of albums produced by Berendt, which pushed the boundaries of Jazz and shaped the face of European Jazz. This is a part of the MPSFind albums on this label legacy and a must in every decent Jazz collection, albeit not easy to find these days. 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: 30/09/2024Posted: 30/09/2024

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend