Record Reviews
11 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ MAINZ 1963-1969
SWR JAZZHAUS 101726 (Barcode: 807280172690) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1963 - 1969 Released: 2013
This album presents a delightful collection of early archival recordings by German guitarists / composer / bandleader Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, one of the most important pioneering European Jazz musicians, who is also often considered as one of the Godfathers of European Jazz-Rock Fusion. The music was recorded by the German Radio during four separate recording sessions that took place in 1963, 1967, 1968 and 1968. The first of these sessions is in a trio format and the rest are quartet recordings featuring vibraphone as the fourth instrument, which was Kriegel´s preferred format. A couple of guest musicians: flautist Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Gustl MayerFind albums by this artist are featured on the third and fourth sessions respectively.
By the time the last session on this album was recorded, Kriegel was already a member of the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, an ensemble led by the American (resident in Germany) vibraphonist Dave PikeFind albums by this artist which led to his exposure. This was followed by Kriegel leading several ensembles and recording as a solo artist and also the creation of the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist by the late 1970 with other European Fusion musicians. Kriegel sadly died in 2003, aged only 60 at the time, an immense loss to the European Jazz scene.
The material presented on this album gives a fascinating glimpse at the development Kriegel moved through in his early days, from playing quite traditionally on the first session, sounding like many American guitarist at the time (Joe PassFind albums by this artist, Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist) and playing standards, gradually changing his approach and reaching his personal style and phrasing and playing original compositions. From the very first moments it is quite obvious that Kriegel has something in him, which makes his playing unique. He is first and foremost a European Artist and even in the first sessions there are definite echoes of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist in parallel to the American influences.
Similarly to the BBC in Britain, the German broadcasting bodies (radio and TV) in the various regions (Federal States) are an endless source of recordings of local and international artists in all genres. Hopefully more projects like this one will see the light of day soon, as these treasures are definitely too important to lay forgotten.
Overall this is an excellent album of great historic importance, especially for European Jazz fans, with great sound quality and superb material, which definitely deserves to be listened to. Well done!
| | Updated: 31/03/2021Posted: 30/01/2016 | CD 2 Digipak 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 ~ 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 |
  | DAVE PIKE ~ JAZZ FOR THE JET SET
WOUNDED BIRD 1457 (Barcode: 664140145726) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2006
Vibraphonist Dave PikeFind albums by this artist has been active on the US jazz scene since the mid-1950s, playing in a variety of bands. In the early 1960s Pike joined the Herbie MannFind albums by this artist band, where he stayed for several years, playing an amplified vibraphone (one of the first musicians to do so). After leaving Mann’s band he recorded a few albums (this being one of them) and in 1968 he left for Europe, where he stayed for several years leading the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which was one of the most advanced and sophisticated early jazz-rock ensembles. With the Set he recorded a series of brilliant albums for the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label (sadly mostly not available on CD), which featured the absolutely top European players at the time, including guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and many more. In the mid-1970s Pike returned to the US, where he continued to perform and occasionally record. This album is quite unique in many ways: it was produced by Herbie Mann and features some of the best players on the scene, including Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist (plying the organ – the only time that happened!) and trumpeter Clark TerryFind albums by this artist. The material includes several original tunes (by Hancock and Pike) and lovely arrangements of great (then contemporary) Pop songs, creating one of the nicest ever jazz-pop albums (typical of the mid-1960s), with that incredible sound that makes my heart melt each time I hear it. Perhaps my nostalgia slightly clouds my judgment, but this is a most pleasant album, full of joy and naivete, so rare these days. Superb!
| | Updated: 30/01/2016Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE ~ THE DOORS OF PERCEPTION
WOUNDED BIRD 2007 (Barcode: 664140200722) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007
When this little gem was finally released by the adventurous VortexFind albums on this label label (a subsidiary of AtlanticFind albums on this label), after being recorded a few years earlier, US vibraphonist Dave PikeFind albums by this artist had already moved to Europe, following the footsteps of many US Jazz players who felt stifled by the local scene, which was nonresponsive to innovation and outright hostile to forward musical ideas. In Europe Pike formed the wonderful Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist and recorded a series of superb albums for the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label. This is the last album he recorded before leaving for Europe and it is weird in every sense as much as it is revolutionary. The use of electronic effects and studio trickery, overlaid on top of straightforward (more or less) Jazz playing was surely quite innovative at the time. He assembled a wonderful team of musicians with saxophonist Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / clarinetist Eddie DanielsFind albums by this artist, pianist Don FriedmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Chuck IsraelFind albums by this artist and drummer Arnie WiseFind albums by this artist. Pike wrote all the music performed here, which is quite diverse, including (among others) early Jazz-Rock attempts, improvised moments and ballads – all quite excellent and interesting. Although quite obscure, this is a great album, highly worth investigating, which will probably surprise even the most knowledgeable Jazz freaks.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE SET ~ AT STUDIO 2
B.FREE 6227/28 ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2016
This is an archival album by American vibraphonists / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and his quartet called Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which also included German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. The 2CD set presents a live concert recording at the German radio, which includes eleven tracks, ten of which are original compositions by the quartet members. The material includes mostly compositions included on the quartet´s albums "Noisy Silence-Gentle NoiseFind albums with this title", "Infra-RedFind albums with this title" and "AlbumFind albums with this title" and is beautifully recorded, as usual with the German radio recordings. The information about the composers of the individual tracks and other details is less than sketchy.
The music is a superb example of early European Fusion, which flourished at the time. Although an American, Pike lived in Germany for years and his attitude towards Jazz was always more European than traditionally American. The Dave Pike Set, which recorded for the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label, was without a doubt one of the most unique and forward thinking early Fusion ensembles. The extraordinary combination of talents within the quartet members resulted in a series of first rate albums recorded during the quartet´s short lived career.
The presence of Volker Kriegel was a major factor which turned these recordings into pure gold. He was the greatest European Fusion guitarist at the time and a sublime composer, and in retrospect every note he produced during his recording career is absolutely priceless.
Listening to this music almost half a Century after it was recorded clearly shows how ahead of its time it was at the time of its recording and how relevant and still sounds today. The fact that the only composition on this album, which does not originate within the quartet, is a Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist piece, which gets here a breathtaking almost nineteen minutes long interpretation, is of course hardly surprising as Zappa was similarly way ahead of his time (at any time). The polyrhythmic layers and melodic complexity is still stunning today and the individual performances by all the quartet members are nothing short of amazing. Kriegel´s work is of course simply phenomenal.
Overall this is a masterpiece and an absolute must have for all Fusion heads anywhere on this planet. For people who are not familiar with the Dave Pike Set output this is a wonderful entry point and any serious Fusion album collection would not be complete without this album in it. Beyond essential!
| | Updated: 30/06/2018Posted: 30/06/2018 | CD 2 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE SET ~ FOUR REASONS
MPS 602527462240 (Barcode: 602527462240) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2011
This is a reissue of the second album by American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and his European quartet called Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, Austrian bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions (one a medley of two tunes), three each by Pike and Kriegel and two by Rettenbacher.
Pike moved to Germany in the late 1960s, like many other American musicians, in order to find more response to innovation and artistic appreciation of Jazz. He was signed by the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label and released six albums for the label with the Dave Pike Set between 1969 and 1972. An additional 2CD album was released in 2016 ("At Studio 2Find albums with this title") presenting a radio broadcast from the same period.
Although short-lived, the Dave Pike Set recorded some of the most advanced music at the time, combining Jazz with World Music, early Fusion and many Avant-Garde elements, crating a unique European Jazz sound, in spite of the fact that the leader was an American. Much of the credit goes of course the contribution of Kriegel´s highly idiosyncratic compositions and masterly guitar work and the rhythm section ability to swing in free time.
In retrospect this music sounds often more advanced and sophisticated than most of what is being released today, especially as far as innovation and originality is concerned. Although recorded over fifty years ago it is still completely relevant and original. Brilliant stuff!
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: 28/08/2020Posted: 06/07/2020 | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE SET ~ GOT THE FEELIN`
WAGRAM 001 (Barcode: 637937777714) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion
Recorded: 1968 Released: 1998
This is a reissue of the only album by American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and the first version of his European ensemble Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, formed after he moved to Europe. This lineup of the ensemble featured Dutch musicians: organist Rob FrankenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Joop ScholtenFind albums by this artist, bassist Ruud JacobsFind albums by this artist and drummer Louis DebijFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve pieces, two of which were composed by Pike, five by Scholten, one by Franken and four were arrangements of Pop / Soul songs. Shortly after recording this album Pike moved to Germany where he was signed by the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label, for which he recorded six albums with the second lineup of the Dave Pike Set.
The album presents a wonderful early Jazz-Rock Fusion with strong Funk and Soul elements, which was a precursor of the later MPS recordings. The beautiful retro sound and the way the quintet plays is an absolute delight and in retrospect sounds absolutely "smashing" as one would say at the time.
This album is completely obscure and even hard-core fans of Pike are mostly not familiar with it at all. It took me a while to chase a copy of the reissue, which is almost as rare as the original LP from 1969.
Overall if you love this unique amalgam of Jazz / Rock / Soul and Funk, this album is a rare treat, definitely worth searching for. It works like a time machine taking you fifty years back from the first sound on. Brilliantly delightful!
| | Updated: 25/09/2020Posted: 25/09/2020 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE SET ~ INFRA-RED
MPS 602527148649 (Barcode: 602527148649) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2011
This is a reissue of the fourth album by American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and his European quartet called Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, Austrian bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, three by Kriegel, two each by Rettenbacher and Pike, and one composition co-composed by all four members of the quartet.
Pike moved to Germany in the late 1960s, like many other American musicians, in order to find more response to innovation and artistic appreciation of Jazz. He was signed by the legendary MPS label and released six albums for the label with the Dave Pike Set between 1969 and 1972. An additional 2CD album was released in 2016 ("At Studio 2Find albums with this title") presenting a radio broadcast from the same period.
Although short-lived, the Dave Pike Set recorded some of the most advanced music at the time, combining Jazz with World Music, early Fusion and many Avant-Garde elements, crating a unique European Jazz sound, in spite of the fact that the leader was an American. Much of the credit goes of course the contribution of Kriegel´s highly idiosyncratic compositions and masterly guitar work and the rhythm section ability to swing in free time.
In retrospect this music sounds often more advanced and sophisticated than most of what is being released today, especially as far as innovation and originality is concerned. Although recorded over fifty years ago it is still completely relevant and original. Brilliant stuff!
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: 25/09/2020Posted: 28/08/2020 | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE SET ~ LIVE AT THE PHILHARMONIE
PROMISING MUSIC 44101 (Barcode: 602517545632) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008
American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist was one of quite a few American Jazz musicians, who left the US and settled in Europe in the late 1960s, stifled by the atmosphere of the US scene at the time, which seemed to them as limiting and confining, especially in comparison to the exciting and flourishing developments happening in Europe at the time. Settling in Germany, Pike formed a quartet with three wonderful German musicians: guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist, which he called the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist.
The quartet was signed by the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label and recorded a series of albums for the label, of which this was the third and the only live recording. Recorded at a concert, which was presented during the 1969 edition of the Berliner Jazztage Festival, the quartet flies gracefully through a set of original compositions (mostly by Pike and Kriegel), presenting a refreshing use of the vibraphone / guitar dual lead and a splendidly inventive, but solid support by the rhythm section. The compositions are quite different from each other stylistically, but always top-notch, with plenty of space for extended solos. Kriegel proves to be the most inventive player of the quartet and his amazing inventions and brilliant technique clearly show his early steps on his way to become one of Europe’s best Jazz and later Jazz-Rock Fusion players ever.
It is interesting to compare the Dave Pike Set with the Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist quartet, one of the most interesting American Jazz ensembles at the time, which also featured the vibraphone / guitar (Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist) double lead and experimented with time signatures and early Fusion, Psychedelics and World Music excursions. The similarities are truly quite amazing. In retrospect the music lost none of its charm and adventurous nature and remains a splendid example of the European scene at the time.
Superbly remastered and elegantly packaged by Promising MusicFind albums on this label, this is a treasure and a great trip down the memory lane. Hopefully the other MPS recordings by this group will follow soon. Brilliant!
| | Updated: 28/08/2020Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE PIKE SET ~ NOISY SILENCE – GENTLE NOISE
MPS 602527148632 (Barcode: 602527148632) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2011
This is a reissue of the debut album by American vibraphonist / composer Dave PikeFind albums by this artist and his European quartet called Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, which also included the brilliant German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, Austrian bassist Johann Anton RettenbacherFind albums by this artist and German drummer Peter BaumeisterFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, five by Kriegel, two by Rettenbacher and one by Pike, and one composition by Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist.
Pike moved to Germany in the late 1960s, like many other American musicians, in order to find more response to innovation and artistic appreciation of Jazz. He was signed by the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label and released six albums for the label with the Dave Pike Set between 1969 and 1972. An additional 2CD album was released in 2016 ("At Studio 2Find albums with this title") presenting a radio broadcast from the same period.
Although short-lived, the Dave Pike Set recorded some of the most advanced music at the time, combining Jazz with World Music, early Fusion and many Avant-Garde elements, crating a unique European Jazz sound, in spite of the fact that the leader was an American. Much of the credit goes of course the contribution of Kriegel´s highly idiosyncratic compositions and masterly guitar work and the rhythm section ability to swing in free time.
In retrospect this music sounds often more advanced and sophisticated than most of what is being released today, especially as far as innovation and originality is concerned. Although recorded over fifty years ago it is still completely relevant and original. Brilliant stuff!
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: 26/08/2020 | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
|
