Record Reviews

EBERHARD WEBER ~ COLOURS ECM 2133/35 (Barcode: 602527196381) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 - 1980 Released: 2009 This wonderful Box Set contains the three albums by German bassist / composer Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist with his group ColoursFind albums by this artist released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, which are "Yellow FieldsFind albums with this title" (ECM 1066) recorded in 1975, "Silent FeetFind albums with this title" (ECM 1107) recorded in 1977 and "Little MovementsFind albums with this title" (ECM 1186) recorded in 1980. Colours comprised of Weber with US (resident in Europe) saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist, German pianist Rainer BruninghausFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist (on the first album) / British drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist (on the other two albums). Weber, who composed all the music (except one track) presented here, is one of the greatest representatives of European Jazz / Fusion, with a sublime sense of melody and unique approach to his instrument. He was a pioneer of the electro-acoustic double-bass, which was especially built for him already in the early 1970s. Most of the tracks are expanded compositions lasting between 10 and 20 minutes each with ample space for improvisation and musical dialogue between the players. These are among the best recordings by the late Charlie Mariano. In retrospect this is some of the most impressive European Jazz ever recorded and an everlasting musical adventure. A must to any serious listener! Side Note: These three albums were not reissued on CD individually, so this is the only way to obtain them in CD form.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

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EBERHARD WEBER ~ THE FOLLOWING MORNING ECM 1084 (Barcode: 602567431015) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2019 This is the 3rd album as a leader by German bassist / composer Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist, recorded with keyboardist Rainer BruninghausFind albums by this artist and members of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. The album presents four tracks, all composed by Weber. The music was recorded at the Talent Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. Weber is one of the most distinctive European Jazz voices and his inimitable bass sound and phrasing remains a classic expression of European lyricism and aesthetics, especially in the Chamber Jazz idiom, which combines Jazz and Classical music vocabulary and sonic aura. The music develops slowly and builds up a feeling of tension and expectation, with Weber’s bass soloing on top, creating a unique atmosphere, often similar to cinematic music, somewhere between Minimalism and Romanticism. But it always remains uniquely Weber’s, recognizable easily from his idiosyncratic touch of the bass and the use of delay and reverb when amplifying the instrument. Weber’s recording with his brilliant ColoursFind albums by this artist ensemble is the more Jazz oriented facet of his work, whereas his intimate albums, mostly in solo or duo format, are his Chamber Jazz creations. Of course, he is always brilliantly himself. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of music and a true European Chamber Jazz gem, worth being listened to and returning to from time to time. Weber’s collective recorded legacy, both as a leader and sideman, is true chest of wonders, as this album clearly exemplifies.

Updated: 21/02/2024Posted: 21/02/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

KENNY WHEELER / COLOURS JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ NINETEEN PLUS ONE ASTARTE 001 (Barcode: 8015948301838) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is a relatively little known album by the British Jazz icon trumpeter / composer / arranger Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist recorded with a nineteen players strong Italian Colours Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Massimo MorgantiFind albums by this artist and featuring vocalist Diana TortoFind albums by this artist and Wheeler as main soloists. The album presents eight compositions, seven of which are Wheeler´s favorite standards arranged by him for the orchestra and one is an original composition by Wheeler. Jazz orchestras (the larger the better) where of course one of Wheeler´s favorite habitats and his arrangements were always masterpieces of elegance and good taste, which is beautifully represented by the music included herein. The familiar Jazz standards are dressed up superbly in Wheeler´s arrangements and executed with grace and panache by the wonderful orchestra, in every minute detail. Overall the album is a schoolbook example of the Art of modern Jazz orchestral / Big Band arrangement techniques and performance, full of exquisite music and memorable solos by Wheeler, whose every trumpet / flugelhorn note was always nothing short of perfect. This is an absolute must for all Wheeler´s fans and connoisseurs of orchestral Jazz, and since this album seems to be still available online, my recommendation is to grab a copy as long as this is the case. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 18/12/2018Posted: 18/12/2018

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend